1. Introduction
2. Reason one in favor of the doable action
3. Reason two in favor of the doable action
4. Counterargument: What is the opposing position against the doable action?
5. Reply to the counterargument: Why is the opposing position wrong?
6. Conclusion

Research is required for all academic essays, but that does not make them a research essay. To be classified as a research essay, the writer must answer a specific question. To be classified as an argument essay, the writer must propose a specific, doable action.

An argument essay is not a personal opinion or a debate, which can be confusing. To argue is a verb, it is something we do, but an argument essay is a noun, it is a specific type of paper. Additionally, to meet the requirements of an academic argument essay, the paper must have three separate arguments: The argument in favor of the doable action, the counter argument, and the reply to the counter argument.

You must include two EBSCOhost sources for this essay. I want you to actually read the articles, so you can become informed on the topic, so look for short articles 1-5 pages would be best.

The thesis assignment needs to be approved this week, along with one source. You can keep coming back to her with a thesis statement until she says, “yes”.

Each of your supporting paragraphs must follow the rules for a supporting paragraph. First, you will begin with a topic sentence, next you will provide evidence and outside support that is correctly cited. After you provide the support you discuss the significance of the evidence you provided. Finally, you will end with a closing sentence.

Supporting paragraph Structure:

1. Topic sentence
2. Outside evidence and support for the topic sentence
3. Discussion of the outside support
4. Closing sentence

Sample Argument Outline

1. One of the seven recommended introductions with your thesis as the last sentence

2. Supporting Paragraph One – One reason ….. – your first point

3. Supporting Paragraph Two – Another reason …. – your second point

4. Counter Argument – Some believe – What is the strongest point against your argument

5. Reply to Counter Argument –  Regardless, ….. – why the counter argument should not be accepted 

6. Conclusion

An academic argument must be a doable action. That means a law or policy could be put in place and actually regulated. Utopian, or perfect world arguments are not acceptable for this assignment.

Topics for your argument essay must be current and controversial. All articles used in your essay must be written after 2020-2022 to be accepted.

Approved Argument Thesis Statements

1. Tear gas should be banned in the United States https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/verify-tear-gas-is-banned-from-war-but-not-banned-for-use-by-law-enforcement-internationally/507-a16af86f-d29c-405c-97f6-b4119621abdd(Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
2. Due to the current housing crisis in the state of California, landlords should not be able to raise current rental rates https://la.curbed.com/2019/9/24/20868937/california-rent-control-law-bill-governor
3. All school districts should provide free computers and free WiFi in order for students to keep up with their education. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/03/16/coronavirus-school-cancellations-online-learning-affordable-covid-19/5054426002/ (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
4. Health care workers who worked during the Corona virus pandemic should have their student loans forgiven https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/loan-forgiveness-healthcare-workers/(Links to an external site.)
5. Members of Congress should not be allowed to trade stocks. https://www.justsecurity.org/84988/members-of-congress-shouldnt-trade-stocks-but-even-in-solutions-loopholes-remain/
6. Instead of de-funding the police, we should be reassessing our budget towards implementing more training. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/jun/16/viral-image/post-comparing-us-police-training-and-fatal-shooti/ (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
7. ICE should be shut down due to their horrific treatment towards illegal immigrants. https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights/ice-and-border-patrol-abuses (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) and https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/18/us/politics/us-migrant-children-whereabouts-.html (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
8. Since the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, the current United States Senate should codify Roe vs. Wade to make it a law https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/30/biden-calls-on-congress-to-ease-senate-rules-to-codify-roe-v-wade.html (Links to an external site.)

9. The burning of fields in Imperial County should be banned due the negative impact on air quality, which affects the health and education of Imperial Valley’s youth. https://calmatters.org/environment/2021/02/san-joaquin-valley-agriculture-burns/ (Links to an external site.)
10. Financial aid for college students should be based on the student’s income and not their parents from the age of 18 https://www.fool.com/student-loans/how-parent-income-can-impact-your-federal-student-aid/