Persuasive Research Essay

(Due Sunday February 22nd by 11:59 PM in Canvas)

Overview:

For your final assignment, you will craft a persuasive, research-based essay on a real-world issue that matters to

you. Your goal is to take a clear stance and support it using credible research while also weaving in narrative

elements to create a compelling and emotionally resonant argument. This assignment highlights the power of

storytelling in academic writing and public discoursewhere facts and logic meet empathy and human

connection.

Purpose:

Strong arguments dont just rely on datathey also engage readers through story. Whether its a personal

anecdote, a historical example, or a compelling case study, narrative can bring issues to life. In this project, you

will demonstrate how effective persuasion blends logos (logic), ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and narrative.

Assignment Requirements

Topic: Choose a current, debatable issue with real-world relevance. It should be specific enough to research thoroughly and

broad enough to allow for multiple perspectives.

Length: 68 pages (double-spaced, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins)

Thesis: Take a clear position and develop a focused thesis statement that outlines your argument.

Narrative Integration: Include at least two narrative elements (such as a personal story, a profile of someone affected by the

issue, or a historical or contemporary case study).

Research: Use a minimum of six credible sources (scholarly articles, reputable news, government or nonprofit data, etc.).

Citation: Follow MLA/APA format. Include in-text citations and a Works Cited/References page.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Clear, persuasive thesis and logical organization
• Thoughtful integration of narrative and evidence
• Effective use of sources with accurate citation
• Strong, engaging voice and style appropriate to audience and purpose
• Grammar, mechanics, and overall polish

Why This Matters

This project asks you to move beyond the typical research paper by writing with both the mind and the heart. It

reflects how persuasion happens in the real world: when data meets human experience. Whether youre

preparing for advocacy, professional writing, or future academic work, this skill will serve you well

Outline

I. Introduction

1. Hook: Start with a narrative momenta personal anecdote, a real-life event, or a story about someone impacted by the issue.

Set the emotional or human tone.

2. Context: Briefly introduce the general topic youll be exploring. Why does it matter now?

3. Thesis Statement: Take a clear position. Your thesis should include:

1. Your claim (your stance)

2. Your three main points

3. (should be one, concise sentence)

III. Main Point #1

State your first reason or key supporting idea.

2. Back it up with evidence (facts, statistics, expert quotes).

3. Explain the evidence clearlyhow does it support your thesis?

4. State your second reason or key supporting idea.

5. Back it up with evidence (facts, statistics, expert quotes).

6. Explain the evidence clearlyhow does it support your thesis?

Hint: You need at least two sources per body paragraph for a C paper. More is better!

IV. Main Point #2

1. State your first reason or key supporting idea.

2. Back it up with evidence (facts, statistics, expert quotes).

3. Explain the evidence clearlyhow does it support your thesis?

4. State your second reason or key supporting idea.

5. Back it up with evidence (facts, statistics, expert quotes).

6. Explain the evidence clearlyhow does it support your thesis?

Hint: You need at least two sources per body paragraph for a C paper. More is better!

V. Main Point #3

1. State your first reason or key supporting idea.

2. Back it up with evidence (facts, statistics, expert quotes).

3. Explain the evidence clearlyhow does it support your thesis?

4. State your second reason or key supporting idea.

5. Back it up with evidence (facts, statistics, expert quotes).

6. Explain the evidence clearlyhow does it support your thesis?

Hint: You need at least two sources per body paragraph for a C paper. More is better!

VII. Conclusion

1. Restate your thesis in a fresh way.

2. Remind the reader of your first body paragraphs main points

3. Remind the reader of your second body paragraphs main points

4. Remind the reader of your third body paragraphs main points

5. End with a call to thought or actionwhy should this matter to your reader now?

Research & Style Reminders

Sources: Use at least six credible sources (journal articles, credible news, books, etc.)

Narrative Integration: Include at least one distinct narrative element

Voice: Academic but personalaim for persuasive, passionate, and polished

Citation: Use MLA or APA style consistently for in-text and final references

Persuasive Research Essay Rubric

Total: 100 points (5 criteria worth 20 points each)

1. Thesis and Organization 20 points

Excellent (1820):

Presents a clear, persuasive thesis in a single focused sentence; organizes ideas logically; each section flows smoothly; transitions guide the reader without confusion.

Proficient (1417):

Thesis is present but may be broad or slightly uneven; structure is generally clear; some minor jumps or loose transitions.

Developing (1013):

Thesis is unclear or scattered; organization feels choppy; points appear in a loose pile rather than a progression.

Beginning (09):

No identifiable thesis; structure is missing or chaotic; paragraphs feel stitched together at 3 AM the night before.

2. Narrative Integration and Emotional Impact 20 points

Excellent (1820):

Uses narrative elements purposefully; stories deepen the argument; emotional impact enhances understanding without drifting into melodrama. Reader is engaged and informed.

Proficient (1417):

Includes narrative moments that support the topic, though some may feel loosely connected or underdeveloped.

Developing (1013):

Narrative appears briefly or randomly; emotional tone is uneven; connections to the argument are weak.

Beginning (09):

No narrative included or the narrative distracts from the argument entirely.

3. Research Quality and Citation Accuracy 20 points

Excellent (1820):

Uses six or more credible sources; evidence is well-chosen and consistently explained; citations are accurate and formatted correctly; Works Cited or References page is complete and polished.

Proficient (1417):

Uses required sources but with minor citation errors; explanations of evidence are mostly clear.

Developing (1013):

Fewer than six credible sources or weak source integration; frequent citation issues; explanations of evidence are limited.

Beginning (09):

Little to no research; unreliable sources; incorrect formatting; missing citations.

4. Voice, Style, and Audience Awareness 20 points

Excellent (1820):

Voice is confident, engaging, and appropriate for academic persuasion; tone balances logic and emotion; sentences are varied and clear. Reader feels guided, not lectured.

Proficient (1417):

Voice is mostly clear and appropriate but may lack energy or consistency; occasional awkwardness in tone.

Developing (1013):

Voice is inconsistent; tone may shift abruptly; writing may feel flat or overly casual.

Beginning (09):

Voice is unclear or inappropriate; style distracts from the message; reader is unsure who the essay is written for.

5. Grammar, Mechanics, and Overall Polish 20 points

Excellent (1820):

Grammar, punctuation, and mechanics are strong; errors are rare; formatting follows all assignment guidelines; the final draft looks clean and intentional.

Proficient (1417):

Some errors, but they do not interfere with meaning; formatting issues are minor.

Developing (1013):

Frequent errors that affect clarity; inconsistent formatting; proofreading appears rushed.

Beginning (09):

Errors obstruct meaning; formatting is incorrect or missing; paper appears unfinished.

31 POTENTIAL IDEAS SOCIAL + COMMUNITY ISSUES

1. Should community colleges be tuition-free for all students?2. Do schools need mental-health days built into the academic calendar?3. Should voting be mandatory in the United States?4. Should cities invest more in public transit rather than highways?

TECHNOLOGY + ETHICS

5. Is artificial intelligence a threat to creativity or a tool for it?6. Should social media platforms be legally responsible for misinformation?7. Should facial recognition technology be banned in public spaces?

EDUCATION + YOUTH LIFE

8. Should high schools start later in the day to improve student performance?9. Should students be allowed to retake major exams or essays for full credit?10. Is traditional grading outdated and harmful to student learning?

HEALTH + WELL-BEING

11. Should the U.S. ban all sugary energy drinks for minors?12. Should therapy be covered as fully as physical health in all insurance plans?13. Should fast-food restaurants be required to post warning labels?

ENVIRONMENT + CLIMATE

14. Should the government ban single-use plastics nationwide?15. Should climate refugees be granted protected status in the U.S.?16. Should cities replace lawns with drought-resistant landscaping?

ECONOMICS + WORK

17. Should the federal minimum wage be tied to inflation?18. Should gig-economy workers (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart) be classified as employees?19. Should the four-day workweek become standard?

LAW + JUSTICE

20. Should nonviolent drug offenders receive mandatory treatment rather than prison?21. Should the death penalty be abolished nationwide?22. Should police officers be required to wear body cameras at all times?

CULTURE + MEDIA

23. Should reality TV shows be required to disclose mental-health support available to contestants?24. Should celebrities be held accountable for promoting harmful products?25. Should streaming services be required to include content warnings?

HUMAN RIGHTS + GLOBAL ISSUES

26. Should the U.S. accept more refugees each year?27. Should global access to clean water be considered a fundamental human right?28. Should child labor laws extend to social-media kidfluencers?

FRESH TOPICS

29. Should schools eliminate homework entirely?30. Should financial literacy be required for graduation?31. Should cafeterias be required to serve culturally inclusive meals?