Reflection: Argument Territories

Exploring Your Arguments

Let’s begin to explore some of your argument territories. What interests, perplexes, or even infuriates you about the current state of your community, society, or nation? Take a moment to think about and then finish the statement below:

• Based on my experiences and what I’ve seen, heard, and read recently, I am concerned about the issues of:

We’ll start by brainstorming meaningful topics for argumentative writing using some quality resources you may want to revisit later in the course.

Step 1: Read and Research

1. Visit the educational website
3. for inspiration. On this site, I recommend reading the issues that interest you most and skimming the evidence on both sides. Procon.org is great because it intentionally provides opposing perspectives on controversial issues. You can decide which side’s arguments are more compelling and why.
4. For a more in-depth analysis of current issues, take a look at
6. website. These articles are more focused on current events, and you can find more original topics for argument writing. Also, you can subscribe to their free newsletter if that will help you to read about current controversial issues more regularly.
9. that has compiled resources for you based on controversial topics. The “compare and contrast” essays here present different perspectives on an issue.

Step 2: Writing Your Reflection

Writing Task:

Write a reflection (aim for 300500 words, though you are welcome to exceed this) where you explain three different controversial issues that interest you or that youd like to learn more about. Share your personal stance on each issue and explain why you feel that way. Use examples and ideas from your reading or experience to support your perspective.

• Structure:
• Write one paragraph for each of the three issues you choose. This is a reflection, so its okay to use personal pronouns (like “I”) and refer to informal sources. Focus on writing clearly and organizing your ideas.

Prompt:

For each of the three issues, answer this question:

What is my personal stance on this issue, and why?

You can draw from the readings weve done or your own experiences. Focus on explaining your opinions clearly, and feel free to reflect on what shaped your views.

MLA Format (Mandatory):

This assignment is an opportunity to practice proper MLA format. Your paper must include:

• A heading with your name, instructors name, course, and date (aligned to the left).
• A header with your last name and page number in the upper-right corner.
• A title centered at the top of the first page.
• Double-spaced lines with 1-inch margins.
• Paragraphs indented 12 inch.

If youre not sure about MLA format, check out the MLA guide linked in this course module or use the MLA template in Google Docs or Word.

Citations and Works Cited:

• You should include at least three pieces of quoted, paraphrased, or summarized evidence to help support your ideas.
• For all outside evidence, use MLA format for in-text citations (e.g., authors last name and page number).
• For all outside sources, include a works cited section at the end of your paper. For a formal essay, this would be on a separate page.