Argument Paper

Definition Argument Assignment Sheet
Topics/Focus: We read (and see so many new stories) about how different kinds of foods and/or substances are healthy or unhealthy/toxic choices. Choose one of these foods or substances and write about how it is actually healthy or unhealthy: wine, chocolate, caffeine (coffee), eggs, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or red meat. If you’d like to write about a different food/substance, be sure to discuss the matter with me before conducting a tremendous amount of research/reading.
For this assignment, write a definition argument that follows the guidelines set forth below:
Introduction Section
In this section, do the following:
• Introduce your topic, and provide background information about your topic to provide your readers with context.
• Set out the controversy surrounding your topic; show the different views surrounding your topic.
• Define your Y term. You may use a dictionary definition, and if you do, actually give the definition of the Y term.
• Write your thesis statement; the thesis statement formula is X is (is not) a Y because it has (does not have) features A, B, C (or more).
These items can be done in any order, but make sure that your content flows logically from item to item.
Also, your introduction will be one or two paragraphs in length, depending on how you choose to organize the content and depending on how much information you choose to include.
Considering the requirements above about background and a definition that you quote, there is a good possibility that you may end up using at least two sources found through research in the introduction.
Body Section
Write body paragraphs to support the reason stated in the reason part (because…) of the thesis.
Generally, when you construct a body paragraph, you begin with a topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph. From there, you move into including a piece of evidence – a quote or a paraphrase from a source– that supports your idea and that provides evidence of the idea you are discussing. From there, discuss the idea using the quote or the paraphrase you included.
In addition, if a reader could logically object to one of your reasons, you must address that objection and counter argue that objection. If you address the objection in the paragraph in which you are supporting a reason, this is typically done after the paraphrase or quote you include from a source in support of the reason, and when an objection occurs, this and the counter argument that follows it make the discussion part of the paragraph. If you address an objection and counter argue the objection in a separate, following, paragraph, then make sure, in the paragraph’s topic sentence, that it’s clear to the reader that you are still discussing the same reason but acknowledging an objection to that reason.
Multiple paragraphs are necessary for the body section.
Conclusion Section
Write a one-paragraph conclusion in which you discuss the implications of the definition you created.
References
Provide a properly formatted References list that includes all sources you’ve used in your essay.
**Please note that you must use at least 4-5 different sources found through research for this paper
**You must use APA documentation throughout
**The final draft of this essay must be 4-6 pages in length. This does not include the title page, the abstract, and References list.