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Argumentative Essay: What is the Cause of the Current Political Polarization? (4-5 pg essay)
Step 1
Read the following prompt:
Our country is currently experiencing a socio-political polarization it has arguably not seen since the Civil War, as antipathy and outright animosity between people on opposite sides of the political spectrum has increased. While there are many causes-income inequality, demographic changes, extremist political ideologies-you will be asked to choose what you believe is the single greatest contributor to the current crisis is and make an argument. As this is not a history or political science class, you need not focus so much on whether your answer is right or wrong per say, but on how well you make your point. What rhetorical strategies will you employ (do not tell us what these are in your paper, by the way-a clever writer and speaker never reveals her tricks!) to persuade your readers? What evidence will you provide to support your claims? Step 2
Research your subject. You will need at least three sources (at least 1 must be from the readings in class). Make sure that your sources are credible. This link is for the chapter that you will be referring to as one of the sources. The chapter you will refer to is called “Why America is Self-Segregating”. This chapter is pg 219-228. https://archive.org/details/they-say-i-say-textboo…
Step 3
Write your essay.
Your essay should be about 4-5 pages and address the prompt above.
It should adhere to MLA format (double-spaced, use 12 font Calibri or Times New Roman) and cite authors accordingly.
The works cited page must be written on a separate page and include at least three sources (refer to MLA Format in the Week 2 Module).
MLA Format:
-Double-space the text of your paper
-12 pt. font, Calibri or Times New Roman
-1 inch margins on all sides
-Indent the first line of each paragraph one half-inch from the left margin
-How to Format the First Page
-In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, your instructor’s name, the course, and the date. Be sure to use double-spaced text.
-Double space again and center the title. Do not underline, italicize, or place your title in quotation marks. Do not write the entire title in capital letters (only the first letter of each major word).
-Double space between the title and the first line of the text.
-Create a header in the upper right-hand corner that includes your last name, followed by a space with a page number. How to Structure Your Essay:
Introduction (1-2 paragraphs)
Your introduction should do the following:
Introduce your argument. The stand you take should be clear. What is the single greatest problem causing our current socio-political crisis? Briefly state some of your reasons for believing this. Body (3-4 paragraphs) Your body paragraphs should do the following:
Discuss your specific claims. Each claim should be discussed in a separate paragraph. What specific evidence do you provide to back your argument and claims? Which texts or authors are you basing your arguments on? (Do not forget parenthetical citations)
Include your opponents’ counterarguments in one of your body paragraphs. How will you respond to those who disagree with you?
Conclusion (1-2 paragraphs)
Your conclusion should wrap everything up. You can briefly restate your thesis and emphasize why this subject matters. You could consider addressing the following questions:
Why does your argument or the subject itself, matter?
What should your audience further consider regarding your subject?
What possible solutions might you suggest to address the problem(s) facing our nation?
Try to end your paper on a strong note.