Issue Analysis/Logical Argument Essay
Many essays that you write in college ask for your logical argument about, or analysis of, an issue, which your text defines as “a controversy, a problem, or an idea about which people hold different points of view” (502). A thesis sentence, with an angle or point of view about a topic, is in itself a brief argument. This module investigates the nature of logical argument more fully. You’ll read about and apply writing processes to create a logical argument essay, on an issue of your choice.
(Note that you are not required to do research for this essay; you may opt to include research if you think that you need it to support your argument about your issue. If you do research, you MUST include signal phrases, in-text citations, engagement with citations and a Works Cited page). Oftentimes, critical and logical thinking using vivid, descriptive details and examples as well as an engaging tone suffice.
If you have difficulty coming up with a topic, you may visit the ThisIbelieve.org site from Essay one, or here is a link to topics from an article in the New York Times: https://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/301-prompts-for-argumentative-writing/
Make sure you have a strong thesis, topic sentences, discussion and vivid examples. CITE correctly and consistently and supply a Works Cited page . Essays should be at least 3-4 full double-spaced pages in size 12 Times New Roman font,1200 words in correct MLA format (see our textbook and/or ESC’s Online Writing Center – see link below). Essays must be spell checked and proofread thoroughly before submission.
1. Empire State College’s Library and Research Resources provides database resources and other library services.
2. Empire State College’s Online Writing Center offers writing assistance, workshops, resources and tutoring.
Refer to the Course Information > Course Syllabus – Learning Contract for evaluation criteria. These criteria are also good to use as a checklist when you are in the revision stage of your writing.
Please read carefully to the end as this includes valuable directions and instructions:
Once you are confident that you have a strong, clear thesis sentence, then pre-write, write, and revise to create a thesis-support essay (approx. 3-4 pages, double-spaced, size 12 point Times New Roman font). Submit the final version of your essay here for the instructor’s formal evaluation and grade. Please attach your submission to the assignment area in a WORD or PDF document. Do not copy and paste your assignment as it distorts the formatting. You are to create a thesis sentence and support your views through critical thinking, discussion and examples.
Basic essay organization (ALL paragraphs must be indented and be minimum 8-10 lines double-spaced):
Provide an interesting introduction. Lead up to the thesis so that it is the last sentence of the introduction. A thesis is ALWAYS debatable and never a fact (i.e. The earth is round or video games contain violent content).
Start each paragraph with a topic sentence (that is an observation or claim that relates to, or supports, the thesis).
Explain and elaborate on the topic sentence and lead up to a vivid, concrete example from life, your observations and intuition which you explain, discuss and provide insights for your reader to support your points.
A good conclusion elaborates further on the thesis and leaves your reader pondering …
Attention: Please submit your own work. Should you submit work that is copied, pasted, uncited and obtained from another source, the essay will receive a zero with no opportunity for a rewrite. Review the College’s policies and resources on Academic Integrity and how to recognize and avoid Plagiarism.
