ouchstone 2: Argumentative Essay
ASSIGNMENT: For Touchstone 2, you will be writing an argumentative essay on a topic of your choice. The topic for an argumentative research paper must be an arguable topic, meaning that it involves a stance that advocates for specific change and at least three supporting reasons which are defensible with credible sources. Additionally, it must take a stance that someone could hypothetically disagree with. You will need to take a firm position on the topic and use evidence and logic to support the position. Your topic must also be on a small enough scale that it is appropriately narrow for a 750-1,500 word (3-5 page essay).
Your essay must include a title, an introductory paragraph, which contains your argumentative thesis statement, at least three body paragraphs, which provide support for your argument, and a conclusion paragraph.
Research from at least two credible outside sources is required to provide evidence and support for your argument. Credible sources include physical sources in public libraries, digital sources in academic libraries, online sources (excludes unreliable sources like procon.org and wikipedia.org, which are discouraged), and published expert reports, preferably peer-reviewed by experts in the field to maintain utmost credibility. Research must be cited using APA style.
You must include an APA formatted References page, which lists the specific sources you used and properly cite the sources within your essay.
Don’t forget to complete Part B: Reflection Questions to self-evaluate your experience completing this Touchstone.
An example essay is provided below for reference. Please read this before writing your essay.
Touchstone 2 Sample
In order to foster learning and growth, all work you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any plagiarized or recycled work will result in a Plagiarism Detected alert. Review Touchstones: Academic Integrity Guidelines for more about plagiarism and the Plagiarism Detected alert. For guidance on the use of generative AI technology, review Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI.
A. Assignment Guidelines
Directions: You may choose any topic that has two clear sides and is not agreed upon by most of society. Your topic should be current and should have a narrow focus appropriate for a 750-1,500 word (3-5 page) essay.
Today, there are many different debates being had all around the world about topics that affect our personal, professional, civic, and/or academic lives. Some of these debates have been such hot topics for so long that it has become very difficult to add to the conversation with new and original ideas or stances to take. To move beyond this trend, we have created a list of topics that may not be written about for this Touchstone. Feel free to access a tutor if you would like support choosing a topic for this essay.
You may not choose to write about the following topics:
Abortion Rights
Climate Change
Fad diets (e.g., Keto, etc.)
Immigration
Religion
Social Media
Universal Healthcare
Vaccines
Choosing to write about any of the above topics will result in a non-passing score.
Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until your essay meets all guidelines. We also suggest reading the complete sample essay before you begin writing.
Argumentative Thesis Statement and Focus
❒ Does the topic of the argument provide a stance that advocates for specific change and at least three supporting reasons that are defensible with credible sources?
❒ Is the stance you are taking on the argument clearly expressed in your thesis statement?
❒ Is the topic appropriately narrow for a 750-1,500 word (3-5 page) essay?
Development and Support
❒ Are all details relevant to the argumentative thesis statement?
❒ Is your position supported through the use of rhetorical appeals?
❒ Is your position supported through evidence?
Essay Structure and Organization
❒ Does your essay have an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement?
❒ Does your essay have at least three body paragraphs, which support your thesis statement?
❒ Does your essay have a conclusion paragraph that wraps up the essay?
❒ Are the essay paragraphs logically sequenced?
❒ Have you used transitions to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs?
❒ Is it easy to follow the argument?
