Miss Salts

English 12
Argumentative Writing – 200 points
Due Friday, January 31, 2020
At this point in the school year and your high school career, I have complete
confidence in every single one of you that you can create an effective
argument in writing.

We all have something that we are passionate about and we all have
something we could create a decent argument about/over. For this next
writing assignment, I want you to craft a well-written argumentative paper.

Argumentative writing is a genre of writing that requires you, the student, to

investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a
position on the topic in a concise manner. So, with this said I expect that you
will do proper research over your topic (I will get to topics in a moment) and
I expect a strong argument from you.

Take this seriously! You will be doing several of these in college and I want
you to be prepared!

Requirements for this argumentative paper would include:

 1500-2000 words
 Double-spaced, Times New Roman
 12 point font
 1-inch margins
 MLA format
You are expected to complete research on this paper. You must have at
least 5 creditable sources. You should also have a Work Cited page with
this assignment.
Spelling and grammar should also be taken into consideration when writing
these papers. You have all been graciously given the gift of Microsoft Word,
online dictionaries, and thesauruses so use them!
Learning Objectives
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.A Introduce precise, knowledgeable
claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s)
from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically
sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.B Develop claim(s) and counterclaims
fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while
pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates
the audience's knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.C Use words, phrases, and clauses as
well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion,
and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons
and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.D Establish and maintain a formal
style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the
discipline in which they are writing.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.E Provide a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
 Approved Topics
 Is Online Learning as effective as In-Person Learning?
 Does the internet influence people (young and old) in risky behavior?
 Does Reality TV promote dangerous stereotypes?
 Do shows like “16 and Pregnant” promote or discourage teen
pregnancy?
 Can graffiti be considered art?
 Is school designed more for boys than girls? Is it designed more for
girls than boys?
 Do we give children too many trophies?
 Is modern culture ruining childhoods?
 How important is art and music education?
 How should schools address bullying and cyber bullying? Do you
think they’re doing enough?
 Is political corruption more visible on the national, state, or local
level?
 Should government funding be increased for art and music programs
in schools?
 Should schools have a school uniform policy?
 Should school start later and go longer?
 Should the voting age be lowered?
 Are professional athletes overpaid/underpaid?
 Should the United States have a universal healthcare system?
 Should there be less state mandated testing?
 Is block scheduling better for the educational system?
 Is social media good for society?
 Should the minimum wage be increased?
 Should college athletes be paid?
 Should physical education be mandatory for all students everyday of
the school week?
 Why are women aren’t as present in the sciences?
 LBGT issues in America (email me for approval of your specific idea)
 The Feminist Movement in America (email me for approval of your
specific idea)
 You are welcome to pick your own topic if you absolutely hate the
above topics, just be sure to email me in order to gain approval of
your topic