Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate
1) your ability to craft well-constructed arguments using the various rhetorical methods we
have studied this semester
2) your ability to synthesize effective research into a compelling document
3) your ability to craft a compelling thesis statement/research question and then support it
throughout the course of a longer argument
4) your mastery of APA formatting and professional document design
Assignment
For the research paper, you will write an argument on the topic of your choosing. Your argument
must be relevant to a UAC community (though it need not be about the UAC community.)
Your assignment must include the following:
• About 1,750 words
• At least six professional sources, two of which must be peer-reviewed academic articles,
though the rest may be any credible, professional source suitable for your topic (ie, do not
rely primarily on newspaper articles.)
• An effective and compelling structure
o Though past assignments have had a specific structure given, for this assignment, I
will not provide one. As we have discussed, every argument must have a compelling
introductory section, a body full of supporting details, and a concluding section, but
what is in which part and where that is, will be determined by your argument, your
style, and the needs of your audience.
• Perfect APA formatting, including (but not limited to)
o Title page
o Running head & page numbers
o Abstract
o In-text citations
o Reference page
o Appropriate font style and size
• A compelling and interesting mix of ethos, pathos, and logos appeals appropriate for your
style, your topic, and your audiences’ needs.
o Remember that an effective logos appeal will always include counterarguments
Sample Solution
