-Provide a clearly stated claim on an issue based question of your interest.
-Provide at least two distinct reasons to support your claim
-Support each reason with adequate grounds
-mention at least one reason of opposition
-Address the reasons(s) of opposition by either refuting or conceding it/them
-Incorporate at least 5 sources responsibly, using MLA style of documentation
(Word count 1500- 2000 not counting quotes, in-text citations, and “works cited” page. In all practicality, the assignment should be closer to 2000-2500 words)
Example:
• ? Claim: Virginia Beach public schools should adopt a mandatory uniform policy.
• ? Reason 1: It will reduce the severity of cliques and gangs within the student population.
• ? Backing 1: Personal experiences attending schools with uniforms and schools without.
• ? Reason 2: It will reduce the financial strain on parents who cannot afford designer clothing.
• ? Backing 2: Cost of popular designer clothing items worn by many Virginia Beach public school students.
• ? Reason of Opposition: It will stifle students’ individuality and freedom of expression .
• ? Refutation of Grounds: It will not stifle individuality, but will allow more focus on personality instead of superficial factors.
? Refutation of Warrant: Too much individuality is precisely the problem with society today. We need more focus on establishing a sense of community and belonging