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Begin to put together the outline of your paper

Sociology

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Begin to put together the outline of your paper. Remember, this short-annotated outline is basically the premises which support your argument, the support for your premises, and the conclusion of your evidence. The Paper’s Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the student’s grasp of a topic by providing a reasonable and challenging argument for their view. An argumentative essay is an ideal way to demonstrate one’s ability in evaluating and doing this. Each paper title above is in the form of a question which the paper answers. If you choose a different topic, it too must have the title in the form of a question which is also answered by the paper. Your conclusion will be the answer to the question your title asks. Your premises are the major points of support, or evidence, for your conclusion. So, this paper is argumentative in the sense that it not only gives an opinion or conclusion but provides good reasons and evidence to support that conclusion. Balance is important for critical work, so providing information regarding an alternative view is important. This will show the paper is not limited to a onesided approach, but that the author has investigated and considered rival views in making his or her conclusion. Showing the strengths as well as the weaknesses of the major opposing view, when appropriate, can be powerful. You should briefly provide this view as mentioned above and then explain why you dismissed it. Your criticism of the alternative view should be of that view’s strongest point if feasible. The outline should begin with the title of your paper, which is in the form of a question. It also should list the premise or premises that give support for your conclusion and are the evidence or reasons you arrived at your conclusion. Of course your conclusion answers your title’s question and is at the end of the outline. Here is an example of an argumentative outline. Use this format for your own outline. Notice, all the points are provided by complete sentences. “Should everyone go to college?” (title) 1. College is often a proven track to success. (first premise) a. College graduates average 20-30% higher income levels than non-college graduates. b. A college education opens doors to employment positions which are closed to non-college graduates. c. Although many entrepreneurs who have gone on to become millionaires were not college graduates, this is more the exception than the rule. d. Many individuals are successful in their trades or own business without getting s college degree, but taking some college courses would likely expand their understanding of people and the world around them, which could compliment their life and work. 2. College may give one a broader or deeper perspective on life. (second premise) a. College students are exposed to various views and perspectives of the world and life that others are not. This is particularly true when studying the humanities and the liberal arts. b. College provides the opportunity to reflect on different ideas before they are lived. 3. While college may not be for everyone, it is something most people should consider, in view of their own objectives. But hastily ruling it out may be a mistake. (conclusion) The Paper Format: The body of the paper should be three pages in length. It should be typed, double-spaced, and use 14-point Times New Roman or Arial font and have page numbers. If necessary, the paper length may be extended by one-half page. Therefore the paper is limited to 3 ½ pages. Anything beyond that will not be scored. Any paper less than 2 ½ pages will be penalized. If applicable, the paper should include parenthetical references which will be explained below. Use of parenthetical references will provide for a few more points. See the professor about parenthetical references to see if you do not need them. Otherwise, assume that you do. An alphabetized works cited, or bibliography page should follow the main pages of the text. A minimum of two sources should be listed here. So, the minimum number of pages for the paper would be four—three full pages for your main text and one bibliography or works cited page. Research papers will be evaluated on: • the strength and development of argument • composition and grammar • accuracy, relevance, and content proper format (i.e., following directions