PERSUASIVE ESSAY GUIDELINES:
Outline and “Source Evaluation Worksheet” (check due date – work for Module 5)
Final, finished essay (with 2 sources and MLA documentation – check due date)
The persuasive (or argumentative) essay will discuss the question:
Is marriage an
institution that has outlived its usefulness, or can it still work in our modern age?
Your essay will be 2-3 pages of double-spaced type (or 500-750 words), using MLA format
and style. (See link to sample works cited page and other MLA resources in Canvas).
I suggest that (once you have chosen a topic) you start by making a pro/con list for BOTH
sides of this argument – thinking of the best reasons on both sides of the argument.
Next, choose the best 3 to 4 reasons for each side of the argument. NOW, you must
decide which side of the argument YOU support. The other side becomes your
“opposition”.
Plan an outline that includes your INTRODUCTION (the thesis will tell your topic and your
position on it). The body paragraphs will present (and refute) the opposition’s points, and
remaining body paragraphs will explain your points for your side.
In the essay, include TWO sources (in addition to any sources I gave you) that would pass
the CRAAP test (scholarly, reliable sources) and work them into your paper by using
paraphrase, quote, or summary – which become your “in-text citations”. Remember you may
also use the FSCJ Library Databases, and those articles have the citations already
formatted. Create a final “Works Cited” page listing the sources used in your essay. You
might use a site like “Easy Bib” or “Citation Machine” for this. Remember our FSCJ
librarians can help you with this – visit, call, or do a “live chat” at the library page.
To earn full points, the argument must be complete (present your side clearly, and present
and refute the major points of the opposition), it must include two additional sources (not
counting any source we might discuss together as a class), and must use MLA format (in-
text citations and a “Works Cited” page). The essay needs to be logical, organized, and
follow the rules of standard English grammar.
The outline and possible source defenses are due at the end of Module 5. The essay due
date is on the syllabus and will be discussed in class. You are encouraged to consult our
FSCJ tutors via Brainfuse (use Tutor Match to find our college tutors). Librarians can help
with research and MLA!!
Outline and “Source Evaluation Worksheet” (check due date – work for Module 5)
Final, finished essay (with 2 sources and MLA documentation – check due date)
The persuasive (or argumentative) essay will discuss the question:
Is marriage an
institution that has outlived its usefulness, or can it still work in our modern age?
Your essay will be 2-3 pages of double-spaced type (or 500-750 words), using MLA format
and style. (See link to sample works cited page and other MLA resources in Canvas).
I suggest that (once you have chosen a topic) you start by making a pro/con list for BOTH
sides of this argument – thinking of the best reasons on both sides of the argument.
Next, choose the best 3 to 4 reasons for each side of the argument. NOW, you must
decide which side of the argument YOU support. The other side becomes your
“opposition”.
Plan an outline that includes your INTRODUCTION (the thesis will tell your topic and your
position on it). The body paragraphs will present (and refute) the opposition’s points, and
remaining body paragraphs will explain your points for your side.
In the essay, include TWO sources (in addition to any sources I gave you) that would pass
the CRAAP test (scholarly, reliable sources) and work them into your paper by using
paraphrase, quote, or summary – which become your “in-text citations”. Remember you may
also use the FSCJ Library Databases, and those articles have the citations already
formatted. Create a final “Works Cited” page listing the sources used in your essay. You
might use a site like “Easy Bib” or “Citation Machine” for this. Remember our FSCJ
librarians can help you with this – visit, call, or do a “live chat” at the library page.
To earn full points, the argument must be complete (present your side clearly, and present
and refute the major points of the opposition), it must include two additional sources (not
counting any source we might discuss together as a class), and must use MLA format (in-
text citations and a “Works Cited” page). The essay needs to be logical, organized, and
follow the rules of standard English grammar.
The outline and possible source defenses are due at the end of Module 5. The essay due
date is on the syllabus and will be discussed in class. You are encouraged to consult our
FSCJ tutors via Brainfuse (use Tutor Match to find our college tutors). Librarians can help
with research and MLA!!