Respond to this assertion in an argumentative essay agreeing with the assertion and furnishing support for the view that you advance. Discuss, also, ways to shift the conversation toward a more democratic an inclusive rhetoric.
Below is one possible outline or organizational framework offered as a guide to your Researched Argument paper.
I. Introductory Paragraph
• Your introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for the position you are arguing for.
• This introduction should end with a thesis statement that provides your claim (what you are arguing for) and the reasons for your position on an issue.
1. Your thesis:
• states what your position on an issue is
• usually appears at the end of the introduction in a short essay
• should be clearly stated and often contains emphatic language (should, ought, must)
2. Sample Argumentative Thesis
The Bahamian government should give sustained focus to the development of all facets of Bahamian culture. This should be viewed as a national imperative and accorded attention equal to that given to the development of the economy and to other social institutions.
II. Body of your Argument
1. Background Information
• This section of your paper gives the reader the basic information he or she needs to understand your position. This could be part of the introduction but may work as its own section.
2. Reasons or Evidence to Support your Claim
• All evidence you present in this section should support your position. This is the heart of your essay. Generally, you begin with a general statement that you back up with specific details or examples. Depending on how long your argument is, you will need to several well-developed paragraphs to each reason/claim or type of evidence.
Types of evidence include:
• first-hand examples and experiential knowledge on your topic (specific examples
help your readers connect to your topic in a way they cannot with abstract ideas)
• Opinions from recognized authorities
• logical appeals, etc., different types of evidence you can use in argumentation.
1. Claim: An established, and clearly defined culture in the areas of visual and performing arts would provide a sense of cohesiveness which promotes a sense of unity among the populace
• Evidence:
2. Claim: Developing different aspects of culture such as arts and craft provides greater job and entrepreneurial opportunities for artisans and artists and thereby expand offerings within the tourism industry while helping to develop a robust craft industry.
• Evidence:
3. Claim: Failure to give adequate attention to this import sector of Bahamian life threatens a people’s sense of well-being, their sense of a national identity which can have negative consequences
• Evidence:
III. Addressing the Opposite Side
• Any well-written argument must anticipate and address positions in opposition to the one being argued.
• Pointing out what your opposition is likely to say in response to your argument shows that you have thought critically about your topic. Addressing the opposite side actually makes your argument stronger!
• Generally, this takes the form of a segment that can be placed either after the introduction or before the conclusion.
A. 1st Opposing View: government funds should be allocated and spent on more pressing issues – culture is not a core aspect of life nor a core issue of survival
Refutation:
B. 2nd Opposing View: while culture has some importance, it often proves to be a rather expensive proposition and it is therefore wrong-minded to channel resources into this enterprise
• Refutation:
IV. Conclusion
The conclusion should bring the essay to a logical end. It should explain what the importance of your issue is in a larger context. Your conclusion should also reiterate why your topic is worth caring about.
• Some arguments propose solutions or make prediction on the future of the topic
• Show your reader what would happen if your argument is or is not believed or acted upon as you believe it should be.
I have attached a sample research paper.