The Argumentative Paper - Topics and Assignments

Choose one of the following topics for your argumentative paper, which will need to be at least 3 pages:
Both of these topics are presented more fully in the text; I have summarized the two topics from which you can choose.

1. How Can We Address the Shortage of Organ Donors?

Due to the persistent shortage of organs needed for transplant operations, a controversy has arisen: should America continue it's "opt-in" policy, which requires individuals to actively choose to become organ donors, or should America establish "presumed consent," which makes everyone a potential donor at the time of death unless the individual opts out of the program?
Note: the two sides of this issue are explained more fully on page 605

2.  Should the Government Tax Sugary Drinks?

Because of the rise of childhood obesity and the associated social costs of obesity to all Americans, some experts and policymakers argue that the government needs to take action in the form of a tax on on unhealthy foods and sugary drinks; not surprisingly, however, many people from civil libertarians to the makers of food products, oppose such measures. Construct an argument that answers the question of whether the government should tax sugary drinks and "unhealthy" food products.
Note: the two sides of this issue are explained more fully on page 630

EMAIL THE FOLLOWING TO ME BY MIDNIGHT SUNDAY (So I can read and get feedback to you on Tuesday):

The Introductory paragraph to your argumentative essay and a formal outline to your paper that resembles the sample outline on page 542:

Issue Introduced:

Thesis Statement:

Evidence:

Evidence:   

Evidence:

Opposing Arguements Refuted:

Conclusion:

After reading some of the assignments submitted, some people failed to write an introductory paragraph. Whether that was because they failed to read the assignment completely OR because they were unsure how to begin, one can't say. However, some students DID understand the assignment. Here is an excellent example of an introductory paragraph for an argumentative paper that DOES contain all the necessary elements: an opening that gets the reader's attention, presents BOTH sides of the issue in the writer's own words, AND states the claim. It is not perfect, but is one of the better submissions and for a daily writing, received a 9 out of 10:

Sugary Drinks: A Healthy way to be Unhealthy

            With the recent increase of overweight and obese Americans, a debate has surfaced over whether the government should tax sugary drinks. Obesity rates have risen from a steady 15 percent in the 1960s and 1970s to 34 percent in 2008. The finger is being pointed at sugary drinks for the cause of obesity, due to drinks being infused with high concentration of corn syrup and sugar. Now, the government has showed more interest on levying taxes on sugary drinks due to the high cost of treating obesity. Despite opposing arguments and being an avid soda consumer, I advocate that the government should tax sugary drinks to create a healthier nation and cut the cost of medical care.  

NOTES: I like your introduction. You get the reader's attention, state both sides of the issue and state your claim. It's direct and clear, coherent and well done. I would like you to reconsider your wording of your thesis. The word "advocate" sounds artificial, or forced. You might try the word "support" instead or another synonym. Also, save the fact that you're a soda drinker to the next to the last paragraph. I'm very pleased with your paragraph.

Here is the remainder of the assignment, as submitted:

Issue Introduced: Should the government tax sugary drinks?
Thesis Statement: Despite opposing arguments and being an avid soda consumer, I advocate that the government should tax sugary drinks to create a healthier nation and cut the cost of medical care.
Evidence: explain how the prices of healthy foods have risen and how the prices of bad foods have not Evidence: explain how the tax would actually help fight against the obesity
Evidence: explain how drinks cause obesity easily
NOTES: these are all statements of intent; I will assume you can follow through
Opposing Arguements Refuted: identify and refute the argument that business could be hurt due to the taxation.

NOTES: I'm not sure what "refuted identity" means; I understand the evidence you've presented and I'm satisfied that it can be supported; this is the only one that concerns me.Conclusion: restate the thesis, and state how the taxes would actually benefit the whole country.

NO! DO NOT restate thesis. You're writing is too good to fall back on that worn out strategy.  Draw a REAL conclusion that explains how imposed "fat taxes" would benefit the country.

Here is another excellent introduction for an argumentative paper:

                Americans are becoming increasingly overweight and unhealthy which is negatively affecting our productivity and ability to work. The number of Americans on health related disability has risen drastically over the last several years. More Americans are becoming plagued with health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease at younger ages. Our society’s deteriorating health is largely due to our poor dietary habits, which, in turn, leads to obesity and other related health conditions. To combat this issue, our government must become more proactive in addressing this alarming problem. A mandatory tax on unhealthy foods and drinks ought to be instituted to deter citizens from purchasing things that could negatively affect their health.

REALLY A STRONG OPENING PARAGRAPH!! WELL DONE!
 Common Errors to AVOID in the argumentative paper:

THERE MUST BE AN INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT THAT LEADS UP TO THE THESIS! THE OPENING PARAGRAPH SHOULD CONTAIN:

1. AN INTERESTING OPENING THAT GETS THE READER INVOLVED IN THE PAPER.

2. PRESENT THE ISSUE AND BRIEFLY STATE BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE

3. THE CLAIM IS THE THESIS STATEMENT, IN WHICH THE AUTHOR STATES HIS/HER POSITION ON THE ISSUE

 AVOID STATEMENTS OF INTENT--

BE SURE YOU CAN DEVELOP YOUR EVIDENCE BY GIVING EXAMPLES; THE GOAL OF THE WRITER IS TO MAKE A GENERAL STATEMENT CLEAR BY USING CONCRETE, REAL WORLD EXAMPLES

YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO MORE THAN SIMPLY RESTATE THE THESIS IN YOUR CLOSING PARAGRAPH; YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN RESTATE WHAT YOU’VE ALREADY SAID; MAKE YOUR CLOSING A REAL ARGUMENTATIVE CONCLUSION, NOT JUST AN ACADEMIC EXERCISE