POL4003 Argumentative Research Essay Assignment Help

Assessment 2 Argumentative Research Essay

Outline of the assessment activity.

• 1,800 word essay that makes an argument and is based upon research. 
• Topics and instructions are available in the file below

You will be marked according to the following criteria:

1. Argumentation and writing: 50%.

• Make sure that your argument is sustained throughout the essay. You should make a case in your essay, rather than simply telling a story. Keep your essay focused on the proposition. ‘Discuss’ means discuss the validity of the proposition, not a series of tangential observations. Look carefully at the precise words of the proposition (which is to be the title of the essay), and make sure that your entire essay is a response to it. At the very least, your essay should have a clear statement in the opening paragraphs along the lines of: 'This essay argues that…' followed by an assertion that relates clearly to the proposition, and that is substantiated in the rest of the essay.
• At all costs, avoid digressions from the topic. Imagine, as you are writing, that you are trying to convince an extremely sceptical reader of your viewpoint. Try to show an awareness of possible contrary arguments, particularly in the opening.
• An essay without a clear argument is extremely unlikely to get above a H3.
• Make sure that each paragraph addresses a specific idea. Usually, this idea will be clearly set out in the opening sentence (the topic sentence).

2. Research: 50%

• Research should include at least 7 academic sources such as articles from refereed journals and books. Short book reviews and commentary on websites may be useful, but will not count to this figure.
• We also recommend that you verify factual claims with research using media sources (eg through databases like Factiva). Beware of outdated sources. This field is changing very rapidly.