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ENG 111: College Composition I (Moore-Loudoun)

Research tips for your argument essay! Direct comments and questions to eselander@nvcc.edu.

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Topic Proposal and Outline: Argument

Topic Proposal and Outline: Argument

Directions: In 900 words minimum (1,500 maximum) answer the questions below and complete the accompanying outline for your argument essay at the end of the term. The topic is up to you, but it must be one for an argument essay. You must use research from NOVA Libraries. 

• Research question / tentative thesis

• Background information on the topic

• Source types for your research paper

• Your three scholarly sources (Works Cited Entry for them)

• Your outline for the essay 

Making Connections

In class you've learned about contextual rhetorical situations, including author; audience; purpose; message or topic; and setting or context. How can you apply this knowledge as you conduct your research? As you read or skim through the articles and books that you find, ask yourself:

What does the author want to prove?

Whom does the author represent or want to support? (An institution? A company?)

Who is the author's intended audience? 

What feelings or thoughts does the author want you to experience as you read their work?

Has the author convinced you?

 

Image by ThoughtCo / Ran Zheng