Full prompt:
Write an essay in which you identify a debatable question or issue, take a position in the debate, argue your position with evidence, and acknowledge at least one counterposition. A successful argument essay will be a balanced examination of an issue that is important to you. Your purpose is to convince your reader that your issue is worthy of debate and that your position is worth embracing.
In your argument essay, you will include background–an overview of the issue, problem, or debate to give your reader some context–and a thesis statement in which you establish your position. Your essay should demonstrate your understanding of and respect for other perspectives in the debate; finding common ground will make your argument stronger. You will devote most of the body of your essay to presenting evidence and reasons in favor of your position. The evidence can come from
• statistics
• research findings
• testimony from experts and others in the debate
• government or agency reports
• photographs or videos
• other sources
You are required to do some research to gather evidence and define the issue. Use at least three sources. Remember that good research helps you present yourself as knowledgeable and fair-minded. A successful argument will use logical and emotional appeals that are appropriate to the purpose and audience.
In the body of your essay, you should also include a counterargument, a position that represents an objection to your position. As you plan out your argument, think about where to place the counterargument and how you’ll respond. There is no best place for the counterargument. Close the essay with a restatement of your thesis and some sense of what’s at stake in this debate.
Assume an open-minded academic audience. Include a works cited list.