Cellphones Distracting the Youth

Topic: Are cellphones distracting the youth from the real world? Purpose of the Essay The purpose of this essay is for you to learn to present a particular position on a controversial issue and to support that position with specific reasons and credible evidence. First, you will explore several viewpoints on the issue. Second, you will articulate your own position or thesis and support it with appeals to logic, authority, and emotion.  Major Requirements • Secondary sources: minimum four (at least three from TCC databases) • Length: 1000 words • Format: MLA • Point-of-view: Third • Language: Formal • Citations: In-text and Works Cited • Due Date: Oct. 28, 2020 Learning Outcomes Students will learn to • identify a controversial issue, present a position, and create a specific thesis on that issue. • support their position with credible, varied, and verifiable evidence. • demonstrate a thorough understanding of the complexity of issue by acknowledging some truth to the other side; few positions are clearly 100% right or 100% wrong. • understand that the persona the writer projects is part of the effectiveness of the argument. • analyze and evaluate a broad array of sources to find the most credible support. Characteristics of the Argument Essay A successful essay • provides an introduction that creates interest rather than merely presenting background information. • offers a specific and debatable thesis in the introduction that focuses the essay as argumentation. • refutes or weakens objections the other side might advance, while allowing for occasional concessions. • presents an objective stance by the use of third-person voice; no second person ‘you’. • includes specific details and evidence from outside sources. • correctly integrates quotations and conforms to MLA documentation and format guidelines. Method of Organization Introduction • Use a lead-in hook to engage your readers’ interest. You might use a striking quotation, an interesting statistic or fact, or a related current event. Whatever your choice, the lead-in must be clearly related to the issue you have selected to discuss. • Lead up toward your position by offering some general comments about the issue and by stressing its importance for the readers. • Present your thesis statement. Body • Support your thesis with sufficient and convincing evidence. • Arrange your paragraphs strategically, showing the connection among the various forms of support and finishing with your most convincing piece of evidence. • At strategic points, refute or weaken possible objections and/or make occasional concessions. • Try to achieve a forceful but honest and unbiased tone to maintain credibility. Conclusion • Restate your thesis and main support in slightly different terms. • Attempt an appeal to the readers’ emotions or try to leave with a lasting impression. • Consider offering readers specific suggestions for action, now they understand your position.