How to write a argument-research paper

Say some cruel and heartless professor has assigned you to write an
argument-research paper. Follow the guidelines below—not slavishly,
use your common sense.

I. Introduction (1-2 paragraphs)

A. What is the topic? Why is it important/interesting to your
audience?
B. WHAT IS YOUR THESIS—it should be clear and
controversial.
C. What are the 2 or 3 arguments that you are going to make
in favor of your thesis—state them with crystal clarity in one
sentence each.

II. Argument 1 in favor of your thesis.

A. State the argument.
B. Consider counter-arguments—good ones, not bullshit filler.
C. Rebut counter-arguments, though you may concede certain
points or make qualifications.

III. Argument 2 in favor of your thesis.

A. State the argument.
B. Consider counter-arguments—good ones, not bullshit filler.
C. Rebut counter-arguments, though you may concede certain
points or make qualifications.

IV. Argument 3 in favor of your thesis.

A. State the argument.
B. Consider counter-arguments—good ones, not bullshit filler.
C. Rebut counter-arguments, though you may concede certain
points or make qualifications.

V. Summary and conclusion. Restate your thesis (“In this paper, I have
argued that…). Summarize the arguments in favor, highlighting
important qualifications.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DO NOT: Use overcharged rhetoric—“just the facts”

DO NOT: Rely only or primarily on magazines and stuff you find on the
internet.
DO NOT: Get fancy—keep it simple, clear, precise, and solid. No cute
pictures, tables and graphs sparingly. Tables and graphs do not
count to the page total.
DO NOT: Worry that you must fill exactly 10 pages. If your paper is good
and it is 9¼ pages long, that is fine. If your paper is good and it
is 12 pages long, that is fine.
Papers will be submitted electronically, but add a cover sheet with your
paper title and name. Begin the paper itself on the first line of the next
sheet.

Margins: 2cm all around. 12pt TimesNewRoman font.

You may use any citation style, so long as you use it consistently and your
reader can take the citation and find the actual text that your are quoting
or paraphrasing—that is, use page numbers.