Homework: Persuasive Term Paper
Instructions
You will self-select a contemporary topic or issue on a topic of either Health Law or Ethics and prepare and write a paper of 6 to 10 pages. This is a persuasive paper so, you will choose one side of the topic and argue that side. You will be graded on how well you support your argument. Your audience is Congress. You are trying to convince them that whatever stance you are taking is the right one and the one that should direct how they legislate on your topic.
In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something. Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts. When planning a persuasive essay, follow these steps:
o Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the purpose of your essay.
o Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position.
o Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence.
o Structure your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence.
Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic. The following criteria are essential to produce an effective argument.
o Develop a strong thesis - a clear, concise statement of your main argument; the overall idea you'll be arguing. Your thesis will also serve as a roadmap for the rest of your essay, giving the reader a general idea of the path your argument will follow.
o Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argument, must have two sides. It must be debatable. If you can write down a thesis statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.
o Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.
o Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason Topic Examples
Topic Examples:
o HIPAA
o Physician Assisted Suicide
o End of Life Issues-Death Panels
o Do We Still Need EMTALA?
o How Informed is Informed Consent?
o Tort Reform
o Should vaccination be a federal mandate?
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.