This document provides directions for an essay assignment. Students must choose one of 11 debate topics from an online database and write a research-argument essay. The essay must make a clear claim, use at least three sources from the database with two being scholarly articles or long-form news articles, and argue whether they agree or disagree with the debate statement. Topics include government spending, nuclear energy, developing nations, taxation of the wealthy, executive compensation, sweatshops, minimum wage, globalization, free trade, factory farming, and advertising of alcohol and tobacco.

1. Essay 3: Research-Argument Essay
ENG207 Intermediate Composition
Directions: Choose one of the topics (below) from the Business and Economics Section of the
Opposing Viewpoints in Context database . Make a clear claim and write an argument essay.
Requirements:


You must use at least three sources that appear on The Opposing Viewpoints in Context
database. You are restricted to these sources. Do not use other sources unless you have
received my permission.
Two of these sources must be one of the following: 1) an article from a scholarly journal; 2) an
extended (500+ word) article from a major world newspaper such as the Wall Street Journal or
New York Times; 3) an article from a magazine.
____________Topic Choices:_______________
1. Government Spending
Debatable statement: Increased government spending creates jobs.
Agree or disagree.
2. Nuclear Safety / Renewable Energy
Debatable statement: Nuclear energy is the best answer to supplying energy needs.
Agree or disagree.
3. Developing Nations
Debatable Statement: Democracy Is the Most Legitimate Form of Government for Developing Nations
Agree or Disagree
4. America’s Wealthy
Debatable statement: The rich should pay taxes at a higher rate.

2. Agree or disagree.
5. Executive Compensation
Debatable Statement: The pay of CEOs running public companies should be regulated by share holders
Agree or disagree
6. Sweatshops
Debatable Statement: Boycotts of sweatshops hurt workers rather than helps them.
Agree or disagree
7. Minimum Wage
Debatable Statement: Raising the minimum wage will help reduce poverty.
Agree or Disagree
8. Globalization
Debatable Statement: Globalization increases U.S. unemployment.
Agree or Disagree
9. Free Trade
Debatable Statement: Free trade is killing American industry
Agree or Disagree
10. Factory Farming
Debatable Statement: Factory farming is essential to feeding the world
Agree or Disagree
11. Alcohol and Tobacco Advertising
Debatable Statement: Alcohol and tobacco advertising should be heavily regulated or even banned
altogether.
Agree or Disagree