Personal Argument Essay Everyday, there is a good chance you are hearing or reading arguments based on opinions and viewpoints of issues in many different areas. From TV talk shows to newspaper columns to water-cooler discussions at work, arguments are all around you and intended to persuade those with differing opinions to "see it your way." There is also a good chance that you are involved in these arguments because there is a personal connection in some way, shape, or form. Your personal stake in these matters often intrigues you and “lights a fire” to support your side, whether you make those thoughts public or not. Now is your chance to take an issue close to you, whether it is health related, sports related, crime related – anything – and formulate a solid, researched, and logical argument. The personal argument essay is an argumentative essay with a twist. Just like a traditional argumentative essay, the personal argument essay is designed to "persuade the reader of a particular idea" that is "normally one with which not everyone will agree." In your essay, you will need to present organized evidence in an understandable way that may persuade the reader to agree with you. The twist is that you should include yourself in the essay. The argument should be based on an issue close to you or an experience that you have had at some point in your life. For instance, the only way you can write about the death penalty is if you have been on death row. Ok, I’m half kidding, but the point is that you should pick something with impact that is close to you. If I were to write this essay, I might write about matters related to higher education and share my story. Objectives: · At some point in the essay, describe the experience or personal stake that you have in this argument. Tell your story. If you want to argue for or against gun control, talk about your experience with guns. Demonstrate your personal stake in the argument. This is an essay where you can use “I”. · Include a concise, one sentence thesis statement that clearly summarizes your main argument. For example, in an essay about cloning, a strong thesis statement might be: "Human cloning should be banned because it is against religious beliefs, an unproven science, and there are far more important medical issues that should be addressed." · Use facts and statistics, examples, and expert opinion to produce a support for your argument. From the example above, you could address cloning as against religious beliefs, cloning as an unproven science, and medical issues that are more important than cloning. · You should also include potential opposition to your argument. You will need to anticipate and respond to this at some point in the essay. For example, many will say that cloning could lead to advancements in medicine that will solve serious disease. · Include a solid concluding paragraph summarizing the topic and your arguments. It should also include a stron ...