Oil/Gas Extraction Argument

I’m working on a English writing question and need support to help me learn.

Directions

Part I – Understanding Argument

1. Read Argument (Links to an external site.). In addition, read Thesis Statements (Links to an external site.) to understand how to write a strong thesis for an argument.
2. View these images that promote controversy: Oil Spill Clean UpLinks to an external site., Offshore Drilling RallyLinks to an external site., Offshore Oil RigLinks to an external site., Fracking HearingLinks to an external site., Fracking ProtestLinks to an external site., Fracking PlantLinks to an external site..
3. Consider what each image means and how it offers controversy.

Part II – Analyzing Argument in Text and Video

1. Read and view the following materials on oil/gas extraction. (Note: You may need to login to the database using your MyNOVA username and password.)
   • “Don’t Drill Along the East Coast”Links to an external site. (Feb 2, 2015)
   • “Offshore Drilling Remains a Risk Worth Taking”Links to an external site. (2014)
   • Ice and Brimstone: Years of Living DangerouslyLinks to an external site. (2014) This link will take you to Part 15. Watch Parts 15-16.
   • “Fracking Is Not Harmful to the Environment”Links to an external site. (2014)
   • “Fracking Is Harmful to the Environment”Links to an external site. (2014)
   • Fracking: Positive or Negative Impact?Links to an external site. (Sept 6, 2013) You can read the Fracking Positive or Negative Impacts transcript.docx as you watch.
2. Open the Pros and Cons Chart to list out the pros and cons to the issue of oil/gas extraction as you analyze four of the resources above.
3. Submit your Pros and Cons Chart as an attachment.

Note: Your analysis of the views on oil/gas extraction in the U.S presented in these articles and videos will help you form your own viewpoint for your argument research essay.

The Essay part

Purpose:

You have already read about and considered the pros and cons for the oil/gas extraction issue in the United States. Now you will reflect back on those readings/resources and on your completed Pros and Cons Chart to synthesize and analyze your ideas as you write an informal online argument class discussion. In this assignment you will develop an argument to support your position on the oil/gas extraction issue and post it in the Discussion Board. This activity teaches you critical thinking, organization of ideas, and documentation.

Directions:

1. Use the selected readings and videos for Unit 4, your notes on those materials, and your completed Pros and Cons Chart to develop a Thesis and TWO paragraph argument on either fracking or offshore drilling.
2. Begin by stating your argument thesis {topic + your claim about that topic + 2 main ideas–reasons why you believe the way you do}.
3. Develop two paragraphs (7-12 sentences per paragraph) that prove your argument. Remember, each paragraph needs to begin with a topic sentence clarifying one of your main points.
4. Support each topic sentence with evidence from the research materials AND your own analysis.
5. Integrate good examples and quotations from the research material to support your points and to defend your position.
6. Use accurate in-text citations (Links to an external site.) for all source materials and provide a Works Cited (Links to an external site.).
7. Post your argument to the “Oil/Gas Extraction Argument” Discussion