The purpose of argumentative writing is to express a clear opinion about an issue and to persuade readers to adopt your position–or at least to consider your argument seriously. Important ideas to remember are that issues are not black and white, and there are rarely right/wrong answers in controversies. Opinions depend upon facts, values, and beliefs. To be convincing–which will be your object–you will need to present logical reasons based on shared values and beliefs. You will need to look critically at your position and at others’ points of view. In this essay, you will pick a topic from the list below. The topics are general, which gives you the opportunity to decide specifically what about this subject you want to inform and explain to the readers. You will also gather information from various sources and incorporate it into your paper, citing all borrowed information.