This document provides guidance on writing an argumentative essay addressing whether technology promotes loneliness. It instructs the writer to develop a thesis statement focused on either a type of hardware (like cell phones or laptops) or software (like a social media platform or gaming app). It also instructs the writer to develop at least three arguments for their thesis, a counterargument, and refutation. The document provides examples of how to structure topic sentences and concludes paragraphs. It provides guidance on using credible sources, citations, and a works cited page in MLA format.

1. Does Technology Promote Loneliness?
Develop a
thesis statement
built upon whether or not technology promotes loneliness. You
should focus on either one form of hardware or one type of
software. For example, you could target cell phones or laptops.
If you want to look more into software, you could narrow your
discussions to one type of social media or one gaming app.
These are just a handful of a vast array of options you could
choose.
Develop
at least three strong arguments
in addition to a
counterargument and refutation
(
this resource
can assist you in developing the counterargument and
refutation). This organization should yield four body
paragraphs. Using
argumentative topic sentences
that include your opinion for each section can help ensure the
majority of your essay is argumentative. The beginning of a
sample topic sentence might be, “First, Facebook does not
promote loneliness because….” Then, be sure to support that
claim with a point or two of researched data, followed by
mostly original material that helps to explain how your research
supports your claims as well as provides new insights and
perspectives.
Conclude each paragraph
with a sentence that synthesizes the paragraph’s main ideas.

2. Sample Thesis Statement:
Social media, particularly Facebook, does not promote
loneliness because (add argument 1), (add argument 2), and
(add argument 3), even though (add counterargument focus).
*Note that a thorough thesis statement will include the
counterargument in addition to your own arguments, but be sure
to frame your counterargument as the opposition’s opinion so
that readers do not think that you are changing your stance.
See The Top Ten Tips for College-Level Writing (Presentation)
for more thesis statement assistance.
Use at least three credible sources (the author should be
considered an expert on the topic in which he or she writes; try
Google Scholar to search), such as books, articles, and websites,
to support your thesis. Include a mix of cited paraphrases,
summaries, and quotes in your argumentative research paper.
Use
MLA format
(Tip: You will find useful MLA resources within the course
topics, particularly in Topic 9) to create proper parenthetical
citations as well as a
Works Cited
page at the end of your essay. For additional Works Cited
assistance visit
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
and use the left navigation menu to locate the type of reference
you need.
A counter-argument section for this paper should explain what
the opposition believes, and it is the opposite of the opinion you
are arguing in your paper. For example, if you are arguing that
anti-plagiarism software should not be used in college classes,

3. then the counterargument would be that anti-plagiarism
software should be used. Then in your refutation, try to prove
the counterargument false, insignificant, or unimportant with
researched information that is new to the essay (avoid recycling
facts from a previous argument in the essay)
create an outline form your working thesis statement. Your
essay should contain the following:
Background Information:
What facts, studies, or observations can I provide on the topic?
Claim:
What am I trying to prove?
Support:
How can I prove my claim?
Counterarguments:
What arguments will my opponents raise? How will I respond?