Before you begin any writing assignment, look closely at the prompt and determine what information you have been asked to find. You may want to make a checklist that includes the subject, a list of requirements, and any open-ended questions
the prompt expects you to answer. The prompt for this question can be found at the bottom of this page.
You are going to complete a research essay. There are two different types of research papers: argumentative and
analytical. For this essay, you will be writing an argumentative research paper. This means that you will need to investigate
the topic, collect and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic. A good argumentative research paper
requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the paper's purpose. The purpose of your research paper
will be to compare and contrast the speeches made by Kennedy and Reagan in Berlin, while also looking at the effects
each had. You will need to determine which speech you believe was more effective and gather evidence to back up your
stance.
Every argument has at least two sides. These sides are called claim and counterclaim. Argument prompts force you to pick
a side. The side that you pick is called the claim. Your claim should contain the strongest facts to defend your opinion.
The counterclaim will explain the reasons why you feel those people who disagree with your claim are wrong. The
counterclaim will offer several details, aiming to prove the opposition's belief to be flawed. The counter claim will point out
what you perceive as mistaken assumptions that the other side might hold. By the end of the counter claim, your claim will
seem like the best possible answer.