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Essay Assignment: Classical Argument

Prompt: In English 101, you had to write a classical academic argument essay. Essay assignment 3 asks you to develop a more comprehensive classical academic argument essay on a topic that builds off what you learned from that English 101 assignment. The classical argumentative essay is an argument that provides scholarly evidence of research (i.e. various sources, interviews, quotes, and sufficient statistical data) to support your position. In other words, it is participating on a debate on an issue using evidence (i.e. various sources, interviews, quotes, and sufficient statistical data).

To do this, first identify and take a position on a topic with multiple sides. You can take your cues from the readings included in the book, class discussions, or discussions with your instructor. Consequently, your essay:

• articulates your position on the topic;
• represents an opposing position on the topic;
• synthesizes the opposing position with your own by effectively refuting it.

Process: Before proceeding with your work on the assignment you must present your topic and text for your instructor’s review and explain what makes this text an interesting subject (i.e., what is not rhetorically obvious) for rhetorical analysis through a 1-page Statement on Planned Research. This statement will layout the topic and three questions about the topic you want to study. It will also layout why you are interested in studying the topic and what you expect to learn through this analysis. The topic must be approved by your instructor.

 

Doing research is fundamental to putting together an effective paper. To this end you must conduct research on your topic and develop an Annotated Bibliography of at least four sources (see Annotated Bibliography Assignment Sheet).  The bibliography can be changed in the final paper, but the annotated bibliography text you submitted will be a graded assignment separate from your Essay Assignment.

 

As you are drafting, consider how you are supporting the claims made in your argument. Refer to specific facts and positions laid out by your evidence. At the same time, consider the balance between description and analysis in your writing. Describe moments in the evidence to make your argument, but remember that your job is not to summarize the text for your readers. It is to provide a sense that multiple viewpoints have been considered on the topic as you developed your conclusion.

After drafting, revise and edit the Final Draft. Consider carefully the organization and coherence of your piece. Develop clear paragraphs that support your thesis. It is essential you incorporate feedback (from peers, from the SVWC, or Smart-thinking) at this step of the process based on two completed Feedback Sheets. You must also reflect on this process and develop a Reflection Memo laying out your steps.

The Reflection Memo is meant to make you reflect on the writing process. Based on the feedback you received, lay out your process of incorporating feedback and what you learned about the writing process in a 1-page memo. Your answers will not be graded for grammar, but you should try to answer as specifically and clearly as possible. The memo should explicitly answer these four questions:

• What did you understand about the changes asked for in your essay by your reviewers? Be specific.
• What changes did you make during the revision process and why?
• What changes did you not make and why not?
• What did you learn about the research process and how will you use it in the next assignment?

Format: Your final draft should be five to six pages (double-spaced, TNR font, 1” margins). When citing your outside source(s), follow MLA format (see IC Part 6 or Bowie State Course Library Guide for English 102.).

Deliverables: 1) Statement on Planned Research, 2) Annotated Bibliography, 3) Rough Draft 4) 2-Completed Feedback Sheets, 4) Final Draft, and 6) Reflection Memo

 

 

Suggested Themes and Topics

 

• Obesity in American society.
• The internet and education.
• College education and employment.
• Great sports-figures.
• Great musicians.
• Physical education and the school curriculum.
• School shootings.
• Vaping and cigarettes.
• Mass incarceration and private prisons.
• Drinking age requirements
• Marijuana legalization.
• Electric vehicles.
• Public education and charter schools.
• The #Metoo movement.
• Mass automation
• Video games.
• Online-bullying is not a real problem.
• Language should be policed online.
• Youtube and the future of television.
• Movies and social issues.
• Comic books and novels.

 

Additional Topics:

 

Classical Argument Rubric – 100 Points

	A	B	C	D	F
Introduction	10-9	8	7	6	0
	It does a great job of connecting to the prompt, setting the context, and stating the audience.	It does a good job of connecting to the prompt and stating the audience.	It does not do an adequate job of connecting to the prompt and stating the audience.	It does not connect to the prompt, the subject or state the audience.	It does not fulfill either function regarding the prompt or audience. Or no assignment submitted.
Thesis	5	4	3	2	0
	A very specific thesis (closed or open) that provides a clear position and outlines the structure of the paper.	A clear thesis that presents a position being talked about in the paper.	It does not present a position or the outline of the paper.	No thesis.	No thesis. Or no assignment submitted.
Content of Argument (Position)	10-9	8	7	6	0
	The position laid out is clear and impactful. Its dimensions are made explicitly and each point is backed up by excellent evidence.	The position is laid out competently. It is backed up by evidence. Though the overall use of evidence is uneven.	The position is laid out adequately. The use of evidence needs to be improved.	The position is inadequately laid out. There is no use of evidence nor any exposition of the points.	There is no presentation of a position or use of evidence. Or no assignment submitted.
Content of Argument (Opposition and Synthesis)	10-9	8	7	6	0
	The opposing position and synthesis are done very well. There is clear evidence presented for all points made.	The opposing position and synthesis position is laid out competently. It is backed up by evidence. Though the overall use of evidence is uneven.	The opposing position and synthesis position is laid out adequately. The use of evidence needs to be improved.	Neither the opposing position nor the synthesis is adequately laid out. There is no use of evidence.	There is no statement about the opposing position or synthesis. Or no assignment submitted.
Organization	10-9	8	7	6	0
	Presents ideas in a logical and cohesive sequence, with paragraphs using topic sentences and transition words or phrases well and reflecting the assigned argument.	Presents ideas in a cohesive sequence, with paragraphs using topic sentences and transition words or phrases that need to be strengthened; logic of sequence is not explicit but argument type is clear.	Presents ideas in a sequence of pars with vague transitions. Topic sentences are present but need to be revised for clarity.	Ideas are not presented in a sequence; transitions and topic sentences are not effectively used.	The essay does not represent the required argument in either sequence or ideas. Transitions and topic sentences are missing.  Or no assignment submitted.
Mechanics and Style	20-18	17-15	14-13	12-11	0
	The essay demonstrates mastery in grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has only 1-2 major errors and only 1-2 minor errors in its use of SAE	The essay demonstrates proficiency over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has 3-4 major errors and 3-4 minor errors in its use of SAE.	The essay demonstrates some competence over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has 5 major errors and 5 minor errors in its use of SAE.	The essay displays a lack of competence over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has 6 or more major errors and 6 or more minor errors in its use of SAE.	The essay displays no competence over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay demonstrates a lack of control over SAE in both major and minor errors. Or no assignment submitted.
Conclusion	10-9	8	7	6	0
	It does a great job summing up the points of the arguments, restating the position, and articulates what it means for future work.	It does a good job summing up the points of the arguments, restates the position, and articulates what it means for future work.	It does a adequate job summing up the points of the arguments and position. But it does not talk about significance to future work.	It does not sum up the points of the arguments, restates the position, and articulates what it means for future work.	It does not fulfill any of the functions of the conclusion or is missing one completely. Or no assignment submitted.
MLA citations & formatting	5	4	3	2	0
	All sources are introduced and cited. Essay is formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. type. Includes a properly formatted Work Cited Page.	Most sources are introduced but all of them are cited. Essay is formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. type. Includes a properly formatted Work Cited Page	Only a couple of sources are introduced but all are cited. Essay is formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. type. Work cited page is not satisfactory.	Sources are introduced and most of them are cited. Margins are not consistent and pars are not clearly delineated. Essay may be in a type face other than Times New Roman, 12 pt. No work cited page.	Sources are neither introduced nor cited. Portions of the paper are plagiarized. No Work Cited page. Or no assignment submitted.
Reflection Memo	20-18	17-15	14-13	12-11	0
	The memo clearly lists the changes made on the basis of reviewer’s feedback. It lists why the changes were made and reflects on the process. It also articulates how future work will build-off what was learned.	The memo lists the changes made. It lists why the changes were made and reflects on the process.	The memo lists the chances made.	Does not list any changes or reflections.	Memo too brief or no memo

 

Annotated Bibliography

Due:

Genre/Medium:   Annotated Bibliography

 

Prompt:     The writer of an annotated bibliography complies a list of sources to build research. The form includes a brief summary of the source and your own critical assessment of its relevance, objectivity, appropriateness, and usefulness. This write-up will be similar to the writing activities you had to do in English 101. To do this assignment use the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose (CRAAP) framework in evaluating your resources. It is a tool that helps you keep an organized and thoughtful record of the research process and relevant information about the topic.

 

                    To this end, you will put together an annotated bibliography of four sources in preparation for Assignment 1. The bibliography will include three types of textual information:

1) One mainstream and accredited news/ magazine article,

2) One scholarly/academic “peer reviewed” article,

3) One legitimate web-based multimedia or blog-style article.

 

Format:      Your annotated bibliographies must paragraphs must contain a topic sentence, clear evidence from the reading, and coherent sentences on a topic. It will use transitions affectively to cohere the overall piece together. It must answer: 1) What is the information in the article you are summarizing?, 2) What is your critical assessment of the article?, and 3) How you will use it in your assignment?

 

Instructions:

1. Cite in MLA-citation format the name of the article.
2. Draft one or two paragraphs for each of the sources you list in your annotated bibliography.
3. Review the information in the bibliographies with your classmates to improve the grammar of the text and consider points that might help you build your argument in Assignment 3.

 

Grading Rubric (100 Points):

	50-41	40-36	35-31	30-26	25-0
Content & evidence	Excellent annotated bibliographies. It lays out the aspects of the topic well, evaluates the sources effectively, and/or lays out how it will be used in the argument.	Good annotated bibliographies. It lays out the aspects of the topic well, evaluates the sources, and/or lays out its use in the argument.	It is an adequate annotated bibliographies. It lays out the aspects of the topic, but does not evaluates the sources or lay out its use in the argument.	Does not fulfill the requirements of an annotated bibliographies.	Paragraphs are too poorly written to be useful or no paragraphs presented.
Information Literacy	50-41	40-36	35-31	30-26	25-0
	Citation is correct. It also provides specific evaluations about the appropriateness of the medium and the information for academic research.	Citation is correct. It provides specific evaluations about the appropriateness of the medium.	Citation is correct. Citation is accurate. It needs to speak to the appropriateness of the medium and the information for academic research.	Citation is not correct. Does not include any information about the medium and appropriateness for academic research.	Citation and assessment are not adequate or no citations provided.

 

 

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