Requirements
compose a thoroughly-researched 2500-3000-word argument essay that integrates 7-10 sources, at least 2 of which should be from peer-reviewed, scholarly sources, and demonstrates deep thinking and writing about a specific chosen topic.
Word count requirement: 2500-3000 words
Source requirement: 7-10 sources (two of which must be peer-reviewed scholarly sources)
Genre requirement: form should mirror function. This may take the form of a traditional essay, or it may make more sense as a magazine article, newspaper exposé, website, or blog. Remember that style is part of message, so allow creativity to come through here, even in a project that requires deep research.
Grading
Your thesis, research, paper organization, paragraph organization, level of detail, and style are key for this and all writing assignments for this class.
Thesis
Because this is an argumentative paper, it should have a debatable thesis. The thesis should fully, specifically, and accurately summarize the argument and main points of the paper in the form of a clear claim and supporting premises (see Thesis Temple). After reading the thesis, your reader should be able to see a clear and accurate outline of the essay. Do not leave any “surprise ideas” in the paper for the reader to discover later.
Research
Sources must be reliable. For this assignment, the university also requires at least two (2) peer-reviewed, scholarly sources. Peer-reviewed sources come from a university press or a journal associated with a university. Be aware that library databases and Google Scholar archive both peer-reviewed AND non-peer-reviewed resources, so always check to see who the publisher is. Peer-reviewed sources go through a strict review process before they are published, and always contain the most accurate and thorough information.
Paper Organization (including introducing quotations)
Give some thought to what organization would most help a reader through your argument. Use the Structure of Classical Argument to shape your essay. All borrowed information (direct quotations and paraphrases) must begin with a clear signal phrase and end with a correct parenthetical citation.
Paragraph Organization
All paragraphs for critical writing must have the following:
Topic sentence: first sentence of the paragraph. Should be debatable/require evidence for support. Evidence: In the form of quotations, personal anecdotes, statistics, etc. If a quotation, it MUST be introduced. NEVER begin a sentence with a quotation. Discussion: should explain the relevance of the essay for the argument. Do not merely re-state the evidence; tell the reader why it matters. DO NOT use the last sentence to “transition” to the next paragraph. This is confusing for readers, who are conditioned to expect a new idea at the beginning of a paragraph, not at the end.
Last Completed Projects
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