1. FIRST MAJOR ARGUMENT/EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THESIS | *Each of these arguments
2. SECOND MAJOR ARGUMENT/EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THESIS | is in a single paragraph
3. THIRD MAJOR ARGUMENT/EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THESIS | with a topic sentence
4. FOURTH MAJOR ARGUMENT/EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THESIS | that indicates the specific
5 FIFTH MAJOR ARGUMENT/EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THESIS | argument. (Occasionally,
6 . SIXTH MAJOR ARGUMENT/EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THESIS | a complex argument
(Note: Your essay could have as few as 4 or as many as 8 specific arguments) | will be spread over
| several paragraphs.
IV. OV’S AND REFUTATIONS
1. CONSIDERATION OF FIRST OPPOSING VIEW AND REFUTATION | *EACH OV AND ITS
2. CONSIDERATION OF SECOND OPPOSING VIEW AND REFUTATION | REFUTION/S GOES
3. CONSIDERATION OF THIRD OPPOSING VIEW AND REFUTATION | IN A SINGLE
PARAGRAPH
(Note: You need 2 Refs (with at least one OV each) at a minimum
V. CONCLUSION
ARGUMENTS ARE ALSO KNOWN TECHNICALLY AS “APPEALS”
–IN THE SENSE THAT YOU ARE APPEALING TO THE READER TO AGREE WITH YOU
CONSIDERATION OF TYPES OF ‘APPEALS’:
Appeals to Ethics : Ethos -- consideration of ethical priorities
Appeals to Logic : Logos -- rational, objective analysis of facts
Appeals to Emotion: Pathos -- consideration of emotional significance/priorities
Often, a given argument may have simultaneous types of appeals. You are not restricted to a certain type. Choose
the arguments that you feel overall are best
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY CHECKLIST
ESSAY ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY: Write an argumentative essay of approximately 4-5 PAGES, 1500 words min, which
demonstrates classical argument form (introduction, arguments, opposing views, refutations, and conclusion)
concerning a debatable topic. Essays should have an appropriate introduction, development, and conclusion. Essays
may utilize research sources which must be documented in MLA 8TH EDITION format (in-text citations and Works Cited
page) . Sources must be underlined in essay and Works Cited to ensure they are complete (See #27 and #28 in Checklist)
CHECKLIST
Format: (See guidelines for submitting Turnitin copies in syllabus)
_______ 1) Typed, double-space in 12 pt font, submitted to Turnitin With Asmt Set in ONE FILE
_______ 2) Essay was spell-checked and grammar checked with appropriate software
_______ 3) Two sentences (bare minimum) in each paragraph must not be quotes or paraphrases
_______ 4) Sufficient length (should be 1500 words minimum)
THIS COPYRIGHTED SYLLABUS IS FOR USE BY/FOR BC STUDENTS ONLY. IT MAY NOT BE POSTED ONLINE, SOLD, PUBLISHED, OR DISTRIBUTED IN ANY MANNER . - 115
Structure and Focus :
________5)Introduction/Hook is effective
________6)Thesis clearly states argumentative position with sufficient clarity/focus
________7) Topic sentences in body paragraphs indicate specific arguments or opposing views
________8A) Conclusion is sufficient and effective – reiterates argumentative position, has final perspective
________8B) Classical Argument Form is utilized, effective, and LOGICAL
________8C) Sufficient Arguments utilized – typically 5-7
________8D) Sufficient opposing views/refutations utilized – typically 2-3
________8E) Research Sources used when necessary. (Essay doesn’t rely on unsupported statements)
Development:
________9) Specific paragraphs (each paragraph should be less than 2/3 of page max)
(Indent paragraphs, don’t skip lines between them)
_______ 10) Paragraphs are clear, distinct, and focused. Body paragraphs should support specific
arguments, or indicate a particular Opposing View, followed by its refutation
_______ 11A) Details/ Analyses/Supporting sentences are sufficient – support thesis & topic sentences
_______ 11B) Data is logically applied and analyzed to support mini-judgment
_______ 11C) Examples are used when necessary
_______ 11D) Definitions are used to clarify topic when necessary
_______ 12) Focus of Essay is appropriate and does not go off-track or contain unrelated/unnecessary material
_______ 13) Transitions effectively differentiate paragraphs and topics, including transitions to Opposing Views
Usage :
_______ 14) Tense is consistent/logical (should not switch back and forth in appropriately)
_______ 15) Direct Quotes are correctly punctuated (if used)
_______ 16) Dialog – punctuation/structure is clear/correct (if used).
_______ 17) Sentence Structure conforms to grammar of Standard Written English.
_______ 18) Grammar / / Usage / Punctuation is correct and effective
_______ 19) Sentences are clear and logical, well-paced, and avoid needless repetition
_______ 20) Diction (Word choice) is appropriate for subject matter
If SOURCES USED – MLA FORMAT (******See guide in Syllabus******)
________21) Sources are Sufficient
________22) Source Data is Adequate / Reliable / Current
________23) Correct In-Text Citations (Cite by Author if available, if not by title or short form, etc)
________24) Correct Works Cited List (Hanging indent, article titles in quotes, alphabetical, etc)
_______ 25) Correct Long Quote Format (if more than 4 lines, indent 2 tabs/left justify, cite after period)
________26) EVERY IN-TEXT CITATION HAS A CORRESPONDING WORKS CITED ENTRY AND VICE VERSA
________27)* Each in-text citation is underlined to prove it has been corresponding Works Cited entry
________28)* Each Works Cited entry is underlined to prove it has a corresponding In-text citation
* Okay to underline #27 and #28 by hand