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 Argumentative Synthesis Essay (200 points): the identity, attitude, and performance of China’s middle class

 

THE PURPOSE:

 

The purpose of an argumentative synthesis essay is to PERSUADE your audience on the subject of identity, attitude, or performance of China’ middle Class. You will make your own argument on any one topic from the following (Talk to me if you have a different topic):

1) Entrepreneurship in China,
2) Housing issues in China,
3) Education reform in China

4) Democracy in China

5) Environment in China

6) Religion or house churches in China

For this assignment, you will need to develop an original opinion or position on your chosen topic.  This statement is your thesis, and is supported by your own evidence and reasoning, and by your analysis of the evidence and reasoning provided by the authors of your sources.

As you write the Argumentative Synthesis, not only will you explain your own views, opinions, and position, but you will also be summarizing and responding to the ideas or works of the authors you are synthesizing. Of course, you need to be sure you properly document any paraphrased and/or quoted material according to MLA conventions.

THE AUDIENCE:

 

The intended audience is college-educated adults who may not know about the issue or who may reasonably disagree with you on this topic.   

 

 The REQUIREMENTS:

 

1)      The final essay is 2000-2500 words (6-8 pages) long. 

2)      You need a minimum of five sources (four of which have to be peer-reviewed scholarly articles, one of which could be a credible website).  

3)      Use correct MLA documentation—in text citations and a Works Cited page.

 

 

The WORKING PROCESSES:

 

1)      Selecting an arguable subtopic about China’s middle class and developing your research question (March 8)

Note: Your topic and your research question may change along the way.

2)      Formulating a hypothesis and developing your working thesis (March 10)

3)      Doing research and collecting sources (March 10, 15)

4)      Reading the articles closely to get an idea of differing positions, perspectives, and concerns (March 10, 15, 17)

5)      Evaluating sources and annotating sources and completing an annotated bibliography (March 17, 22)

6)      Synthesizing and integrating sources (March 31)

a) Locate each author’s thesis or main ideas

b) Find the subtopics which develop or support each author’s main idea

c) Examine evidence and reasoning used to support each individual subtopic

d) Pinpoint subtopics common to all sources

7)      Developing an argumentative thesis (a claim + reasons) which reflects your position on the issue (April 5)

8)      Conferencing with me to finalize your thesis (March 29)

9)      Drafting the first version (April 7)

10)   Peer-reviewing first draft (April 12): Please bring 2 hard copies to class.  Failure to workshop your paper in class will result in a 10% reduction of your final score on this project. 

11)   Submitting your research project portfolio (one e-copy via “assignments’ in Isidore; two drafts; one hard copy of your final draft; and your worksheets)(April 19).

 

The ORGANIZATION (we will workshop the detailed organizational plan in class)

·         Introduction to the issue that orients the audience to the facts that surround the issue

·         Thesis that is clearly articulated and detailed

·         Specific points, focused and supported with documented research and/or textual evidence

·         Clear examples to illustrate concepts

·         Counterarguments (Toulmin model) and concessions (Rogerian model)

·         Conclusion that summarizes main points and leaves audience with overall argument goal—the so what?

·         Works Cited as last numbered page in MLA format

                                                                                                                                                               

The GRADING RUBRIC

 

 

 

Points

1

Clear argumentative thesis after intro (background)

30

2

Application of materials (argument)

40

3

Structural integrity and organization (exhibits, method)

30

4

Essay and paragraph development (argument, exhibits)

40

5

Sentence structure and variety; Vocabulary choice and usage

20

7

Mechanics, grammar

20

8

Citation (works cited, in-text citation)

20

 

 

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