Causal Argument

Writing Project 4: Causal Arguments

What’s the assignment? Your fourth project will be to write an essay that explores cause and effect. As your book explains, causal arguments are important to public policy (e.g., Why are so many Americans obese? Why do we have so much gun violence?) and part of your regular decision-making (e.g., What can I do to make a good grade in class?).

Causal arguments tend to be complex and probable rather than certain, but they perhaps offer a pay-off that other kinds of argument do not. We will discuss the characteristics of causal argument in class.

You may write about any issue you like (though you will need to get it approved by me).

I’m lost. What can I do? First and foremost, make sure you read Chapter 11 in everything’s an argument. If you look at the sample essays at the end of the chapter, you should get a better idea of how causal arguments work.

How long should my argument of fact be? 3-3½ pages (about 900 words).

Do I need to do research? Yes. You need to use at least three (3) sources in your paper (and may want/need to use more).

When is my paper due? See the schedule below and the calendar in Blackboard.

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Is there anything else I need to know? Please note the following procedural guidelines—which will apply to all major writing assignments in this class.

· Referrals to the Academic Success Center. If I refer you to the ASC to work with a tutor, you should take your book, the assignment sheet, and your draft (or final paper) with you. You should also have the referral sheet signed by your tutor. You will need to submit the signed referral sheet with your paper.

· Rewrites. You may rewrite and resubmit each paper once; the best grade will be the one that counts. (Please speak with me before beginning a rewrite.)

Here is the rubric I will use to evaluate your paper:

Daily Schedule for Unit 4

Day	Topics	Homework
M (Apr. 19)	Introduce assignment	Argument of Definition
W (Apr. 21)	University College Day-- no class	No homework
F (Apr. 23)	Choosing a topic	--Begin Chapter 11 in everything’s an argument (i.e., pp. 240-48). --Post to DF 13.
M (Apr. 26)	Thinking about causality	--Finish Chapter 11 in everything’s an argument (i.e., pp. 248-71).
W (Apr. 28)	Drafting	--Post the first page of your draft to DF 14.
F (Apr. 30)	Evaluating sources	--Post 2 sources to DF 15 and evaluate them using the CRAP test.
M (May. 3)	Revision	--Post a complete draft of your paper to DF 16.
W (May. 5)	Revision	--Work on your draft.
F (May. 7)	Assign reflective memo	Causal Argument Due
F (May 14)	No class—exam day	Reflective Essay Due (by midnight)