ENGL

Classical Argument 1

Goals for the Classical Argument Assignment:

· To explain the theory and rhetorical principles underlying effective argument.

· To write a classical argument (at least 3 ½ pages long. Works Cited counts separately) that offers reasons and evidence (at least 3 scholarly sources) in support of your position while also summarizing and responding to opposing views.

PART ONE

Prompt: Select a debatable topic about a domestic issue for a fact argument, and support the argument with at least three major sources.

· Be sure that within the essay you begin with an engaging opening, a brief description of the issue, and clear statement of the thesis.

· Within the body of the essay, be sure to provide at least three strong reasons to support your thesis.

· Before you present your final reason and evidence, stop and include the opposing view.

· After the opposing view, state your final reason and evidence. Remember that the final reason should be your most important reason.

1. Read the Chapter 14 titled “Writing a Classical Argument” in The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing, pp. 309-360.

2. Begin by selecting a topic that is debatable, a topic that you are passionate/curious about.

3. How can I tell if my topic is debatable? Clarify your argument! Think of “yes,but…” Ask yourself…

· How does my opinion about this topic compare/contrast to others’?

· What would a debate about this issue look like?

· What kind of key-words and other broader issues relate to my topic/argument (this is helpful when conducting scholarly research)

4. Narrow the focus of the topic to the extent that you can develop the topic within the context of the guidelines for the essay.

PART TWO

5. Review three sources that will help you support your argument.

· Go to the BHC online library.

· Click on QUICKSTARTS.

· Click on MAGAZINES & JOURNALS.

· Click on ACADEMIC SEARCH COMPLETE OR go to JSTOR/EBSCOhost, Opposing Views, ProQuest, etc.

· Type your argument topic in the search box and find the articles that will help you support your argument.

· Be sure to read the information closely, and document the part that you want to use to support your position.

· Summarize, evaluate and reflect on each of the sources that you select to support your argument.

6. Follow the structure below for your fact argument.

Introduction

Attention-getting device

Introduction of the topic

Explanation of why this topic is significant

Description of the issue – both sides of the argument

Claim statement – Establishes the position the writer takes – p. 314

Argumentative thesis – States the reasons the writer takes the

position

Body

Reason #1 – Topic sentence (Each reason might include two-three paragraphs.) – p. 314

Repeat the topic sentence and introduce the proof.

Proof – evidence in the form of quotes, statistics, case studies, expert opinions

that support the reason and the thesis. – p. 317

Reason #2 – Topic sentence

Repeat the topic sentence and introduce the proof.

Proof – evidence in the form of quotes, statistics, case studies, expert opinions that support the reason and the thesis.

Opposing View – Topic sentence that introduces the opposing view. (You may also place the opposing argument after the introduction.)

· Summarize the opposing view

· Explain the logical aspects of the opposing view

· Explain the weak aspects of the opposing view

Reason #3 – Topic sentence states the most important reason in the essay. (It should be the longest section.)

Repeat the topic sentence and introduce the proof.

Proof – evidence in the form of quotes, statistics, case studies, expert opinions that support the reason and the thesis.

Conclusion – Topic sentence should refer back to the attention-getting device.

Establish a final point that proceeds from your discussion, or predict what

will happen if your position is not considered.

Include a final “memorable” statement.

7. Begin writing your essay. Be sure it follows MLA citation. That includes in-text citation and a works cited page at the end of the essay.

Part 3

8. Revise the rough draft by checking a partner’s:

· Essay structure ____

· Introduction ______

· Thesis ______

· Logic of reasons ______

· Quality and sufficiency of evidence _________

· Paragraph structure ______

· Sentence structure _____

· Word choice ______

· Documentation ________ (in-text & works cited)

9. Edit and proofread the second draft by checking:

· Spelling ____

· Punctuation _____

· Verb tense _____

· Comma Splice _______ Run-on _______ Sentence fragment _____

10. Proofread for:

· Word omissions

· Typos

· Grammar

· Format

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative research processes.

· Three (3) sources to support your argument

· Peer Review – Rough Draft

· Conference Session With Professor – March 20th

2. Develop ideas and synthesize primary and secondary sources within focused

academic arguments, including one or more research-based essays.

· Write a fact argument on a limited debatable topic.

· Use logical evidence to support your argument

3. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts for the ethical and logical uses

of evidence.

· Select evidence that will assist you in support your argument.

· Explain how the evidence supports your argument.

4. Write in a style that clearly communicates meaning, builds credibility, and

inspires belief or action.

· Review the guidelines for essay structure, paragraph structure, sentence structure and word choice.

· Review guidelines for grammar, including, spelling, verb tense, punctuation, comma splice, run-on and sentence fragments.

Rubric: This ain’t it B A

Criteria Barely Attempted Proficiently Attempted Refined Attempt

1.Length: (5 pts) 3 ½ pgs. - 4 pgs. 2.Thesis and Roadmap: (5 pts) Argument’s Quality, Complexity, and Depth of Support for Thesis: (30 pts) 3.Acknowledging Different Perspectives/Evidence: (10 pts) 4.Attribute and Explain Use of Each Source: (10 pts) (continued below) 5. Overall Structure: (20 pts): Logical, Easy to Follow, In-text Citation, and Works Cited 6. Grammar/Voice: (20 points)

0-2 points 0-2 points 0-14 points 0-3 points 0-3 points 0-6 points 0-6 points

3-4 points 3-4 points 15- 26 points 4-9 points 4-9 points 7-14 points 7-14 points

5 pts 5 points 27-30 points 10 points 10 points 15-20 points 15-20 points