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ECE-211-J-WrittenArgument-InitialDraftofCounterargumentandRebuttal-Fall2019v121.docx

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ECE-211: Technical Writing for

Electrical and Computer Engineers Document Template

Valparaiso University

College of Engineering

Assignment J: Written Argument: Initial Draft of Counterargument and Rebuttal

Due: Before the Start of Class, Week of 10/28/2019

I. Instructions: Written Argument Paper

· Topic: argue one side on an engineering topic that is of interest to you.

· Audience: electrical and computer engineers.

· Purpose: argue your side of the debate through the use of factual, referenced information and data. You are writing for electrical and computer engineers, and engineers love numbers. You must find data (cost, efficiency, performance metrics, etc.) to support your thesis AND use proper in-text citations to incorporate that data in your argument.

· Length for Assignment J: approximately 1.5-2 pages of 2.0-line spaced text. Figures must be included in-line with the text.

· Font: 12 point, Times New Roman at 2.0-line spacing.

· Margins: 1 inch for Top, Bottom, Left, and Right margins (the “normal” setting in Word).

· Additional requirements for Assignment J: at least two different sources must be cited and referenced using the IEEE formatting style. At least one of your sources must be from peer-reviewed journals, scientific magazines (e.g., Scientific American), books, or other print media.

· Submission: this assignment must be submitted in PDF format to Blackboard and an identical printed copy must be submitted to your instructor before the start of Week 10 classes (week of October 28).

II. You are to write a first draft of ONLY the counterargument and rebuttal sections of your argument paper. Create a strong argument that is presented in an organized manner, supported by strong content and logic, and written well.

Note: In the scope of the entire written argument paper, you will present your 3 sub-arguments. Next, you will describe a counterargument, acknowledging the opposing side to your argument. Following that is the rebuttal, in which you will supply additional support for your argument that is both distinct from your sub-arguments and refutes the counterargument.

III. Additional Information:

Utilize the library! It is an incredible resource for finding references to support your thesis. Nora Belzowski ([email protected], Office #268) is the librarian at the Christopher Center that specifically supports engineering. I strongly recommend that you speak with her regarding your mid-term paper. She can help you find references and even help you integrate them effectively into your text.

Be sure to see your instructor if you have any difficulties locating references and finding data to support your thesis.

I also strongly recommend that you use the resources at the Writing Center (www.valpo.edu/writingcenter). They can offer strategies, questions, and guidance as you prepare your thesis and write your text. They can also proofread your text to find and eliminate grammatical errors.

IV. Value (45 points - Written Argument Assignment Category)

· There is a 20 percent reduction (9 points) on this assignment if the initial submission is not deemed acceptable by the instructor. After notification of an unacceptable submission, you have 3 calendar days to resubmit. An additional 20 percent reduction will occur every 3 calendar days until an acceptable submission is received. The instructor will grade your submission once it is deemed acceptable.

· “Acceptable” on this assignment means:

· You make a good faith effort to implement the organization and content suggestions you received on your outline submission.

· You make a good faith effort to produce a high quality first draft of your argumentative paper.

· You include all required sections in the paper: introduction, three sub-arguments, counter claim and rebuttal, conclusion.

V. Grading Rubric (45 Points Possible)

Your instructor will review your first submission with you in a second writing conference. To receive a grade on this assignment, you must attend the writing conference. Your grade will be based on the rubric shown below.

Formatting (5 Points)

· Is the text of your paper approximately 2 pages of 2.0-line spaced text in 12 point Times New Roman font?

· Are the margins 1” on all sides of the page?

· Are figures and/or tables in-line with the text of your paper and discussed in the text?

· Is the bibliography at the end of your paper after the text?

References (10 Points)

· Did you include IEEE formatted in-text citations for EVERY source utilized in preparing your sub-arguments?

· Is your bibliography complete and in the IEEE formatting style?

· Did you have at least two references?

· Was at least one of your references from a scholarly source (i.e. peer reviewed journals, scientific magazines and/or books)?

Content (30 points)

· Main argument stated at top?

· Did you include a valid counterargument, acknowledging the opposing view to your main argument?

· Is your counterargument sufficiently supported with data, facts, and scholarly sources?

· Is your counterargument thoroughly discussed in sufficient detail to demonstrate consideration of an opposing view?

· Is your rebuttal distinct from your three main sub-arguments?

· Is your rebuttal sufficiently supported with data, facts, and scholarly sources?

· Is your rebuttal thoroughly discussed in sufficient detail to persuade a reader to support your main thesis?

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