ENG 101

WCC ENG 101

Fall 2021

Writing Project #3: Position Argument Essay

Argument - “A writing genre and strategy that uses reasons and evidence to support a claim or

position and, sometimes, to persuade an audience to accept that position.”

Writing Prompt -

For this writing project, you will compose a research-based essay that argues a position.

This essay will be founded upon both “Multitasking Can Make You Lose…Um…Focus” (779-

783) from your Norton Field Guide textbook and “Taking on Multitasking” (60-63) that is

posted under module “Writing Project #3.” In addition to these two assigned research sources,

this essay will also rely upon your own ideas, insights, and experiences. You will let your own

interests shape your choice of topic, main points, and arguable position. For this assignment, no

other outside sources will be consulted. In order to write an essay that successfully argues a

position, you will need to carefully read and interpret the two assigned research sources. You

will rely on the assigned research sources, as well as your own unique ideas, insights, and

experiences to support your arguable position with good reasons and convincing evidence. In this

way, you will join an ongoing conversation about multitasking.

Selections from this course’s textbooks, assigned homework, in-class discussions, peer

response, and in-class writing workshops will facilitate and assist your writing process. This

essay is expected to incorporate MLA format for all in-text citations and provide an MLA style

works cited page.

This essay should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced with 1-

inch margins, and a minimum of 3 full pages in length (not counting the works cited page).

Writing Project #3 Requirements:

o A full initial draft must be submitted/uploaded on Canvas as a Microsoft Word document

by end of day on Sunday 11/14.

o You will then thoroughly revise and improve upon your initial draft in order to complete

a polished final draft. Your final draft is expected to be substantially improved from your

initial draft.

o Your final draft must be submitted/uploaded on Canvas as a Microsoft Word document

by end of day on Sunday 11/21.

WCC ENG 101

Fall 2021

Writing Project #3: Position Argument Essay

Evaluation Criteria

*Consult this evaluation criteria as you compose, revise, and complete your essay.

Assignment Guidelines

Essay meets all assignment guidelines.

Assignment’s Purpose

A research-based essay that argues and supports a position with good reasons and convincing

evidence. In addition to your assigned research sources, this essay will also rely upon your own

ideas, insights, and experiences in order to join an ongoing conversation.

Introduction & Conclusion

Introduction and conclusion are precise and appropriate in length. Introduction presents the

topic and purpose of the essay. Conclusion draws the essay to a satisfying close.

Clear Main Points

Main points are clearly stated.

Supported Main Points

Each main point is fully supported through good reasons, convincing evidence, and explanation.

Paragraph Composition

Each unique point is developed in its own body paragraph. Body paragraphs have topic

sentences. Each paragraph is well developed and united by its own distinct purpose.

Focus & Organization

Essay stays on topic and maintains a controlled focus. Carefully ordered paragraphs draw

connections between sources and establish an easy to follow train of thought.

Grammar & Mechanics

A highly readable piece of academic writing that utilizes accurate spelling, grammar, and

sentence construction.

In-text Citations

In-text citations are accurately and effectively formatted in MLA style. Weave direct quotes into

your sentences. Follow up each quotation with further explanation of the meaning/significance of

the quote.

Works Cited Page

Essay includes a flawless MLA style works cited page. Works cited page should be double-

spaced and list the works cited entries in alphabetical order by author’s last name.