Classical Argument Structure

ENG 112 Argument Paper

Spring 2022

Point value: 100

Due date: Rough draft due 2/20

Final draft uploaded to Canvas by 11:59PM 3/8

Assignment: In a 4-page paper, present a clear and arguable position that answers the following question:

Should college students be required to take general education courses?

You should use the classical argument structure for your paper.

Use two or more of the following texts to support/frame your argument:

“General Education in Higher Education” (Unit 1 Preview, Week 1 module)

“Gen Ed Revision Could be Gen Ed Reduction” (Text #1, Week 1 module)

“General Education Has a Bad Rap” (Text #2, Week 2 module)

“The Myth of the Well-Rounded Student” (Text #3, Week 3 module)

Features of Successful Classical Argument Papers (see the Classical Argument handout in Week 4 module for more info)

· Identification of the topic of the paper

· An introduction that captures the reader’s attention and establishes exigence

· A short discussion of the context and/or background surrounding the selected topic

· A focused and qualified claim on your particular topic that announces your position and references the organization of your support

· Reasons HOW or WHY your claim is a valid one

· Convincing evidence to support your claim and reasons, to include:

· Facts

· Statistics

· Examples

· Authorities

· Anecdotes

· Scenarios

· Case studies or observations

· Textual evidence

· At least three direct references to two of the assigned texts to provide context for evidence as detailed above, integrated using a combination of direct quotations, paraphrases, and summaries. Other credible outside sources are permitted but do not take the place of the requirements from the assigned texts.

· An acknowledgement of other viewpoint(s)

· An accommodation of some facet(s) of other viewpoint(s)

· A refutation of other viewpoint(s)

· A conclusion that includes a call to action, a restatement of your thesis, or a statement of implications

Assignment-Specific Requirements:

· 4 pages

· Properly formatted in MLA style

· Academic voice and use of language

· Submitted to Canvas

Grading Criteria:

Introduction, including background and thesis statement – 20 points

Evidence – 40 points

Integration of assigned texts – 20 points

Acknowledgement and address of opposing views – 10 points

Academic voice/proper MLA formatting - 10 points