Essay

Ms. C. Badeaux ENGL 101-C5 and 104-A Fall 2017

Instructions for Essay V: Argument

Essay V will take a different look at the topic you explored in Essay IV. More than being a thorough revision, the Argument essay will intentionally examine Counter Argument. You will still use the source I provided for Essay IV, plus you may keep your original thesis and some examples, but you may find that you change your position on a topic when you have more carefully researched and considered another point of view. Just be sure that the sources you use are ONLY the types you are instructed to use and that your essay is clearly focused on your thesis so that your position is clear. Use the basic organization we discussed in class, with the intro setting the stage for your thesis, the first body section addressing the counter argument, then the majority of body sections addressing (and supporting) your thesis/position. Your new essay may replace some of your old examples with some of your new research material, if appropriate, or you can smoothly connect them. This essay is due at the start of class on Friday 17 November 2017 (before Thanksgiving Break). No late papers will be accepted.

Basic requirements for this paper are the same as for previous papers (regarding MLA format, Works Cited page, thoroughly marked rough drafts, source printouts marked to show which sections you used, and all materials assembled in your folder as per instructions on Moodle). However, note that the source requirements have increased and that you should be working on longer-length papers in anticipation of English 102 standards.

· Sources: You must use at least two SCHOLARLY journals (must come from MSU Library journals database!). This includes the source you already used in Essay IV. One of these sources should focus on the counter argument, or a different way of looking at your topic. You must also use one primary source, which can either be a personal interview with someone of your choice or you may use the information from the librarians who will visit our class. I will show you how to cite their presentation, but not the personal interviews (you were shown how to do this for Essay I. See your notes). Remember to submit permission forms and interview notes if you choose this option. If you use the library visit, you don’t need the permission form, but you must still turn in your notes. In your essay, you must use at least one quote and at least one paraphrase (you may use more paraphrases, but avoid using more than two quotes). Be sure to paraphrase thoroughly and to cite sources within the essay as well as on the Works Cited page, which must be included as part of the document and submitted on Moodle. You must use each of these sources.

· No outside help is allowed except for the Write to Excellence Center. You are allowed a one-time extra 5 points credit if you work with a tutor there and have the tutor stamp and sign your rough draft. This will not be credited to late papers, though. You may visit the writing center as often as you wish, but not in place of class attendance (and the 5 points, again, is only granted once). Make your appointments right away to ensure a reservation!

· For this essay, your thoroughly marked-up rough draft may be your typed copy of Essay IV – not the copy I already graded, but your own saved copy). Do not submit it as is: proofread it and mark where you are adding material, correcting grammar, etc., then type a new draft and read and mark corrections on that one as well. Take the opportunity to improve the things you wish you would have addressed in Essay IV (stronger thesis, solid conclusions, smooth connections/transitions, mixed sentence structures, etc.). Simply fixing commas and spelling mistakes is not a thorough revision and is not worthy of an entire, new essay grade. These are good things to fix, but work on ideas and organization first. Add more specific examples, analyze them, etc. Incorporate sources logically.

· Do not forget to submit the exact same final draft (including Works Cited) to Moodle. ALL essay must be on Moodle, in addition to being submitted as hard copies. Late work is not accepted after the last week of classes, if at all. Please see your syllabus and see me if you have questions regarding policy.

· Failure to follow instructions may result in a 0, with no opportunity for revision. At this point in the semester, not following instructions, particularly for things that have been part of the instructions all semester long, is inexcusable. Please read over these instructions carefully before submitting essay and all required materials.

This should feel like a fresh, new paper for me to read, and should feel interesting for you to research more on. This helps prepare you for research papers in English 102 and in your particular disciplines.