english writing

aragraph 1: summarize the main ideas from the primary text King's "I Have a Dream"

Paragraph 2: connect the primary text from our readings to your general topic and explain your argument about the general topic. (for example: the prevalence of racial tension still existing today) (This is your thesis paragraph)

Paragraph 3: State the opposition to the argument you are making: “While x may seem to be the logical argument, many authors suggest the opposite” Include research on the opposite point of view (for example: The Civil Rights movement did a lot to ameliorate racial prejudice and discrimination).

Paragraphs 4, 5, and 6: Prove that the arguments stated in Paragraph 3 are incorrect: (For example: Discrimination is still very prevalent, perhaps even as prevalent as in the 1960s in places).

Conclusion: Connect the main argument back to the position that the primary text offered: For example:. If you’re doing racial profiling, you need to connect that back to King’s ideas in “I Have a Dream” or "Letter" and then you need to offer possible solutions to the problem you presented.

● The paper should provide strong research, include quotes (both short ones that are integrated into your sentences, and longer ones that are blocked), and analysis of your quotes. You should also make proper use of summary and paraphrase.

Thesis Paragraph and Arguments:

Remember ALL ARGUMENTS must present a position, and all positions are debatable, so you will need to take into account both sides of the argument in order to account for why your position is the correct position

For all body paragraphs: Use ONE source per paragraph.

ESSAY STRUCTURE: Paragraph 1: Summarize the primary text in relation to the argument you are making. Include full name and title of the work you are summarizing. Focus on what is relevant, rather than summarizing everything in the text. Do not use quotes in this paragraph.

Paragraph 2:

● Topic sentence: provides a transition between the primary text summary in paragraph one and the introduction of your argument for the research paper.

For example: Although the Civil Rights movement which King motivated eradicated segregation, discrimination against African Americans still exists and in recent years has become more pronounced.

● Then develop the main points of your argument. (Before you write this, you will need to complete the majority of your research and know what the focus of each paragraph will be)

● Last sentence: Address a possible solution to the problem you are researching.

Paragraph 3: Counterpoint:

--Present the argument of your first counterpoint as topic sentence. (For example: Although in places like Ferguson, racial tension between African Americans and Whites certainly has increased, in many other places there has been a decrease in violence caused by discrimination and racial prejudice).

--Then develop the argument of the topic sentence for 2-3 more sentences.

--Introduce Source 1, author’s first name and last, and article title and present the main argument of the text as it relates to the main argument of this paragraph.

--Develop the text’s main argument for 2- 3 more sentences.

--Provide context (info) for the quote

--Introduce a quote, using a signal phrase

--Provide the quote, following MLA guidelines (see Handbook if unclear, or library website on integrated source material).

--Analyze the quote, focusing on the language of the quote and relating the analysis back to the main argument of the paragraph.

Paragraph 4: Now you are getting to your own main arguments:

--Topic sentence should contradict the general counterargument made in paragraph 3.

--Develop how the counterarguments are incorrect for 2-3 more sentences

--Present the argument of the paragraph and develop for 2-3 more sentences.

--Introduce Source 2, author’s first name and last, and article title and present the main argument of the text as it relates to the main argument of this paragraph.

--Develop the text’s main argument for 2- 3 more sentences.

--Provide context (info) for the quote

--Introduce a quote, using a signal phrase

--Provide the quote, following MLA guidelines (see Handbook if unclear, or library website on integrated source material).

--Analyze the quote, focusing on the language of the quote and relating the analysis back to the main argument of the paragraph.

Paragraphs 5 and 6:

--Topic sentence should transition from the main argument of paragraph 5 to the main argument of paragraph 6

--Then develop the argument of the topic sentence for 2-3 more sentences.

--Introduce source: author’s first name and last, and article title and present the main argument of the text as it relates to the main argument of this paragraph.

--Develop the text’s main argument for 2- 3 more sentences.

--Provide context (info) for the quote

--Introduce a quote, using a signal phrase

--Provide the quote, following MLA guidelines (see Handbook if unclear, or library website on integrated source material).

--Analyze the quote, focusing on the language of the quote and relating the analysis back to the main argument of the paragraph.

CONCLUSION:

---Do not say “In Conclusion”

--Wrap up your main arguments of the paper. Do not address the counterpoints. You’ve already shown why those are faulty/incorrect.

--If your paper presented a problem, then at the end of your conclusion gesture forward to possible solutions.