Rogerian

AEH Division 1

ENGL 1213: Composition II Value: 250 points

Essay 2: Rogerian Argument

Purpose The purpose of Essay 2 is to construct a Rogerian Argument. Students will use research skills and rhetorical analysis to investigate conflicting viewpoints on an issue with state or national impact. By addressing conflicting viewpoints fairly, accurately, and empathetically, the result of a Rogerian argument is a compromise- based solution that reduces the conflict and resolves at least part of the issue. Rogerian argument skills can be used in academic writing, interpersonal communications, and professional environments.

Requirements The essay should include the following:

• MLA Format • 4-5 pages (double spaced), not including the Works Cited page • In-text citations in the body of the essay • Works Cited page with your credible sources • Minimum of 4 sources

Tasks To complete this assignment, you should:

• Utilize Invention Techniques: Before writing the essay, begin identifying your issue through a

series of invention techniques, including but not limited to the following: brainstorming, listing, clustering, questioning, and conducting preliminary research.

• Plan and organize your essay: After the invention process, it is important to begin planning the organizational pattern for the essay. Planning includes gathering and evaluating sources, identifying your thesis, establishing main ideas (or topic sentences) for each paragraph, supporting each paragraph with appropriate evidence, and creating ideas for the introductory and concluding paragraphs. Follow the Method of Organization provided above.

• Draft and revise your essay: Once you have completed the planning process, write a rough draft of your essay. Next, take steps necessary to improve, polish, and revise your draft before turning it in for a final grade. The revision process includes developing ideas, ensuring the thesis statement

Grades for this Essay

25% Of the overall grade for the course

Identify your issue using invention

techniques

Gather and evaluate sources

that represent both sides of the issue

Establish a thesis and academic level

paragraphs

Write a rough draft and complete

revision exercises

Submit a polished, academic level

essay.

AEH Division 2

connects to the main ideas of each paragraph, taking account of your evidence and supporting details, checking for proper use of MLA citation style, reviewing source integration, avoiding plagiarism, and proofreading for formatting and grammatical errors.

• Submit a polished, academic level essay. • Grades for this Essay: 250 points; 25% of the overall grade for the course

Method of Organization for the Assignment • An introduction paragraph that provides history and context for the issue and provides an overview

of the controversy surrounding it. • A body paragraph that accurately and objectively explains the viewpoint of Side A. • A body paragraph that empathetically validates strong aspects of the viewpoint of Side A. • A body paragraph that accurately and objectively explains the viewpoint of Side B. • A body paragraph that fairly explains the validity and preferability of Side B. • One or more body paragraphs to achieve the following: concede the imperfection of Side B; identify

aspect(s) of Side B that benefit both sides; propose a productive and feasible compromise based on common goals or values.

• A conclusion paragraph that concisely reviews the strongest points of both sides, identifies common goals and/or values, and reminds both sides that the proposed compromise satisfies at least part of the common goal.

Writing Prompt & Rhetorical Situation Use the same topic you wrote about for your Classical Argument Essay. With an objective mindset, your assignment is to consider the goals and values of at least two viewpoints on the topic by conducting further research. Your research should focus on the state- or national-level impact of the issue. This activity will help you develop a holistic understanding of the issue and the source of the conflict between viewpoints. Your goal in the essay is to objectively describe multiple viewpoints on the topic, then to present a feasible solution or compromise that helps to reduce the conflict and moves towards a resolution of the issue. Be sure to follow the Method of Organization shown above.

Criteria for Success

A summary of the grading criteria for this assignment are as follows. For detailed criteria, see the assignment rubric.

Category Description Points Mechanics Students will communicate using academic language and conventions of

Standard American English. 30

Formatting Students will format an essay utilizing MLA style formatting. 15 Works Cited Students will create a works cited page utilizing MLA style guidelines. 15 In-text Citations Students will utilize MLA style citations and format. 15 Critical Thinking Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically: to analyze,

critique and draw reasoned conclusions. 35

Integrate Evidence Students will gather and integrate credible evidence from a variety of sources.

30

Organization Students will present information in a unified and coherent manner. 40 Content and Analysis

Students will write an essay that responds to all parts of the prompt. 45

Total 250 pts.