argumentative essay

Essay 4 - Argumentative Essay

Overview:

In the previous essays, we have relied primarily on our own experience and observations to analyze literacy and discourse. For this essay, you are to expand on a previous essay by demonstrating how it contributes to on-going discussions. In a 6-7 page essay, present an original argument and position that argument in relation to those of secondary sources.

Purposes:

- Learn to develop complex argument - Learn to situate your ideas in relation to an existing discussion - Learn to evaluate secondary sources - Learn to interpret quantitative data

Requirements: - 6-7 pages; double-spaced - 12-point Times New Roman, one-inch margins - Standard citation style - At least 3 secondary sources cited, 1 of which is academic

Evaluative criteria:

- Demonstrates understanding of audience and is strategically written for that audience - Makes an original, complex, and arguable claim about the issue - Shows understanding of existing discussion of topic and positions claims in relation to that argument - Makes clear the stakes of the argument, that is, why it matters - Summarizes, quotes, or paraphrases multiple sources in support of goal - Uses clear organizational strategy that develops primary claim through evidence and minor claims - Provides effective transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and sections - Demonstrates effective quantitative reasoning

First draft due December 4 Final draft due December 7