asssignment due Monday 9/11 CATHERINE OWENS

ENGL 101

Essay 1 Thesis/Outline Instructions and Checklist

Proposal Argument

In preparation for Essay 1 and by completing your textbook readings, you will be equipped to respond by objectively compiling information from a variety of sources to compose an essay that understands and practices reading, writing, and rhetoric within the context of a biblical worldview; applies methods of sound reasoning; produces well-structured essays; integrates sources accurately and effectively; writes with clarity; recognizes standard usage in English grammar, word choice (diction), phraseology, and sentence structure; and applies knowledge of sentence structure to basic sentence editing and revision (Syllabus MLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G and Module/Week 3 LOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

Assignment

In Module/Week 2, you must write a thesis statement and outline for the proposal argument essay that you will write in the next module/week.

Develop an outline for your proposal argument essay that includes a clear thesis statement and a plan of support. Be sure to include all parts identified in “Structuring a Proposal Argument” found on page 561 in your Practical Argument textbook. In addition, include a minimum of 4 quotations, summaries, and/or paraphrases from the readings on pages 569–585 to support your thesis statement and provide opposing arguments. Be sure to document your sources correctly according to your documentation style (current APA, MLA, or Turabian). You may include biblical support in addition to the support from the textbook readings.

Proposal Essay Prompt

Write a proposal argument about what the government should do to relieve the student-loan burden. Use the readings on pages 569–585 to support your thesis statement and provide opposing viewpoints. Be sure to integrate a total of at least 4 quotations, summaries and/or paraphrases from the readings. Be sure to document your sources correctly according to your documentation style (APA, MLA, or Turabian). You may include biblical support in addition to the support from the textbook readings.

Helpful Hints

Review the problem-solving strategies on page 553.

Review the template for writing a proposal argument (paragraph on page 586) to help you plan and organize your ideas.

Review the Outline Suggestions and Proofreading Checklist (below) and the Proposal Argument Outline rubric before submitting your thesis/outline in Blackboard.

Outline Suggestions

One of the most common difficulties you will experience while writing a paper is organization. After you have generated some ideas for your essay, you will want to create an outline. Use this information to create an outline for each of your essays before you write your initial draft. Remember that outlines are subject to change as the ideas in your essays evolve. Simply use the outline as a way to get you started.

Outlines will vary depending on the exact goal of the piece, but every outline should contain the following elements:

I. Introduction

A. Interest-catcher that relates to your thesis

B. Sentence that connects your interest-catcher to your thesis

C. Your thesis, which identifies the topic and reveals the central claim you are making about the issue

D. Overview of your main points (optional)

II. Several Body Paragraphs with Main Supporting Points (Remember that these should support the claim you have made in your thesis.)

A. Topic sentence introducing the focus of the paragraph in some clear way

B. Specific example(s), facts(s), etc. that support your point. Use properly cited quotes, paraphrases, or summaries.

C. Your explanation and analysis of example(s) (Avoid 1st and 2nd person pronoun usage)

D. Summative sentence

Please note: Remember to provide transitions for your reader.

III. Body Paragraphs Discussing Opposition (This could also be addressed before your supporting points. There are other possibilities for organization, but it takes great care to make the flow of thoughts understandable to the reader, so we will just start with these.)

A. Topic sentence identifying opposing viewpoint

B. Explanation as to why you disagree (Avoid 1st and 2nd person pronoun usage)

C. Examples, facts, etc. that support your reason for disagreement

D. Summative sentence

E. Remember transitions into the next paragraph.

IV. Conclusion

A. Sums up what you talked about in your body paragraphs

B. Reiterates your thesis in different words

C. Drives home any final thoughts or call for action

Remember that this is just a rough guide, not a strict formula.

Outline Proofreading Checklist

Part 1

Read through your outline and check the appropriate boxes on the chart below. If any area of your outline needs revision, make sure you correct it before submitting your assignment. Taking the time to construct a complete and thorough outline will help you save time when you write the actual essay.

Reading & Study Application	Successful	Needs Revision
1. Thesis statement: Clearly states your proposal argument.
2. Evidence in support of the solution: Presents support for the proposed solution. Integrates a total of at least 4 quotes, summaries, and/or paraphrases from the reading assignments.
3. Opposing argument(s): Presents viewpoints opposing your thesis argument.
4. Refutation of opposing arguments: Addresses objections to the proposal.
5. Conclusion: Reinforces the main point of the proposal; includes a strong concluding statement.
6. Contains pathos (emotional) appeals, (values/belief) appeals, and/or logos (factual) appeals as appropriate.
7. Title reflects issue and proposal information.
8. Uses only third person pronouns (all first and second person pronouns have been removed).
9. If using current APA format, contains properly formatted, title, abstract, and References page. If using current MLA format, contains a properly formatted Works Cited page. If using current Turabian format, contains a properly formatted title page and Bibliography page.
10. Double-spaced.
11. Font is 12-point Times New Roman.
12. References/Works Cited/ Bibliography page includes all sources cited within the body of the outline.
13. Checked spelling, grammar/mechanics.

Part 2

When you are satisfied with the quality of your outline, post it to Blackboard via the submission link in Module/Week 2 for grading. Do not forget to write your degree program and whether you are using current MLA, APA, or Turabian on the title page and in the “Submission Title” field when submitting your paper.

Submit your Essay 1 Thesis/Outline by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 2.

Page 1 of 3