Debatable Government Related Topic Essay
ESSAY ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY: Write an argumentative essay of approximately 4-5 PAGES, 1500 words minim, which demonstrates classical argument form (introduction, arguments, opposing views, refutations, and conclusion) concerning a debatable topic relating to the government—any actual government, past or present. Essays must utilize 5 research sources (from 5 different websites) which must be documented in MLA 8TH EDITION format (in-text citations and Works Cited page) . Students must find and use 5 of their own sources—not rely only on sources listed in syllabus. Sources must be underlined in essay and Works Cited to ensure they are complete (See #27 and #28 in Checklist). (See paragraph model in syllabus)
CHECKLIST
Format: (See guidelines for submitting Turnitin copies in syllabus)
_______ 1) Typed, double-space in 12 pt font, and was submitted to Turnitin as a Word Document
_______ 2) Hard-copy Turnitin scan of essay is submitted here, including match pages at the end
_______ 3) Two sentences (bare minimum) in each paragraph must not be quotes or paraphrases
_______ 4) Sufficient length (should be 1500 words minimum)
Structure and Focus :
________5)Introduction/Hook is effective
________6)Thesis clearly states argumentative position relating to government with sufficient clarity/focus
________7) Topic sentences in body paragraphs indicate specific arguments or opposing views
________8A) Conclusion is sufficient and effective - reiterates argumentative position, has final perspective
________8B) Classical Argument Form is utilized, effective, and LOGICAL
________8C) Sufficient Arguments utilized – typically 5-7
________8D) Sufficient opposing views/refutations utilized – typically 2-3
________8E) Research Sources used when necessary (Essay doesn’t rely on unsupported statements)
Development:
________9) Specific paragraphs (each paragraph should be less than 2/3 of page max)
(Indent paragraphs, don’t skip lines between them)
_______ 10) Paragraphs are clear, distinct, and focused. Body paragraphs should support specific
arguments, or indicate a particular Opposing View, followed by its refutation
_______ 11A) Details/ Analyses/Supporting sentences are sufficient - support thesis & topic sentences
_______ 11B) Data is logically applied and analyzed to support mini-judgment
_______ 11C) Examples are used when necessary
_______ 11D) Definitions are used to clarify topic when necessary
_______ 12) Focus of Essay is appropriate and does not go off-track or contain unrelated/unnecessary material
_______ 13) Transitions effectively differentiate paragraphs and topics, including transitions to Opposing Views
Usage :
_______ 14) Tense is consistent/logical (should not switch back and forth in appropriately)
_______ 15) Direct Quotes are correctly punctuated (if used)
_______ 16) Dialog - punctuation/structure is clear/correct (if used).
_______ 17) Sentence Structure conforms to grammar of Standard Written English.
_______ 18) Grammar / / Usage / Punctuation is correct and effective
_______ 19) Sentences are clear and logical, well-paced, and avoid needless repetition
_______ 20) Diction (Word choice) is appropriate for subject matter
MLA FORMAT (******See guide in Syllabus******)
________21) Sources are Sufficient - 5 SOURCES FROM 5 DIFFERENT WEBSITES
________22) Source Data is Adequate / Reliable / Current
________23) Correct In-Text Citations (Cite by Author if available, if not by title or short form, etc)
________24) Correct Works Cited List (Hanging indent, article titles in quotes, alphabetical, etc)
_______ 25) Correct Long Quote Format (if more than 4 lines, indent 2 tabs/left justify, cite after period)
________26) Every in-text citation has a corresponding Works Cited entry and vice versa
________27)* Each in-text citation is underlined to prove it has been corresponding Works Cited entry
________28)* Each Works Cited entry is underlined to prove it has a corresponding In-text citation
* Okay to underline #27 and #28 by hand
I certify that I have carefully checked the essay and accurately completed this checklist accordingly.
Student Signature_________________________________________
Hook __________________________________________________________________________________________
Thesis – Should clearly state your position about a debatable topic:
Background/Definitions, if required ____________________________________________________________________
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Argument 1 with Details, Evidence, and Analyses
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Argument 2 with Details, Evidence and Analyses
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Argument 3 with Details, Evidence, and Analyses
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Argument 4 with Details, Evidence, and Analyses
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Argument 5 with Details, Evidence, and Analyses
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__________________________________________________________________________________________Opposing View 1 with Details and Refutation of O.V. 1
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Opposing View 2 with Details and Refutation of O.V. 2
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Opposing View 3 with Details and Refutation of O.V. 3
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CONCLUSION (Restate your position and give final perspective
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