english

For Unit 4, you will read "Is Social Media Good or Bad for Democracy?" by Cas Sunstein and then write a multi-paragraph argument essay that takes a stance on whether social media promotes or destroys democracy. You will NOT simply discuss the pros and cons of social media in our society. You will take a side and then support that stance with examples from the text and your own observations. 

Writing Assignment

· An introduction paragraph that opens with an attention grabber, follows with context, and concludes with a well-developed thesis sentence (Thesis statement = claim + reasons)

· Body paragraphs that elaborate on the reasons listed in the thesis. You should have at least two reasons for viewing social media as beneficial or harmful, which means you should have at least two body paragraphs. However, your thesis will determine how many body paragraphs you will have, if you opt to use more than two reasons.

· Use the MEAL plan to build the body paragraphs:

Main Idea Evidence Analysis Lead-out

· Conclusion paragraph that offers a call to action or a prediction

This assignment requires that you take a side on the issue. You cannot stand in the middle and discuss the pros and cons on the issue.

INTRODUCTION –

Provide background information and introduce main source if applicable

Generate interest in the topic for the reader

THESIS – a roadmap for the reader that includes your topic, stance, and all main points.

BODY –

Focus on one idea per paragraph

M – topic sentence that states a claim and includes one of your main ideas.

E – examples and evidence that support the claim you make

A – Analysis that shows HOW or WHY your examples supports your claim, provides further details to illustrate the point.

L – Link or concluding sentence that relates back to the main idea or thesis.

CONCLUSION –

Summarizes your main points

Provides a hint at the overall significance of your topic/stance

Answers the question “so what?” Why does this matter?