Argumentative Essay

Assessment title:

Argumentative Essay

Module Name:

Logic and Critical Thinking

Module Code:

FC310

Tutor’s Name:

Megan Reeves

Assessment will be set in:

Week 15

Assessment is due in:

Week 20

Assessment weighting:

50%

Core Task:

You will be required to write an argumentative essay in response to an essay question. The essay must present a clear argument and a counter-argument. Length of essay is 1000 - 1500 words.

An example question is ‘Should the United States make English the official national language?’ Your tutor will give you the essay subject you should write about.

Structure:

The suggested structure for this assignment is as follows:

The Introduction

· sets the question/topic against a wider background

· clarifies my understanding of the question/ topic

· defines key or problematic terms

· outlines the approach I will be taking to the question/topic

· includes a clear thesis (statement) with an argument included

In the main body of the essay:

· all key points are clearly presented

· the points made are systematically backed up by facts/evidence/examples

· quotations and references to other works are accurately cited

· any diagrams, figures or tables are properly labelled

· different viewpoints and synthesised and analysed

· a counter-argument and a refutation are included

The conclusion:

· brings together/summarises the main points

· links back to the question/topic

· revisits the thesis (statement)

· states clearly logical conclusion(s)

Theory and/or task resources required for the assessment:

You must conduct a secondary research for this assessment finding relevant sources independently. The sources must be relevant to the essay question. You are expected to have a minimum of ten (10) academic sources.

Assessment reference style:

You must include a Harvard style Reference List at the end of your report. A full bibliography is NOT required.

Expected word count:

You are expected to write 1000 - 1500 words following the specific structure outlined above.

The following learning outcomes are assessed in this task:

MLO 1: Define and explain key ideas relating to logic, reasoning and argumentation and apply these in debating hypothetical and real-world issues.

MLO 2: Understand, analyse and evaluate arguments in spoken and written texts and identify and explain flaws.

MLO 3: Construct, present and defend an argument in speech and writing.

• You should provide a title page including the following information: module code and title (e.g. FC310 Logic and Critical Thinking), title of assignment, your student number, your tutor’s name, the total number of words and the submission date.

• You must submit a copy to Turnitin (details to be provided separately).

• Each page should have a header with the module code, module title and your student number.

• The line spacing should be double spacing.

• The font type should be Arial or Times New Roman.

• The font size should be 12.

• The pages must be numbered.

Assessments submitted after the submission deadline may incur penalties or may not be accepted.

Your debate will be marked for:

• Content and argument (40%)

• Critical evaluation and use of sources (40%)

• Structure, Coherence and Clarity (10%)

• Presentation and Referencing (10%)

The total number marks available for the Final Argumentative Essay is 100.The rubric is available via the VLE.

Your tutor will mark the assignment and provide you with a written feedback sheet.

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