Global

Writing Assignment #2 – Argumentative Essay

Prompt

In this module, we talked about several different trends on both a national and global level, including development, migration, urbanization (and more recently, de-urbanization). Which of these do you think presents the greatest challenge, risk, or threat to security and why?

In your written response, make an argument that this is a serious challenge. You can take a national or global perspective, or both (as long as you keep it organized & clear what level of analysis you are talking about at which point). You can use a number of techniques to make your case – you might offer evidence that it has presented new problems we haven’t seen before, or you might consider how existing systems aren’t built to cope with that problem, or you might even imagine what consequences might come from not dealing with the issue properly. Whatever approach you use, make sure you are providing your own analysis, bringing in supporting evidence where necessary.

Outside research is fine, but not required (and don’t overdo it!). Paraphrasing and citing is fine, but keep direct quotes to a minimum.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Format

Your memo should be 12-point Times New Roman, 1” margins, SINGLE spaced. This is an exercise in clear, concise writing, which takes time, but is a very valuable skill for an analyst to have; DO NOT go over the 2-page limit. It should be formatted in accordance with the outline below. Do not use section headers for a brief, argumentative essay like this one (and make sure you delete intro, body, conclusion if you use my template below).

Please note: If you struggle with grammar, syntax, sentence structure, or writing style, please consult the writing center (or ask a trusted person to check it) before submission. Make sure you leave yourself time to review your work (in other words, don’t wait until the day it’s due to write it). Well organized, concise writing takes a lot longer than you think, but this is a critical skill for jobs in the policy arena.

Reference the next page for a template you can use to keep your essay organized. For those of you with a lot of experience in argumentative essay writing, the template will probably be unnecessary, but many of my students find it very useful for articulating their thoughts in an organized way. Keep in mind, the rubric allocates 60 points to structure and clarity of your writing, and 100 to content; however, the two are truly entwined, as content is often obscured by poor organization or writing. Please review & edit your submissions for the 3 C’s (clarity, conciseness, correctness).

Template

Your Name

Class

Professor’s Name

Date

Introduction: Give me the bottom-line up front – What is your primary, one-sentence answer to the question posed in the prompt (Which of these do you think presents the greatest challenge, risk, or threat to security)? The last line of the introductory paragraph should answer that question. You will then construct the rest of your essay around making an argument to support what you said in that single sentence.

Body:

In the first body paragraph, start by stating the first supporting argument to back up the assertion you made at the end of your introductory paragraph (that issue x is the greatest security challenge, or however you chose to phrase it). Then write 3-5 additional sentences to offer support, analysis, argument, evidence, etc. Everything in this paragraph should be in support of this first argument. Do not drift into a new idea yet. Once you have fully supported this argument, you can move onto the next paragraph with a new supporting argument.

In the second body paragraph, start it by stating another supporting argument to back up the assertion you made at the end of your introductory paragraph. Again, offer a paragraph that argues your point using creativity, analysis, argument, evidence, etc. Everything in this paragraph should be in support of this second argument. Keep sticking to one idea = one paragraph.

In the third body paragraph, repeat this exercise. You should have the hang of it by now.

Conclusion: This is more than just a summary; it should be conclusion(s) that stem naturally from your arguments. Don’t reiterate the 3 (or more) arguments you made in the essay – that would be redundant and unnecessary). Instead, think about how they link together and/or back to the big picture. Or, you might think about what the implications of the argument you just made are. What does it mean for the future? Or for policymakers? What might the consequences be if this issue isn’t taken seriously? There are a number of ways you could go with it. The conclusion should make sense and be supported by what you have already said (eg, not out of left field or something that isn’t demonstrated in the essay), but it should be more than a reiteration or summary of the rest.

GSC 512 – Essay Rubric You will be graded on how clearly and concisely you state your case, how well organized and easy to read the memo is, whether you fully addressed the prompt, and whether you make a compelling case that your chosen issue is a serious security problem.
Criteria		Pts
Structure/Organization Essay has a clear structure. Well-organized sentences and paragraphs flow logically from one to the next and are connected into a coherent overall argument. Please see template provided for how to do this well.		30 pts
Writing Clear, concise prose; persuasively written; correct grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice.		30 pts
Content - clearly answers the prompt/question - constructs multi-tiered argument primarily in student’s own words - draws on some ideas or material from the course - makes a compelling case that this is a serious problem or challenge		100 pts
Total Points:  160 pts