Assignment 2: Moving from One Instrument to a Symphony Orchestra

2) Reminder about Topic Sentences: Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence. As you know, a topic sentence is the first sentence of each paragraph. It tells readers exactly what you are going to discuss within the paragraph. In this case, your topic sentences should be supporting reasons for your thesis. A simple way to do this is to highlight each topic sentence. Then, look carefully at your thesis: Are the topic sentences really supporting reasons for your thesis statement? If not, how can you revise them?

3) Reminder about Making an Argument Versus Providing Information: Make sure you do not simply provide information. Let me give you an example. Yesterday, my stepson asked to go to the park. I replied, "Give me some good reasons as to why you should go, and I will let you." In other words, make your case. As I listened to him, I realized he was giving me information but not the true crux of the argument. Let me give you some examples:

1) The park was built recently---While this is interesting information, it doesn't hit upon the true argument which is that the equipment is fairly new and, therefore, probably safe. Mom and Dad don't have to worry about rusted out equipment, nails in the park, etc.

2) The park has swings, slides, and a rock wall---Again, this is information. How do we turn this into an argument? The park has all of these things, and he will play on all of them; therefore, he will be very tired when he comes home. A tired child makes for a happy mama :)

3) There will be people at the park---How does this support his argument? He could argue he will be kept busy and not keep coming home every two minutes. He could argue about the intellectual conversations they may have about what they learned in school (ha). He could argue that they will all play together, which will make him even more tired.

Do you see the difference between providing information and actually making an argument? Since you are writing for those who disagree with you, you cannot assume your reader will just see your reasoning and understand. Be sure to fully make connections. You will also want to do this with outside source information. Make sure you always explain it for your reader. How do you want your reader to interpret it? How does it support the point you are trying to make?

4) Grammar: Do not forget that you can utilize Walden’s resources, which include the Writing Center and Grammarly (http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/grammarly)

5) APA formatting: Be sure you have properly used in-text citations and quoted any exact words from outside sources (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/)

6) Counter-arguments: Please remember that you must acknowledge your opponents’ reasoning. What will they say to your argument? How can you respond to their concerns?

7) Conclusion: The conclusion is one of the most important parts of this paper. This is the “so what” moment. Do not just simply repeat what you have already said in the paper. Why should your reader care about your argument? What do you want to leave her thinking about:

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/

8) A Final Checklist of Questions to Ask Yourself :

• Does your paper develop and support your argumentative thesis?

• Have you considered the opinions, attitudes, and values of your audience?

• Have you identified and refuted opposing arguments?

• Have you supported your assertions with evidence?

• Have you established credibility?

• Have you been fair?

• Have you provided the reader with enough background information (but not too much)?

• Have you presented your points clearly and organized them logically?

• Have you written an interesting introduction and a strong conclusion?

• Have you presented your thoughts in a way that the reader is a respected partner rather than a competitor? Have you set forth arguments in the spirit of mutual support and negotiation?

Please see the attached file for further comments on your draft,