Why college is expensive and if it's worth it by Tyler Curtis and Meija et. al.

COM 101

Brief Persuasive Essay

(20 points, 800 words)

Objective

Students write a brief persuasive essay that utilizes data drawn from the articles read so far in

the course. Integrating facts, both paraphrased and quoted, students support a thesis that

posits an argument about the debate over whether the undergraduate degree is worth the

cost. The relevant course outcomes, which can be found listed in the syllabus, are: 3, 4, 5, 7, 8.

Dominant cognitive processes are analysis and synthesis.

The Task

Write an essay that addresses the subject of the return on investment for completing the

undergraduate degree; that is, a bachelor’s degree, not an advanced degree or professional

degree like a law degree. You must integrate information from the articles that we have read

on the topic. Feel free to use your first essay as a foundation for this assignment. Write this

essay in the third person (no I, no you). You may not utilize research outside of the two articles.

If you do, your essay shall receive a grade of D at 65%. Your audience is a general reader.

Organization

Introduction

Provide your general reader with some context. Some data may help define the situation.

Cite your sources. The introduction should occupy one to two paragraphs.

Thesis

In a well-developed paragraph, define your perspective and foreground your discussion points.

You can agree, disagree, or take a middle or qualified position. Avoid three, easy, superficial

discussion points. A couple well-considered, thoroughly developed arguments will be more

effective.

Discussion

Be sure that the discussion aligns with the content of the thesis. Make your case by integrating

paraphrased content and well-chosen quotations. Multiple paragraphs are needed. Citation and

formatting must adhere to MLA format.

Conclusion

Restate your primary arguments in a single paragraph. The conclusion should reiterate the

tenor of the thesis without using the same phrasing.

Works Cited

Cite your sources using MLA format, including in-text citations. Use of any other format shall

result in a grade of D at 65%.

Guard against:

• Taking on too many topics

• Losing your voice among the quotations—Remember, this is your argument.

COM 101

Brief Persuasive Essay

(20 points, 800 words)

Objective

Students write a brief persuasive essay that utilizes data drawn from the articles read so far in

the course. Integrating facts, both paraphrased and quoted, students support a thesis that

posits an argument about the debate over whether the undergraduate degree is worth the

cost. The relevant course outcomes, which can be found listed in the syllabus, are: 3, 4, 5, 7, 8.

Dominant cognitive processes are analysis and synthesis.

The Task

Write an essay that addresses the subject of the return on investment for completing the

undergraduate degree; that is, a bachelor’s degree, not an advanced degree or professional

degree like a law degree. You must integrate information from the articles that we have read

on the topic. Feel free to use your first essay as a foundation for this assignment. Write this

essay in the third person (no I, no you). You may not utilize research outside of the two articles.

If you do, your essay shall receive a grade of D at 65%. Your audience is a general reader.

Organization

Introduction

Provide your general reader with some context. Some data may help define the situation.

Cite your sources. The introduction should occupy one to two paragraphs.

Thesis

In a well-developed paragraph, define your perspective and foreground your discussion points.

You can agree, disagree, or take a middle or qualified position. Avoid three, easy, superficial

discussion points. A couple well-considered, thoroughly developed arguments will be more

effective.

Discussion

Be sure that the discussion aligns with the content of the thesis. Make your case by integrating

paraphrased content and well-chosen quotations. Multiple paragraphs are needed. Citation and

formatting must adhere to MLA format.

Conclusion

Restate your primary arguments in a single paragraph. The conclusion should reiterate the

tenor of the thesis without using the same phrasing.

Works Cited

Cite your sources using MLA format, including in-text citations. Use of any other format shall

result in a grade of D at 65%.

Guard against:

• Taking on too many topics

• Losing your voice among the quotations—Remember, this is your argument.