Proposal

Final Paper: Writing What Matters to You

For the past three essays, you should have become well versed in the forms of narrative, argument, and analysis. All three are powerful ways by which we can articulate our thoughts and affect those around us. Up until this point, you have been restricted by my rules. At this time, I give the reins back to you. All of you care about something. Others around you probably share a similar passion. For your final essay, you will choose one of the three forms which we have used, and write a new essay on the topic of your choice. There are multiple parts to this ultimate assignment.

Part I

Proposal: Before you write your essay, you will turn in a proposal . For your proposal, you will write a short explanation (500 words) which explains the following:

1) Which of the three essay options you chose and why.

2) The topic you chose, the reason you chose it, and your personal connection to it. (For the creative and analytical options, this will include a brief explanation of the creative/pop-culture piece as well as the social issue it will address.)

3) Your chosen specific audience and how your paper will be relevant to that audience.

4) Your tentative thesis.

This assignment is designed to get you started on your final essay, but also to give you a chance to run your topic by me before you have to devote an entire essay to it. You should be confident about what you write in your proposal, but you are not completely committed to following it word for word in case you change your mind. Also, this is a chance for me to offer feedback on your choices before you have to write an entire essay on your topic. This is not an essay; rather, it is meant to summarize the major aspects of your paper. Your proposal is due for peer review on _______________. A final draft of your proposal is due on ________________. (15% of total points)

Annotated Bibliography: An annotated bibliography identifies the research for your essay. It follows the format of a Works Cited page with a brief annotation (summary) of each of your sources and its significance to your argument. This last part is key since students tend to "pad" their annotated bibliography with sources that are not applicable to their essay's point of view. You must cite five (5) sources on your annotated bibliography.

If you choose the creative assignment, there is a separate assignment attached to it that takes the place of this assignment. Refer to the prompt. The annotation bibliography is due on ________________. (20% of total points)

Outline: An outline of the structure of your essay will be due ​​​​​​_____________. (15% of total points)

Part II

For your final essay, you will choose from one of the following prompts—each with its own unique characteristics. Because you now have practice in all three forms, you may choose

Essay 4: Option 2—Argumentation

The second essay you wrote in class was designed to take on a topic directly through argumentation. If you choose this option, you will construct an essay to argue a position on a social issue that is important to you, designed to persuade a specific audience. You may NOT write an essay on the following topics such as positive or negative arguments concerning global warming, abortion, capital punishment, same-sex marriage, tobacco, the national/state drinking age, or the legalization of drugs. For the scope of this paper, these issues are very broad, and would require a considerable amount of research to be done justice in a five-page essay.

You should have some personal connection to the topic, and you must explain how you are directly tied to it through your career goal, your personal experience, or the experience of someone close to you. (For instance, if you are making an argument against the War on Terror, you must express some connection, i.e. plans to join the military, or a brother stationed in Afghanistan, in order to justify your own Ethos in the argument).

Rules and Regulations for the Argumentative Option:

· Each final draft should reach a minimum of five (5) pages.

· All essays must address a topic with a suitable scope for a short academic paper. If you are unsure if your topic/scope is suitable, come to me and I will let you know. Additionally, I might suggest you narrow your scope after I have read your proposal.

· Each essay should try to incorporate the concepts of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos as part of the overall argument.

· Each essay must make reference to at least three (3) outside sources. All sources must be credible, relevant, and cited correctly both in-text and in a correctly formatted Works Cited page.

· All essays must include at least two (2) counterarguments—that is, two points from the opposite side(s) of the argument along with your rebuttals.

· All essays must be typed, in MLA format, with a corresponding Works Cited page.

· The essay is not a narrative. Though personal and first-hand examples are acceptable, they should not take the place of outside sources. Use of first person words, such as “I,” “me,” or “my,” is acceptable, but should be used sparingly.

· Avoid using the word “you” at all costs unless you are addressing your reader DIRECTLY. Do not use it to describe people “in general.”