two Assignments

Academic Structure for the Frist Draft of the Presentation Argument Essay

I. INTRODUCTION (1-2 paragraphs of 1-1.5 pages following MLA format–a paragraph = 2/3 or less of a page)

A. Hook-attention getter –without telling the reader your topic, do one of the following:

1. Question —use of “you” is OK—Did you know…? How would you feel…?

Example: Did you know that only 12% of CSUEB graduates have degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics? (Paper’s topic will be about if CSUEB should eliminate the Music Department.)

2. Anecdote —a brief scenario (story) that makes the reader curious about what the topic is.

Example: John came to CSUEB believing that a quarter system school would enable him to graduate quickly. It has been 5 years and John still needs 8 units for a degree. (Paper topic will be about changing CSUEB to semester system.)

3. Direct Quotation or Factual (statistical) information —from an expert, or well known, or respected person or group.

Example: President John F. Kennedy told the country ion his 1961 inauguration address, “Ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country.” (Paper topic will about if Obama care should be repealed.)

B. Background —overview of the subject and the topic of the argument.

1. Subject —present information that you think the reader needs to know about the subject, such as:

a. Definition —Example: Capital punishment is the legal killing of a person convicted of a specific crime.

b. History —Example: In 1961, President John F. Kennedy promised the country that America would have a man on the moon before 1970.

c. Current condition, status, situation –Example: Presently, CSUEB has a commitment to improve the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics experiences of students.

2. Argument —present your paper’s topic focus.

a. Controversy —clearly state what the disagreement is.

Example: Although in most of the United States the legal age for drinking alcohol is 21, there are some states where 18 year olds can drink.

b. Various standpoints (views) about the controversy –without presenting any reasons.

Example: Some believe that CSUEB should have a language requirement for a degree, while others think language should only be an option. Still others feel that certain majors should require language.

3. Thesis —present the why (purpose) and the how (method) of your essay.

Example: Analyzing the different positions about vegetarianism will determine their validity.

NOTE: “YOU” AND “I” may be used in the introduction EXCEPT in the Thesis.

II. BODY (2-4 paragraphs of 1-2 pages)

A. Present the position and one reason –include the citation for the source.

1. Identify who has the opinion –include some information about the person, group, and location of the source.

Example: George Jones, a childhood psychologist, claims in The Journal of Childhood Behavior (online), a professionally respected magazine, that violent cartoon shows develop in young children a lack of caring for other people.(citation)

2. State the first reason that the writer presents.

Example: Wilson attempts to validate her position by first stating that the death rate of car accidents would be much lower if the license age was increased to 21.

B. Analyze the audience appeals found in the reason –you may find only one or more than one.

1. Explain what the appeal is and how the writer uses it.

Example: Baxter wants the reader to accept the morality of this reason by implying that fairness is part of American ethic\al behavior.

2. Evaluate the success and relevance of the appeal used.

Example: Johnson and Wayne’s listing of statistics does not work well for an issue that mostly causes emotional reactions in people. Some things must be done because they are right: to do, not because the numbers say to do it.

3. Present your result of the analysis of the reason.

Example: The reason detailed by Dr. Wasserman effectively interests the audience (reader) by strongly supporting his standpoint; thereby, adding a high level of validity to his argument.

The above BODY direction is for ONE reason only. Each reason given by the writer should be examined in the same way. For the FIRIST DRAFT, you are to do ONLY ONE REASON. After a review, you will continue in the SECOND DRAFT with the remaining reasons. In your development, BE SURE to use CITATIONS appropriately. For the FIRST DRAFT, you are NOT TO DO a CONCLUSION.