argument paper and exploratory paper
waikey
revision_of_exploratory_paper.rarRevision of exploratory paper/English 1 Spring 2014 EXPLORATORY FRAMEWORK.doc
FRAMEWORK FOR AN EXPLORATORY PAPER
Point of View: Third person (Do not use “you” or “we” or “I” or “your.”
Title for your paper
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Introduction (5-8 sentences) |
· Begins with a relevant sentence that leads to the thesis statement. It is not some generic or dawn of man opening · Establishes the subject, the issue—framed as a question, the exigence (What happened to cause this argument? Why is it perceived as a defect or problem? Is it new or recurring? The issue, problem, or situation that causes or prompts someone to write or speak). · Presents relevant background information: the types of sources, the perspectives · Ends with the thesis statement: Keep it brief, but include the number of sources and the fact they represent three distinct perspectives on the issue |
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Body Paragraph 1—6-10 Sentences All body paragraphs should follow— M-main point of the paragraph [context] 1-2 sentences that will logically lead the reader to the evidence E-evidence—reasons to support the main point A-analysis/tag lines that explain how the source (evidence) supports the topic sentence L—linking sentence that transitions to the next paragraph |
· M= Topic sentence that introduces the first source: first and last name of the writer and their perspective · [Context]—1-2 sentences that narrows the topic sentence and leads logically to the summary of the source. Explains why the source is selected. · Summary: Include a 2-3 sentence summary. USE A SIGNAL PHRASE TO INTRODUCE THE SOURCE: Include the writer’s full name, a verb, and their thesis statement –of course in your own words. Then include only the main points—these are the reasons the writer uses to support his/her thesis statement. IMPORTANT: CITE THE SUMMARY—when the summary is completed—CITE IT (“shortened title”). Follow this with the analysis/tag line(s) that explains how the source supports the thesis statement and then prepare the reader for your specific example. · Evidence: After the summary you want to include at least one example from the writer’s article that clearly SHOWS how the writer supports his/her perspective. ALWAYS USE A SIGNAL PHRASE TO INTRODUCE THE SOURCE. Follow the quote with a parenthetical reference ( ). Follow this with a tag line/ANALYSIS that explains how the source supports your claim in the topic sentence: the perspective. · END WITH A LINKING SENTENCE: DO NOT END WITH THE SOURCE (quote). |
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Body Paragraph-2—repeats the process/form in paragraph 1 6-10 Sentences
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· Repeats the process with source #2. · [context]--Explains the importance of the source. · Summary—2-3 sentences—use correct MLA format for citing · Analysis of the summary—explains the source’s relevance to the issue as presented in the summary. · Evidence—incorporate direct quotes using correct MLA format. · Linking sentence—end with a sentence that prepares the reader for the next source. |
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Body Paragraph 3—repeats the process/format in paragraph 1 6-10 sentences
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· Repeats the process with source #3 · CONTINUES THE PROCESS/FORMAT FROM PARAGRAPH 1 |
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Conclusion: 5-8 sentences |
· Choose an appropriate transition that clearly indicates the essay is closed · Include the thesis statement—the answer to the issue question—in the topic sentence · Summarize each source—use 1-2 sentences for each source beginning with the first source and ending with the last source. DO NOT CLUMP THE SOURCES TOGETHER IN ONE SENTENCE. · Evaluate each source’s relevance to the issue · End with a final remark that reinforces the relevancy of the sources to the issue. |
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MLA Format/ Works Cited/Annotated bibliography All handouts on MLA formatting on eCompanion. ONLY THREE SOURCES |
· 1” margins, 12 font New Roman, heading—1/2 inch with your last name and page number in the upper right hand corner of the page. · Works Cited—centered on the page—1” margins, · Sources must be varied: newspapers, magazines, Web sites, scholarly journals · Format: alphabetical order, double-spaced within and between. · Do not include: http://www . for web Sites. Refer to the formatting handout. |
For Web sites:
Author (last name, first). “Title.” Website. domain. Sponsor, date. Web. Date you accessed the article.
Revision of exploratory paper/English 1 Spring 2014 Exploratory Paper Assignment Technology and Our World.doc
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Writing the Exploratory Paper
How do Online Technologies Change the Way We Live?
Issues Concerning Modern Technology
Exploratory essays are very different from argumentative essays. In fact, an exploratory essay is likely different from any other essay you’ve written. Instead of writing to convince an audience of the validity of a thesis, you will be writing to find out about a problem and perhaps to form some preliminary conclusions about how it might be solved. This paper will prepare you for writing the argument paper, which is a requirement for all English 1 classes. The theme for your argument paper will be how technology is changing the face of communication domestically as well as globally, for good or bad. You will narrow your topic and issue to fit the scope of this assignment. This kind of writing is about how you work through problems that require writing and research. Your opinion does not enter into this paper.
In the exploratory essay, you will explore how three different sources examine the impact of technology on communication on ourselves, on our world and on what it means to be human (Barrios, 583). Up to this point in our class, you have read five essays in our text Emerging that deal with how technology affects communication. For example, in Rachel Kadish article, she explores the idea of [mis]appropriating an anonymous image on a social media network for social or political causes, and does this through an ethical perspective. Whereas, Arwa Aburawa shows how art is interpreted differently across cultures and how technology aids in multiple perspectives, thus taking a political view. Finally in Elizabeth Dickinson’s article, she incorporates infographics from sources on the Internet into her argument in order to communicate the ongoing food shortages across the globe, thus taking an economic perspective. The article by Marshall Poe, examines how technology, specifically, Wikipedia, has changed our understanding of “experts” communicating information. Finally, in Thomas Friedman’s article, he examines how technology changes economic and political communication. All five articles present their individual arguments on a narrow issue within this broad topic and offer different perspectives of how technology impacts humanity, for good or for bad. Although all five articles address and examine their perspectives on the impact of technology, their topics differ as well as their perspectives.
Advances in technology no doubt are shaping and influencing how we communicate and what we [can] communicate to others domestically as well as globally. This may or may not be for the best. It will be up to you to narrow a topic that falls under the broad topic of how technology is impacting ourselves and our world and then focus on how the three sources answer the one narrow issue or problem surrounding this narrow topic. First of all you must choose a topic that interests you and then using the worksheet, begin to narrow that topic and issue that can be explored and analyzed within the two-to three page limit.
Assignment: Write a two-to-three page paper that explores three sources that answer the issue question: How is modern technology changing ourselves, our world, and what it means to be human? Of course, this is a broad topic and you will have to narrow the topic and the issue to fit the scope of this assignment. Too broad means it cannot be adequately covered in two-to-three pages. For example, the topic technology and science is too broad for this paper. A suitable narrow topic and issue: Is technology benefiting stem cell research? This would generate a yes or no response, which is what an issue should do. You could find three different sources that present their side to this argument and analyze how well they support their respective perspectives. The purpose of the exploratory paper is to help you view an issue from different perspectives, so you gain a greater depth of understanding of it and the various views taken. For each article, you will write one paragraph (6-10 sentences) that includes a brief two-to-three sentence summary of the writer’s thesis statement and the reasons he or she uses to support their perspective, then you will include a brief analysis (3-4 sentences) of the rhetorical situation that includes choosing one rhetorical device (logos, ethos, or pathos) and then provide evidence to support the analysis in the form of direct quotations—up to 3 lines. You will choose a specific passage that proves how this appeals to a particular rhetorical device in order to show how well the writer supports his or her perspective. Your opinion does not enter into this paper.
Credible Sources: Choose three different sources that are found on the database list, or do a Google scholar search on a narrow topic and one issue surrounding the technology and communication topic. Newspapers, popular magazines are acceptable sources, but Wikipedia, blogs, or other Websites without sponsors, are not acceptable. Your sources must address a narrow topic and one issue. Where they will differ, if they do, is on their position on the issue and on their perspectives. You want to find articles that clearly take a side to this issue and have a clear perspective so your analysis will provide sufficient evidence to support the writer’s thesis statement and perspective.
In addition to the articles available in Emerging, here are a few articles that might trigger your interest. All the articles deal with the issue of how technology changes the face of communication. You may want to read them and decide if they fit your interest. They are grouped together by topic:
· Nicolas Carr, “Is Google Making us Stupid? (500-502). The source: Atlantic Monthly, July/August 2008.
· Clay Shirky, “Does the Internet Make You Smarter.” (505-506). Source: The Wall Street Journal, June 4, 2010.
· Matthew Kirschenbaum, “How Reading is Being Reimagined.” (508-510). Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education, December 7, 2007.
· Peggy Orenstein, “Your Gamete, Myself,” (514-518). Source: The New York Times, July 15, 2007.
· Kathleen Craig, “Making a Living in Second Life,” (518-520). Source: Wired magazine, February 8, 2006.
Worksheet; There is a worksheet that you will complete and turn in with the final draft. Bring to class: 4/12.
Audience/Point of View:
Keep you audience in mind when writing this essay. Make sure to define terms if necessary and remember that you must it make clear where you voice ends the source begins. Always use signal phrases to introduce the summary and the evidence (direct quotations). The audience is classmates and the instructor, so you must not assume they understand terms or that you may need to explain terms. The point of view is third person.
Format: Refer to the handout “Framework” for the Exploring Paper. This is in the folder. Your paper will include an introduction, three body paragraphs, a conclusion, and a works cited/annotated bibliography page.
MLA format/Works Cited/Annotated Bibliography: For this paper, you must have three sources, only. Paper must be typed, double-spaced, in 12pt. Times New Roman font, header on the left side of the page. The works cited page is the last page and should be formatted according to 2009 MLA style. All evidence must include a signal phrase, citation, and a tag line. For the annotated bibliography, you will use the two-to-three sentence summary of each of the sources used in the paper. How to format the annotated bibliography is on eCompanion.
Due Dates:
First Draft: 4/26 + Worksheet--
Final Draft: 5/3 + Final worksheet + peer review
Turn in the worksheet with the final draft.
Revision of exploratory paper/English 1 Spring 2014 Exploratory Paper Body Paragraphs.docx
· M= Topic sentence: first and last name of the writer + their perspective
· [Context]—1 sentence that leads logically to the summary of the source.
· (E)-Summary: Begin with a signal phrase that includes the full name of the author, a verb, and their thesis statement. Then follow with 2-3 sentences that include the writer’s reasons that support his/her thesis. At the end of the summary you must include the parenthetical citation ( ). Include (“shortened title”). Tag Line: explain the writer’s overall argument. Then proceed to the Analysis section.
· Analysis: Transition + one sentence that will lead into the analysis. You will include ONE QUOTE—at least three lines, that to SHOW how the writer supports his/her perspective. Remember to use a signal phrase, citation, tag line.
· LINKING SENTENCE: End with a linking sentence.
First of all, Michele Ma takes an ethical perspective on how companies produce GMOs unfairly sue famers. For example, Monsanto, one of the largest biotechnology companies in the world, is often in the news for suing farmers. Michele Ma argues that Monsanto, acts unethically in their patent infringement lawsuits against farms. First, the points out that Monsanto sues farmers who grow organic or do not want to use GMO crop seeds in their field. Then it is unfair for Monsanto to sue farmers for inadvertent patent infringement. Finally, farmers have no control over GMO in his fields (“Unfairness of Monsanto’s). Ma’s argument is significant in supporting that GMOs should not be produced. The evidence Ma uses to support her thesis does support her ethical perspective. For example, she writes, “In 2007, Monsanto filed 112 lawsuits against farmers for breach of contract. . . Some assert that Monsanto investigators have taken samples from farmers’ lands without permission and without notice and have warned customers against doing business with the accused farmers (“Unfairness of Monsanto’s). Thus, Ma shows how unethical Monsanto is toward farmers who do not want to use GMOs. Along with the ethical perspective, there is the environmental perspective on why GMOs should not be produced.
Work Cited
Ma, Michele. “Anticipating and Reducing the Unfairness of Monsanto’s Inadvertent Infringement
Lawsuits. California Law Review 100.3 (2012: 691-720. Academic Search Premier
Web. 24 Apr. 2014.
Monsanto, a company that produces seeds of patented genetically modified crops,
acts unethically in their patent infringement lawsuits against farmers. They sue farmers that
have Monsanto’s patented seed technologies that enter their fields by natural factors. This
is unfair to sue farmers for inadvertent patent infringement.
Revision of exploratory paper/English 1 Spring 2014 Exploratory Paper Ethos pathos logos handout and Lesson Plan.doc
Aristotelian Appeals: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos
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To Appeal to LOGOS (logic, reasoning) |
To Develop or Appeal to ETHOS (character, ethics) |
To Appeal to PATHOS (emotion) |
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: the argument itself; the reasoning the author uses; logical evidence |
: how an author builds credibility & trustworthiness |
: words or passages an author uses to activate emotions |
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Types of LOGOS Appeals |
Ways to Develop ETHOS |
Types of PATHOS Appeals |
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· Theories / scientific facts · Indicated meanings or reasons (because…) · Literal or historical analogies · Definitions · Factual data & statistics · Quotations · Citations from experts & authorities · Informed opinions · Examples (real life examples) · Personal anecdotes
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· Author’s profession / background · Author’s publication · Appearing sincere, fair minded, knowledgeable · Conceding to opposition where appropriate · Morally / ethically likeable · Appropriate language for audience and subject · Appropriate vocabulary · Correct grammar · Professional format
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· Emotionally loaded language · Vivid descriptions · Emotional examples · Anecdotes, testimonies, or narratives about emotional experiences · or events · Figurative language · Emotional tone (humor, sarcasm, disappointment, excitement, etc.)
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Effect on Audience |
Effect on Audience |
Effect on Audience |
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Evokes a cognitive, rational response. Readers get a sense of, “Oh, that makes sense” or “Hmm, that really doesn’t prove anything.” |
Helps reader to see the author as reliable, trustworthy, competent, and credible. The reader might respect the author or his/her views.
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Evokes an emotional response. Persuasion by emotion. (usually evoking fear, sympathy, empathy, anger,)
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How to Talk About It |
How to Talk About It |
How to Talk About It |
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The author appeals to logos by defining relevant terms and then supports his claim with numerous citations from authorities. The author’s use of statistics and expert testimony are very convincing logos appeals.
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Through his use of scientific terminology, the author builds his ethos by demonstrating expertise. The author’s ethos is effectively developed as readers see that he is sympathetic to the struggles minorities face. |
When referencing 9/11, the author is appealing to pathos. Here, he is eliciting both sadness and anger from his readers. The author’s description of the child with cancer was a very persuasive appeal to pathos. |
Revision of exploratory paper/English 1 Spring 2014 Exploratory Paper Graphic Organizer.doc
Planning Form for the Exploratory Paper
All body paragraphs should follow the M-[context]- E-A-L format. Also all body paragraphs should follow MLA format for smoothly incorporating sources. There will be three body paragraphs: three sources. Length: 6-10 Sentences.
Conclusion: Begin with an appropriate transition and restate the thesis statement. Then summarize each of the sources explored giving each one (1) sentence. Do NOT PUT THEM IN THE SAME SENTENCE. Evaluate each source’s relevance to the issue, and end with a final remark that reinforces the relevancy of the sources to the issue.
Works Cited: This is the last page of your essay. Follow 2009 MLA format.
INTRODUCTION
Begins with a relevant sentence that leads to the thesis statement. It is not some generic or dawn of man opening
Establishes the subject, the issue—framed as a question, the exigency (What happened to cause this argument? Why is it perceived as a defect or problem? Is it new or recurring? The issue, problem, or situation that causes or prompts someone to write or speak).
Presents relevant background information: the types of sources, the perspectives
Ends with the thesis statement: Keep it brief, but include the number of sources and the fact they represent three distinct perspectives on the issue
M= Topic sentence: first and last name of the writer + their perspective
[Context]—1 sentence that leads logically to the summary of the source.
(E)-Summary: Begin with a signal phrase that includes the full name of the author, a verb, and their thesis statement. Then follow with 2-3 sentences that include the writer’s reasons that support his/her thesis. At the end of the summary you must include the parenthetical citation ( ). Include (“shortened title”). Tag Line: explain the writer’s overall argument. Then proceed to the Analysis section.
Analysis: Transition + one sentence that will lead into the analysis. You will include ONE QUOTE—at least three lines, that to SHOW how the writer supports his/her perspective. Remember to use a signal phrase, citation, tag line.
LINKING SENTENCE: End with a linking sentence.
M= Topic sentence: first and last name of the writer + their perspective
[Context]—1 sentence that leads logically to the summary of the source.
(E)-Summary: Begin with a signal phrase that includes the full name of the author, a verb, and their thesis statement. Then follow with 2-3 sentences that include the writer’s reasons that support his/her thesis. At the end of the summary you must include the parenthetical citation ( ). Include (“shortened title”). Tag Line: explain the writer’s overall argument. Then proceed to the Analysis section.
Analysis: Transition + one sentence that will lead into the analysis. You will include ONE QUOTE—at least three lines, that to SHOW how the writer supports his/her perspective. Remember to use a signal phrase, citation, tag line.
LINKING SENTENCE: End with a linking sentence.
M= Topic sentence: first and last name of the writer + their perspective
[Context]—1 sentence that leads logically to the summary of the source.
(E)-Summary: Begin with a signal phrase that includes the full name of the author, a verb, and their thesis statement. Then follow with 2-3 sentences that include the writer’s reasons that support his/her thesis. At the end of the summary you must include the parenthetical citation ( ). Include (“shortened title”). Tag Line: explain the writer’s overall argument. Then proceed to the Analysis section.
Analysis: Transition + one sentence that will lead into the analysis. You will include ONE QUOTE—at least three lines, that to SHOW how the writer supports his/her perspective. Remember to use a signal phrase, citation, tag line.
LINKING SENTENCE: End with a linking sentence.
Revision of exploratory paper/English 1 Spring 2014 Exploratory Paper Narrowing the Topic.doc
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Narrowing the Topic and Issue for the Exploratory Paper
Directions: A topic that is too broad may retrieve too much information. The exploratory paper as explained in class is a way to find out about a problem and perhaps to form some preliminary conclusions about how an issue might be solved. This paper will prepare you for writing the argument paper, which is a requirement for all English 1 classes. Narrow your topic and issue by filling in the chart. Sources: All of the sources explored must be secondary sources such as scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers, books; you may not use Wikipedia, or blogs. Use this worksheet to help prepare you for the exploratory paper.
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Strategy |
Explanation
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Broad Topic: Technology and how it is impacting communication on ourselves and on the world. |
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Place/Geographic
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Local social norms & values, economic & political systems, or languages. |
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Perspective or discipline
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Social, legal, medical, ethical, biological, psychological, economic, political, philosophical? A viewpoint allows you to focus on a single aspect.
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By Population or by Age Group
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Women, Men, Children Teenagers, Women 25-54, Men 18-49, or Children 6-11, and Teens 12-17 years old.
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Directions: Fill in the chart. As you research for this paper, keep these questions that follow in mind.
1. Your paper will focus on one narrow problem or controversial issue surrounding the broader issue: How is technology impacting communication on ourselves, on our world? We have explored one narrow issue within this broad topic and issue by reading the editorial on how one school district fired an employee for something she posted on a social media site. The issue the writer of the editorial answered and explored was, “Should companies use social media to hire and to fire employees? The issue is framed as a question because it generates different responses; it is ongoing problem. In the editorial, this writer took a stand on this issue and presented proof to support her claim/thesis statement. What is one central conflict about the issue you have chosen for the exploratory paper?
2. Develop one issue question. All essays basically answer one question. The issue question frames your argument and directs your efforts to collect and find sources to support your thesis/claim. Most issue questions begin with: should, why, how, or what. For example, “Should companies have the right to fire and to hire employees based on their communication on social media? This question will generate a “yes” or “no” response, which is important for focusing your research efforts.
3. Thesis statement/claim. Do all three sources explored take a stand on the same narrowed issue? They may all take the same side of the issue, or they may vary, but all three must answer the issue question on the same narrow topic.
4. Perspectives. Do all three sources take a different perspective on the issue? Once you have researched and found three sources, you must read them carefully to determine how each of the sources interprets the issue (an ongoing problem that is yet solved). All three sources cannot take the same perspective; this is important. One source may take a legal perspective, all of the evidence/support will come from legal cases; another may take a medical perspective, and another may take an ethical perspective. The point of this essay is to explore three different sources and their particular stand on the same issue, so you can begin to work through problems that require research and to shape your own response and your perspective to this issue when you write your own argument paper.
Revision of exploratory paper/English 1 Spring 2014 Exploratory Paper Student Sample Biotechnology.doc
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Hammond
Jamal Hammond
Professor Wood
English 101
17 March 2012
Just Say No to Biotechnology
The debate over athletes’ use of performance-enhancing substances is getting more complicated as biotechnologies such as gene therapy becomes a greater reality. For example, Lance Armstrong evaded judges’ inquiries and blood tests, only to admit that he did use gene therapy to boost his performance. Is this ethically correct? The availability of these new methods of boosting performance will force the public to decide what we value most in sports: physical excellence through hard work or victory at all costs. The issue is, should biotechnology be banned from competition for its negative impact off and on the field of sports? All three sources answer “yes.” They believe that we should take the attitude of just say no to biotechnology, yet they come at their argument from three different perspectives. All three sources take the side that biotechnology should be banned from competition, although with three different perspectives.—Thesis Statement.
First of all, Gregory Lamb argues that biotechnology can be beneficial for only people who are afflicted by certain medical conditions. His perspective on the issue is medical. He argues that there is a breakthrough for medical research for humans, but it does not pan out for athletes. “He explains that cures for diseases like Parkinson’s and muscular dystrophy, have led scientists at the University of Pennsylvania to create larger-than-life mice, rodents that grow larger than normal muscles after receiving injections with a gene that stimulates growth protein. In addition, the studies find that a combination of gene manipulation and exercise led to almost 50% increase in the rats’ leg muscles” (“Will Gene-Altered”). As Lamb reports, the experiments are done on mice and have proven to help those with muscular disorders, but he affirms to his readers that although small animals may benefit, it does not hold true for athletes. Over all his evidence is effective is affirming his medical perspective on this issue. Beside a medical perspective on the issue, there is of course the ethical perspective. Linking Sentence
In addition, exploring the issue from an overall ethical standpoint is Sally Jenkins. Jenkins examines and weighs the cost vs. benefit of biotechnology to the world of competition. Sally Jenkins argues at what cost to the integrity of athletic competition is it worth taking all of this gene technology. She points out that athletes who use medical technology to alter their bodies can bypass the hard work of training by taking on the powers of a machine, but at what moral and ethical cost. Even if they win she points out, the fans will lose out on the opportunity to witness sports as a spectacle of human effort and honest hard work (“The First Item”). Her overall ethical perspective underscores that athletes can set new records this way with gene therapy, but fair play is blown out the window. Her audience, readers of the Washington Post, which tend to be on the conservative side of this issue, thereby her tone and perspective on this issue is appropriate for the readers of the Washington Post. Furthermore there is the legal perspective. Linking sentence.
Lastly, the issue of biotechnology and gene therapy is viewed by Clare Rudebeck from the legal perspective. Clare Rudebeck examines the legal perspective in her article by arguing that sports rely on equal conditions to ensure fair play, from regulations that demand similar equipment to referees who evenhandedly apply the rules to all participants. If the rules that guarantee an even playing field are violated, competitors and fans are deprived of a lawful and fair athletic effort and accomplishment” (The Eyes”). Rudebeck emphasizes that athletes who use gene therapy to alter their bodies and enhance their performance will create an uneven playing field, thus upsetting a fair power play.
Therefore, from a medical, ethical, and legal perspective, gene therapy should be banned from the playing field. There is no doubt that medical research will continue to help people with major muscular diseases, but not for athletes. Also, ethically, it is a no brainer: at what cost will dishonestly have on the players, fans, and the sport itself. Finally, fans are entitled to a level playing field and not one dominated by the powerful gene therapy. Overall all three sources present an effective argument using evidence that makes sense for their particular perspective and audience.
Works Cited
Jenkins, Sally. “The First Item in a Pandora’s Box of Moral Ambiguities.” Washington
Post 4 Dec. 2011: D11. Print.
Annotated Bibliography: include a 3-4 sentence summary of this article.
Lamb, Gregory. “Will Gene-Altered Athletes Kill Sports?” Christian Science Monitor
23 Aug. 2011: 12-13. Print.
Annotated Bibliography: include a 3-4 sentence summary of this article.
Rudebeck, Clare. “The Eyes Have It.” Independentnews.com. Independent News and
Media, 27 Nov. 2011. Web. 28 Feb. 2012.
Annotated Bibliography: include a 3-4 sentence summary of this article.
The annotated bibliography is 1” from the left margin—it is a three-to-four sentence summary of each of the sources.
Revision of exploratory paper/English 1 Spring 2014 GRADE SHEET for Exploratory Paper.doc
GRADING SHEET: EXPLORATORY PAPER
_____(10) Title is good and correctly formatted: not underlined, not in bold, or larger font.
_____(20) Introduction provides background on the issue, the exigence, the subject, the position of the three sources and the three perspectives. There is sufficient background to set up for the thesis statement. The issue is framed as a question. (5-8 sentences)
_____(10) Thesis statement is the last sentence and it clearly includes the side the three sources take and notes that there are three different perspectives. [Do not include all the names].
_____(20) Body paragraphs follow the M-[context]-E-A-L format. Topic sentences begin with a transition and then include the author and his or her perspective. Then lead off with some context that leads the reader to the evidence. Writer introduces the summary with a correct signal phrase that includes the writer’s thesis statement. The summary does not contain exact wording, no quotes or examples. The summary is 3-4 sentences and the parenthetical citation follows and is correctly formatted. Tag line follows—writer explains the significance of the writer’s argument. Evidence for each article is analyzed for how well it effectively proves the writer’s thesis statement. Writer includes specific evidence in the form of quotes (up to three lines of quotes). Linking sentence ends each of the body paragraphs.
_____( 10 ) The essay is free of spelling, grammatical, and mechanical errors. Writer uses a variety of sentence structures, subject- verb agreement, present tense verbs, active verbs, correct article, etc.
_____(20) Sources: Writer uses a variety of sources: scholarly journals, books, magazines, newspapers. Works cited page is correctly formatted: 1” margins, alphabetical by last name, first name, second line indented 1 tab (.5). Annotated bibliography is included and correctly formatted. No Wikipedia.
_____(10) MLA Paper Format: Writer uses correct MLA format, integrating sources follow MLA format: signal phrase, appropriate present tense verb, citation, and tag lines. Heading is correctly formatted.
_____(100) Grade
Revision of exploratory paper/English 1 Spring 2014 Incorporating Evidence into Your Essay.doc
Incorporating Evidence into Your Essay
As a writer, you must use evidence effectively to support your thesis statement. Refer to the handout on the seven thesis statement pitfalls. A thesis statement is the answer to the one narrowed issue question that frames your argument. There are three types of sources used as evidence for the academic paper: summary, paraphrase, quotations.
MLA Format: English papers should follow the correct MLA format for the heading, for integrating sources, and for formatting the works cited page. Refer to the handout.
The goal is to smoothly integrate sources. In order to use evidence effectively, you need to integrate it smoothly into your essay by following these four steps:
1. Use a signal phrase that introduces the writer, if there is one, followed by a present tense verb appropriate for the main point of the evidence. Do not place the signal phrase information in the citation. The important thing to remember is that you must clearly show where your own voice ends and the source begins.
2. Include your evidence: summary, paraphrase, or quotation.
3. At the end of the evidence include a parenthetical citation ( ). MLA rule is never repeat information used in the signal phrase in the citation.
4. Finally, explain and comment on how the evidence shows that it supports the claim made in your topic sentence: a Tag Line(s). A topic sentence should clearly and concisely state a reason to support your thesis/claim.
Key: Choose your evidence, carefully and remember to relate it to your thesis statement.
Citing Your Sources
Evidence appears in essays in the form of quotations, paraphrasing, and summarizing. All three sources must be cited in your text.
The important thing to remember is that you must clearly show where your own voice ends and the source begins. All information from a source must be given credit to your source.
Quoting: According to Frank Bruni,
“No paramedics. No arrest. No need” (“Fatal Mercies”). Bruni’s thesis is stated here in three distinct words to remind readers that people who assist others in their wish to die, should not be sent to jail: no need to call for help, no prison term, and no requirement.
Paraphrasing: Frank Bruni basically states in his article that appeared in The New York Times, that people who assist others in their wish to die should not have to call for help, they will not be sent to jail, and there should not be a concern about their helping others (“Fatal Mercies”). Bruni states that there is too much legal costs involved in sending someone to prison who only carried out the wishes of someone who was dying of a terminal illness.
Summarizing: Frank Bruni argues that people should not be sent to prison who help others in their wish to die. First of all, he defends his position by saying that simply the trial process is too expensive and a waste of public funds. He then proceeds by showing how there are too many loop holes in the legal system; not enough solid evidence to build a strong case against the person charged with a crime, and lastly, there is no black and white areas in this legal case; it is not a clear legal case (“Fatal Mercies”). All in all Bruni presents his legal perspective so readers will decide for themselves.
Structure of a Paragraph: M-E-A-L
Body paragraphs consist of a group of connected sentences that develops one reason to support the thesis statement. This main reason is stated in the topic sentence. Each paragraph has two jobs: to develop one reason in support of the thesis and to show how through your research (evidence/sources) and analysis it furthers the argument.
Writing a well-developed paragraph is easy once you understand the structure. Think of each paragraph as following the M-E-A-L plan. M-E-A-L gives you a formula for building an effective paragraph.
1. Main point = The declarative sentence that states the main point. Do not open your paragraph with a support sentence: with a quote. (1 sentence)
2. Follow a topic sentence with a context for the source. Don’t just jump from topic sentence to source. You must lead up to the source.
3. Then provide Evidence: direct quote, paraphrase, or summary. Keep in mind that it must make sense and support your argument. Remember to cite all sources correctly with MLA format.
4. Finally, Analysis: explain and analyze how the evidence supports the topic sentence. This is referred to as the Tag Line. (1-2 sentences)
Strong use of evidence:
Today, Americans are too self-centered. Even our families do not matter as much anymore as they once did. James Gleick says, “In fact, the evidence shows that most American families no longer eat together, preferring instead to eat on the go while rushing to the next appointment” (148). Gleick emphasizes that the American family is no longer taking time to share but have become too busy and too self-centered.
Revision of exploratory paper/Graded essay.pdf
