English Essay

Argument Synthesis Paper

Final Draft Due: Last day of class

We have read four different perspectives on the issue of the development of robotics. Some people believe that the use of robotics is advancing our society. Others contend that such developments are changing society negatively. What is your position on this issue? Is the development of robotics helpful or harmful?

Task: Write an argument synthesis paper in which you answer this question utilizing the sources listed below to support your response. Make a claim that you justify with reasons/evidence from the texts with your goal being to persuade readers that your position on this issue is superior to other perspectives. The claim is your informed opinion on the issue, but you will use the texts to validate your stance. Successful completion of this task also requires that you acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints.

Purpose: The ability to argue effectively is a skill that is crucial for success at the university level and beyond. The best arguments are ones that incorporate material from other informed sources to support their claims. This assignment allows you demonstrate your understanding of a complex issue based on your comprehension of the texts and synthesis of information pertinent to the question at hand. It also displays your ability to argue persuasively by appropriately integrating relevant data from the readings into your paper to justify your position.

Sources:

“The Ethical Frontiers of Robotics” by Noel Sharkey

“Alone Together: The Robotic Moment” by Sherry Turkle

“Our Talking Walking Objects” by Carla Diana

“A Swiveling Proxy That Will Even Wear a Tutu” by Robbie Brown

I. Reason 1

A. Topic Sentence

B. Evidence from text 1

C. Evidence from personal experience (optional)

D. Evidence from text 2

E. Evidence from text 3 (optional)

F. Explanation of how this evidence supports your point

II. Reason 2

Repeat steps for reason 1

III. Reason 3

Repeat

IV. Counterargument & Reason 4

A. Topic sentence that introduces opposing view and your refutation. “Some people believe x. However, ……”

B. Evidence that supports counterargument

C. Evidence that supports your argument

D. Evidence that supports your argument

E. Explanation of why your position is the right one

I. Counterargument & Reason 1

a. Topic sentence that introduces opposing view and your refutation. “Some people believe x. However, ……”

b. Evidence that supports counterargument

c. Evidence that supports your argument

d. Evidence that supports your argument

e. Explanation of why your position is the right one

II. Counterargument & Reason 2

a. Topic sentence that introduces opposing view and your refutation. “Some people believe x. However, ……”

b. Evidence that supports counterargument

c. Evidence that supports your argument

d. Evidence that supports your argument

e. Explanation of why your position is the right one

III. Counterargument & Reason 3

a. Topic sentence that introduces opposing view and your refutation. “Some people believe x. However, ……”

b. Evidence that supports counterargument

c. Evidence that supports your argument

d. Evidence that supports your argument

e. Explanation of why your position is the right one

IV. Counterargument & Reason 4

a. Topic sentence that introduces opposing view and your refutation. “Some people believe x. However, ……”

b. Evidence that supports counterargument

c. Evidence that supports your argument

d. Evidence that supports your argument

e. Explanation of why your position is the right one

Grading Rubric for Final Draft

CONTENT ____/40 points

1. Provides background information on the issue to frame your argument.

2. Contains a thesis statement that introduces the writer’s position regarding the topic explained in the paper.

3. Develops an arguable position. Someone should be able to disagree with your opinion on the issue.

4. Reasons for your claim are supported by connecting evidence from the readings. Without evidence, your reasons are just your opinions, and your argument is not very credible.

5. Explains HOW your evidence supports your thesis statement. Do not give evidence from the texts without connecting it to your claim.

6. Consider the evidence for both sides of the issue. Explicitly discuss and respond to the reasons and evidence for opposing views.

ORGANIZATION ____/30 points

1. Overall structure—the writing has an effective introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. All paragraphs support the thesis statement.

2. Paragraph development—each paragraph focuses on one subtopic only and is developed with details, descriptions, explanations, and examples.

3. Transitional phrases—effective use of transitions within and between paragraphs, especially to show relationships between the sources.

LANGUAGE ____/20 points

1. Appropriate use of parts of speech (verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs)

2. Subject-verb agreement

3. Quotes and paraphrases from the text are correctly identified and punctuated.

4. Appropriate sentence structure (no run-ons or fragments) and variety (appropriate use of coordination and subordination; mix of complex and simple sentences)

5. Infrequent grammatical and mechanical errors

FORMAT _____/10 points

1. APA Citation—references are listed on a separate sheet of paper using APA Style.

2. Original title

3. 4 pages—typed in 12 point font, double-spaced, 1” margins

Introductory Section

-Introduction of the issue

-Explanation and Background:

Familiarize your readers with the controversy.

Give them the information they need to understand the issue at hand.

-Claim: Give your stand on the issue

-Mention your main reasons for your claim

Body of the Essay:

Your body paragraphs should include about four reasons with supporting evidence for your claim as well as explicit acknowledgment and refutation of opposing views.

Conclusion

Recap your argument and reiterate why your audience should care about this issue; rephrase and restate your thesis. Remember to always leave your readers thinking critically about the issue.