essay

Paper 4

Based on our readings in this last unit (essays by Sachs, Battistoni, Arnold, Mantsio, and Parker), formulate an argument about poverty, primarily how to solve it as a problem. Be sure to describe why your proposed solution is the best one. Your thesis should clearly but briefly convey this information.

In formulating your position, consider the essays we have read for class: which points do you agree with and which ones do you disagree with? Be sure you are able to explain why you agree or disagree with other authors as you must acknowledge and refute opposition to your argument. (Hint: when you are critiquing authors, keep in mind the fallacies and the requirements for essays we discussed in class, and remember that acknowledging opposition to your argument only makes your point stronger.)

Your paper should include a title, introduction, several body paragraphs, conclusion, and Works Cited page. Your introduction should include a thesis. Your thesis should briefly respond to the prompts in paragraph one.

Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that conveys one of your subpoints. Each subpoint should then be supported with examples and illustrations from the essays we have read for class. Be sure that you thoroughly comment on each example and on how each subpoint (or paragraph) relates to your overall argument. (Hint: one example of how to organize your body is to cluster your paragraphs around different solutions to the problem of poverty, ending with what you deem the best one. Another approach might be to identify topics that more than one of the essays discusses and use those topics for body paragraphs.)

You should organize your body paragraphs in a logical manner, transitioning smoothly from one to the next. Your paragraphs need to utilize more than one source; in other words, do NOT organize your paragraphs according to your sources, devoting a paragraph to each source. Instead, organize your paragraphs according to YOUR argument and bring in sources to support your argument as needed. Doing so, each body paragraph will likely draw on more than one source for support (though if one of your body paragraphs utilizes only one source, that is okay, as long as it is only the one paragraph). Remember to make your transitions from example to example smooth, and from source to source, smooth.

In your conclusion, discuss why this issue is important, particularly outside of the classroom: what is at stake?

Remember that most examples from sources should be paraphrased, that direct quotes, when used, should be brief, and that all paraphrases and quotes are cited correctly, both parenthetically (in-text) and on your Works Cited page.

This paper must utilize at least 3 sources. You may use essays we read earlier in the semester in addition to or instead of our last five readings. You may also incorporate outside sources but are not required to do so. Keep in mind that researching outside sources is often time-consuming—in other words, I do not recommend it. If you choose to do outside research, keep in mind that incorporating more than 5 sources is not appropriate for a paper this short.

Do not summarize your sources; this paper is about what YOU think rather than what others argue about the topic. Assume your reader is familiar with your sources and with the debates surrounding the issue.

Consult your Writing Today for guidelines on style and grammar; remember that you are responsible for all of the errors we have discussed in class and that mistakes will affect your grade. Avoid personal pronouns and follow the formatting guidelines in your syllabus. Remember that points will be deducted from late papers.

You should plan on revising your paper several times. You will have an opportunity for feedback during our workshop, and you may also ask for my suggestions.