English Academic Essay

ENGLISH 150 - ARGUMENT ESSAY ASSIGNMENT

LENGTH: 750-1000 words VALUE: 20%

TASK: Write a 5 paragraph Argument/Persuasion essay that uses an outside source - Choose either an INDIRECT approach or an OFFENSIVE approach DO NOT WRITE A DIRECT DEFENSIVE ESSAY - you will get no higher than a C+

PURPOSE: To convince your reader, through reasonable and emotional appeals, into sharing your opinion (or at least into appreciating the validity of your position) on a two- sided social issue.

SUBJECT:

- You may choose one of the subjects below OR chose your own (you must have your subject approved by me if you choose your own). - Pick a subject that interests you. - Make sure you have 3 significant, relevant, and distinct reasons for your position (MAP).

- instituting participatory democracy - stem cell research - the use of pesticides - genetically modified food crops - universal living wage - free post-secondary education - legislated restriction of family size - prosecuting illegal downloads - internet censorship - increasing military spending - same sex marriage (or adoption) - equity hiring - First Nations’ fishing (or land) rights - religion in public schools

SOURCES:

- ONE periodical article is required as a source (journal, magazine, or newspaper) - it must be authored and reputable - it should not be more than 5 pages long - Use the library databases to find your article (NOT google) - It can NOT be from an INTERNET site

- 2 paraphrases and 2 quotes from this source are required in your essay. - all paraphrases and quotes must be highlighted and numbered (1-4) - DO NOT use any INTERNAL quotes (i.e. quoting a quote)

- Submit a complete copy of the article with your essay. - highlight the sections of the article that you quote/paraphrase and number them as they appear in your essay (1-4) - DO NOT highlight anything else in the copy you hand in

DOCUMENTATION: No Works Cited page is required for this essay, but you should try to properly introduce, integrate, and alter quotations and paraphrases. This will give me an opportunity to give you feedback on your use of your sources.

FORMALITY: General to Formal - NO slang, contractions, colloquialisms, clichés

FORMAT: See OUT-OF-CLASS ESSAY format handout.