Formal Argument Research Paper (5 – 7 pages) on a topic of your choosing that argues a point of view/ defends a position/supports a claim. 20% of your grade.
Papers are not accepted late. Final papers cannot not be revised or resubmitted.
Introduction:
Background/history;
define problem
thesis statement and claim
Well-developed intro paragraph; contains necessary background info, clear definition of problem, claim statement, devices to create interest, and a thesis statement that announces the big ideas of the body paragraphs.
IT DOES NOT have reasons, examples, details.
Main Points:
Body Paragraphs and Refutation/ counter position/naysayer addressed
Three or more main points are distinct and well-developed and well-explained with supporting details. This is your writing, your opinions, your experiences, your belief system.
You will include no more than 5 quotes embedded into your writing used to support your ideas.
Refutation/counterargument sentences/paragraph acknowledge the opposing view and argues it logically.
The body of paper is logical and clear. 95% of the paper is your writing. Sentence frames as per They Say I Say are used.
Conclusion
Conclusion summarizes the main topics cleverly; suggestions for change, action or commentary are logical to the argument.
Use MLA:
In-text documentation of direct quotes, paraphrased information and
Works Cited page
Source material is smoothly integrated into the paper (“sandwich quote”) following suggestions from They Say, I Say or from articles. All is accurate according to MLA style.
Material is from “experts” in the field; no more than 5 quotes are required. If you have more, you might not have the right balance of your writing and expert support.
Quotes should not “monopolize” your paper; 80 – 90% % of the paper is your writing
Works Cited page is required and doesn’t count as a page.
You must have at least three resources that are expert, reputable, current and relevant.
Conventions and Style:
Sentence structure
Sentence variety
Verb choice and voice
Mechanics:
· Punctuation
· Capitalization
· Spelling
Meets college level expectation. REVISE, REREAD, REVISE, READ OUT LOUD, REVISE and ASK
Well written, demonstrates use of sentence variety, sentence types and lengths, transitions are smooth between sentences and paragraphs, templates or frames are used as necessary, verbs are effective
Mechanics are correct, for the most part
