Two recommended databases:
Audience and Purpose: The goal for writing your paper is not to convince your audience he/she/they is/are wrong. (Do you recall when we talked about thesis statements, we emphasized to each other that a strong argument is not one where the writer lectures her audience or takes the “I-win-you-lose” position.) Instead, your goal is to engage in a fair, honest, and intellectually rigorous conversation so ultimately your audience at the end of your paper will think, “Well, I disagree with you but I will not dismiss you because you brought up so important ideas”).
Recommended Outline:
Grade Evaluation:
You will be heavily evaluated and commented on the following:
1. crafting an engaging opening (using any of the opening strategies we reviewed in class) that helps frame the argument;
2. producing a narrowed, single-focused thesis that establishes your claim (argument);
3. successfully integrating outside sources with proper signal phrases and parenthetical citation and fully conversing with your sources stating why you agree or disagree as you develop your thesis;
4. anticipating the skeptical reader (naysayer), engaging him or her in a rich dialogue;
5. providing concrete and specific examples to demonstrate your point as you develop your argument;
6. showing awareness of your audience (its values, views, and beliefs) by using language, tone, examples, and data your audience members would understand and find credible;
7. demonstrating proficiency in dealing with complex, contradicting information by showing your audience that although you may disagree with its position, you still can see some value in its ideas and/or you are willing to listen and learn from your audience members.