Please read instructions thoroughly
Part 1:
To be approved, your topic must include a reasonable compromise upon which both sides can agree on. This must be visible in the topic you submit. Proceeding on this paper without approval can result in a low grade, or even a zero. 🙁 Make sure you submit and check your feedback. A grade of zero is a placeholder until your topic is accepted.
Review the banned topics list; they remain banned unless you email me a request including the reasons your take on the topic is unique.
Part 2:
To ensure you are writing this essay correctly, you must submit a basic outline that contains:
Controversial Topic:
Side 1 Stance:
Side 2 Stance:
Your solution:
Conclusion
Required Peer-reviewed Sources
Part 3:
Select a controversial topic and prepare an argument that follows the Rogerian model. You are required to use at least 6 scholarly (peer-reviewed) sources from the TCC Database. Do not use book reviews, editorials, or letters to the editors. You must use substantive research articles. You may use other articles from popular media sources in addition, but you must recognize any flaws or shortcomings (fallacies and bias) visible in these selections.
The word count (this does not include the Works Cited) should be 2000 -3000 words; however, your topic may require more. Choose wisely. Be sure to provide adequate relevant support for your views. This means you must do more than summarize what others say. Use the Excelsior College sample papers as guides.
Some controversial arguments have such polar opposition, that you may need to reframe your argument. Consider Gun Control. It is unlikely that any argument would persuade the NRA to eliminate guns. However, kairos indicates a need to stop school shootings. What can move the conversation to win/win? Reframe the argument: We must make schools safe from guns. Changing the argument in this way makes it something that both sides can support, but they may have differing views on how to accomplish this goal.
Use the general ENG 111 guidelines to draft and outline your argument. As always, use MLA format, and support your writing with the work of experts. Critical thinking is also necessary.
Purpose: Write a well-organized, argument essay that includes a clear, arguable, thesis with the goal of changing the views of an audience who holds a different view, or persuade an uninformed audience. You will use the Rogerian model
Audience: Your peers and professor
Research: Use at least 6 current, authoritative, and credible journal articles from the TCC database to provide support for the reasons within your thesis. Wikipedia and other online encyclopedic sources do not meet this requirement. Google is not a resource, nor are cheat websites such as Course Hero.
Formatting: MLA formatting is required (12 pt. font, Times New Roman or Arial, 1″ margins, double spacing, header with page number and last name, heading at left with all required info. See Module 1 for exact information) with properly formatted Works Cited Page. In-text and Works Cited sources must correspond (match), and sources should be cited where used (not at the end of a paragraph). Clear indication of where a source begins and ends must be visible.
Word Requirement: 2000 – 3000 words not including the Works Cited Page (meeting the word count will not ensure you have adequately covered your topic dependent on the topic you select).
Use the information and strategies taught in this Module and the Preceding Modules to ensure success.
Meet the due date.
The final draft should be at least 3,000 words.
In evaluating the effectiveness of this persuasive essay, I will be using the class rubric.
Content is worth 40% of the grade. I will consider the following questions:
1. Does the essay contain a clear, arguable claim that is the result of the writer’s own critical thinking?
2. Does a precise, clear thesis statement support a position?
3. Do the reasons and evidence logically support the claim?
4. Is the language neutral?
5. Have the underlying assumptions linking the claim and reasons been addressed?
6. Are opposing arguments and objections to both claim and underlying assumptions addressed?
7. Does the paper provide adequate background information on the conversation the author is joining?
8. Do your sources show recency, relevance, impartiality, and sufficiency?
9. Is the word count met?
10. Is the Rogerian model used?
Organization is worth 20% of your grade:
11. Is the essay clearly and logically organized?
12. Is there a clear thesis (yes. It is part of organization too).
13. Do paragraphs begin with topic sentences? If not, is there a good reason?
14. Does the introduction draw readers in and provide enough information?
15. Does the conclusion answer most questions the target audience could ask?
16. Are transitional words used correctly throughout?
17. Is the Rogerianl model used?
MLA format is worth 20% of your grade:
18. Is the paper formatted correctly? (See Module 1)
19. Do in-text citations match the Works Cited? (Failure to do so can result in a zero for the entire paper).
20. Does the Works Cited list match with the in-text citations? (Failure to do so can result in a zero for the entire paper).
21. Is there a clear indication of where sources are used (attribution or signal phrase plus in-text citation).
22. Is information that is not considered common knowledge for the target audience (not the writer) cited?
