Major Argument #5: Causal Argument (Research
Paper)
This is essentially an argumentative essay, but it should be framed as Arguing for the causes leading to problems” so that the focus is not on DEVELOPING a solution, but on ARGUING FOR causes from the set of problems that have been proposed. See the structure of the essay on Canvas for more detailed guidelines.
This essay integrates the rhetorical, research, formatting, and linguistic skills that you have been developing throughout the semester. Do not change your topic after you have completed the Topic Proposal. The purpose of this sequencing assignment is to give you practice in working closely with sources, with your topic, with your classmates, and with the text you are writing.
Assessment Criteria
Your essay will also be evaluated in these areas:
1. Supporting your position (Research your topic in order to find high quality evidence to support your position)
2. Developing significance (In paragraphs and overall;
Develop your ideas clearly and significantly as you move beyond summary, generalization, and broad statements; incorporate meaningful evidence to support your ideas;
3. deal with counter arguments effectively)
4. Doing basic library research (Minimum 5 references; research appropriate sources for an academic essay; summary, paraphrase, and quotations used effectively- with proper templates-and documented with APA/ MLA; at least one academic journal article should be cited)
5. Grammar/ mechanics (Use proper grammatical and mechanical conventions)
6. All the detailed guidelines, rubric, and sample essays are seen on Canvas.
Major Assignment #5
ESL 15 Rhetoric and Composition
Structure of Causal Argument Essay
I. Introduction
● What is it (a brief definition of the topic chosen)?
● Has it led to many problems for years? What are they and why? (Be brief)
● Why is it important to examine the possible causes of the topic?
● Thesis- Formulate your claim including two causes of the problems.
II. Body Paragraph 1 (no more than one paragraph)
● Summarizes the negative consequences, effects, or results of the issue (Citing sources)
III. Body Paragraph 2
● Begins with a transition and the topic sentence that argues for the first possible cause that leads to problems.
● Provides supporting detail- the evidence and/or data that have been proved scientifically (For this, the reliable evidence from a journal article is encouraged)
● Elaborates your argument by explaining how the evidence makes your topical claim solid and strong.
IV. Body Paragraph 3 (Continue to discuss the first cause with the second supporting detail)
● Begins with a transition and a brief summary of the second source that you will cite in this paragraph.
● Provides supporting detail- the evidence and/or data coming from another source, could it be a journal article or newspaper article.
● Explains the evidence in relation to your argument.
● Ends with the summary of the first topic sentence
(Note: A famous figure’s quote may be cited, but it cannot be counted as evidence. Also, avoid a long direct quote using direct quotation marks, which increases the similarity rate in Turnititn.com).
V. Body Paragraph 4 (Discuss the second cause with one source)
● Follows the way Body Paragraph 2 is organized
VI. Body Paragraph 5 (Discuss the second cause with a different source)
● Follows the way Body Paragraph 3 is organized
VII. Body Paragraph 6 (No more than one paragraph)
● Provides how those problems should be solved
● Gives out general solutions while citing sources
VIII. Conclusion
● Summary your points – Returns to ideas in the thesis including problems/causes/solutions
● Any further thoughts that you did not mention in your paper earlier?
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EXPLORE TWO SPECIFIC ROOT CAUSES OF WOMAN DISCRIMINATION
