An introductory paragraph that summarizes the rhetorical situation (author, audience, purpose, and context) of the textbook article and the topic addressed. LSH: W-1 Rhetorical Contexts
Your focused research question in response to the textbook article. Place this question at the end of the introductory paragraph, just before your thesis statement.
A strong, unique thesis statement that answers your research question. You may use one of the templates from the TSIS FOUR: “YES / NO / OK, BUT”: Three Ways to Respond chapter. Place this thesis statement after the research question at the end of the introductory paragraph.
At least 3-4 supporting paragraphs that explain the reasons your thesis is valid and incorporate evidence or ideas from your research. Use LSH W-8: Arguments and the Argument terms and functions plus sandwiches video as a guide for developing paragraphs that support a thesis.
Each supporting paragraph should contain a topic sentence that clearly relates to your thesis statement, your own explained reasons in support of that topic sentence, and at least one quoted, paraphrased, or summarized idea from your research as evidence (more evidence than one piece is likely necessary). LSH: W-5 Developing Paragraphs
The entire essay should be at least 1200 words – that’s 4-6 pages double-spaced
All source ideas, whether quoted, paraphrased, or summarized, should be properly “sandwiched” and cited, including all 5 elements of writing from sources. LSH: R-4 Integrating Sources, Avoiding Plagiarism (review this whole section as you work) & Writing from Sources 2022.docx
Incorporate an opposing perspective: Either within a supporting paragraph or as a separate paragraph of its own, summarize the perspective of a naysayer against your thesis or one of your sub-claims, and then address their point with a counterargument. “Skeptics May Object”
A concluding paragraph that explains why this issue and your perspective matter, using the concepts from the “So What, Who Cares” section of the textbook.
A properly formatted Works Cited page that provides the correct MLA 9 bibliographic citations for the 4 (or more) articles from which you used ideas in your essay. NOTE: You must have cited each article at least once in your essay to include it in the works cited. LSH: MLA Style (MLA Works Cited section).
Submitted as an MS Word document in MLA format – LSH: MLA Style
Essays that do not include all of the above elements (do not follow the assignment guidelines) will be scored as 0, and students will be required to resubmit a corrected essay within 48 hours to earn a (penalized) grade.
Criteria for success
The essay will be assessed overall by these standards, which are enumerated into the rubric categories below. The issue and its exigency are clearly defined, a focused research question about the issue is posed, and at least 2 major perspectives in answer to the question are objectively presented. The essay then presents an original, specific, arguable thesis in answer to the research question, and a clear argument thoroughly supports the thesis. The argument is organized around sub-claims that directly support the thesis statement, in at least 2 distinct supporting paragraphs, demonstrating correct use of argument elements, particularly by providing thoroughly explained reasoning for each sub-claim, and supporting the reasoning through appropriately chosen and synthesized evidence from research. At least one major opposing argument is objectively explained and appropriately addressed. There are no gaps in reasoning or extraneous points. Paragraphs are clear and coherent and follow the argument structure discussed in the course content. The entire essay shows careful attention to the writing process and cumulative comprehension of the concepts covered in the course.
Focus skills (40%) – The bolded items are from this unit, and the remaining skills are ones you practiced in the last unit of the course.
Narrowing your topic with a focused research question about the issue
Defining the issue and its exigency, including at least 2 major perspectives in answer to your research question
Researching and employing information from credible sources
Correctly synthesizing the researched material using all 5 elements of Writing from Sources and the MLA 9 guidance from Little Seagull Handbook
Making an argument with a clear thesis statement claim that appropriately addresses the rhetorical situation,
Thoroughly supporting your thesis statement claim with logical reasoning and clear evidence,
Following argument structure with clear, coherent paragraphs
Summarizing and addressing at least one major objection to your overall claim (thesis) or sub-claims
Synthesis/documentation (20%) – proper incorporation of source material (as appropriate to the assignment) through correct synthesis/ citation/ documentation that smoothly and clearly shows the boundaries between the source ideas and your own without containing plagiarized material, correct works cited entries
Idea development (15%) – level of thought and consideration to articulate and support your unique ideas
Writing quality (15%) – level of language clarity and engagement, and correct grammar and syntax, in work that is polished, formatted, and edited to academic standards.
Timeliness/following instructions (10%) – adherence to deadlines and assignment standards
Any instances of plagiarism, including uncited or poorly sandwiched source ideas, will earn a 0 for the essay and students will be required to resubmit a corrected essay within 48 hours to earn a (penalized) grade.
In a full paragraph on the first page of your essay, explain how you went about your revision. Include answers to: What main areas needed improvement? What resources did you consult to help you improve? Do you understand any concepts better after this revision process? How do you feel your final product compares to Essay 3? Revisions without the reflection paragraph will receive a 15% grade penalty.
Revised essay: Submit the reflection and revised essay in a single MLA formatted document (don’t forget the works cited). For this revision, please underline your thesis statement.
