Cause and Effect Toulmin Argument Thesis/Outline Assignment Instructions
Overview
In Module 6, you must develop a thesis statement and outline for your 1200-1500 word cause and effect argument essay that you will write in Module 7. This assignment will show your understanding of the reading material covered so far in the course related to argument, research, and essay development. Putting in the time to do the groundwork in the thesis/outline assignment will help you when you begin writing the actual essay in Module 7. It is important to review the sample student outline available in APA, MLA, and Turabian in chapter 15 to understand the expectations of this assignment that will be somewhat different from the expectations of the thesis/outline assignments for the other essay assignments in this course.
Instructions
Review chapter 15 in the textbook for the sample cause and effect Toulmin argument thesis/outline written in the documentation style for your major course of study. Using the sample, complete your own thesis/outline in Module 6 that you will use in Module 7 to develop your Cause and EffectToulmin Argument Assignment. Your thesis/outline assignment should include a clear thesis statement that addresses the question in the prompt with a clear cause and effectargument and an outline of your plan of support following the Toulmin Model of argument. The research sources for this essay have not been provided for you in our course. Your research sources must be credible and appropriate for an academic essay.You may include biblical support, but your biblical support does not count in the required citations.
• Prompt: (Choose 1) What impact did Covid-19 have on the American education system? OR What impact did Covid-19 have on mental health in America?
• Complete your thesis/outline using the sample in chapter 15as a model while addressing the prompt question.
• Document your sources correctly according to your documentation style (Current APA, MLA, or Turabian).
• Integrate a total of at least 4 quotations, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrase (6 total) from at least 3 credible academic sources
Helpful Hints
• Chapter 15 in Module 6 includes sample student outlines for a cause and effect (Toulmin) thesis/outline in each of the documentation styles (APA, MLA, and Turabian).
• Chapter 3 in Module 6 includes a general outline for the Toulmin Model of argument.
• Review the Minimum Outline Requirements Checklist (below) to understand the content that you must include in your thesis/outline assignment.
• Review the Cause and Effect Toulmin Argument Thesis/Outline Assignment Grading Rubric in the course before submitting your thesis/outline assignment.
Minimum Outline Requirements
Successful
Needs Revision
1. Thesis statement: Makes a clear argument explaining the need to examine causes or consider effects relative to the topic.
2. Evidence: Presents points that support the thesis. (In your outline, include at least the minimum number of required paraphrases, summaries, and/or quotes from outside sources as indicated in assignment instructions.)
*Toulmin has very specific requirements for the inclusion of background, grounds, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal. See the sample outline and essay in Ch. 15 for more information to help you with this.
3. Opposing argument(s): Presents viewpoints opposing your thesis argument giving special consideration to opposition of your thesis. (Including the strongest opposition to refute helps build your credibility and convinces your audience to consider or adopt your position.)
4. Organize your information into the correct outline format. (See examples for APA, MLA, and Turabian in Chapter 15for the Toulmin Model of argument.)
5. Documentation Requirements for Outline (Include minimum number of sources required for this assignment.):
If using current APA format, include properly formatted parenthetical intext citations and a References page.
If using current MLA format, include properly formatted parenthetical intext citations and a Works Cited page.
If using current Turabian format, include properly formatted footnotes and Bibliography page.
When you are satisfied with the quality of your thesis/outline, submit it via the submission link in Module 6 for grading. Include your degree program and whether you are using current MLA, APA, or Turabian in the document’s title when submitting your thesis/outline.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
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15-1 Cause and Effect Essay Assignment Introduction
In the final essay assignment, you will write a Cause and Effect Argument essay using the Toulmin model that you have read about in your textbook. During Module/Week 6, you will develop your outline for the assignment. In Module/Week 7, you will write the complete essay. In addition to these resources, be sure to read the assignment instructions carefully within the course itself as you will be directed with important information about assignment expectations including the pre-selected topic. You will use the information that you have learned in this course to locate and properly cite reliable sources to use for your outline and essay assignments.
15-2 Planning a Cause-and-Effect (Toulmin) Argument
When planning your cause-and-effect argument, follow the steps below:
Research the topic.
Decide its significance. (Is it important enough to gain the interest of your audience?)
Brainstorm possible causes and/or effect(s). (Which is most practical for your argument essay and most likely to appeal to your audience?)
Once you have decided on the topic and mode of argument (causes or effects):
Decide how much your audience already knows (How much background do you need to include in your essay about the topic?)
Research the topic to find evidence to support your thesis argument. (Are there facts and examples in the research material to support your argument?)
Explore opposing viewpoints to your proposal. (Are you able to refute them and show your proposal as more reasonable and appealing?)
15-3 Outlining a Cause and Effect
(Toulmin)Argumen
When developing your Toulmin argument outline, you need to keep in mind the main parts of the Toulmin model: claim (what you want to prove), grounds (evidence/support for claim), warrant (connects claim and evidence), backing (explains why warrant is rational), and qualifier(limitations of claim).
The outline below is not a strict formula.
You will want to organize your essay parts in a way that makes your claim most convincing.
i. Introduction
A. Hook your audience. (Relate it to the topic and your thesis argument.) 15-3 Outlining a Cause and Effect
(Toulmin)Argumen
When developing your Toulmin argument outline, you need to keep in mind the main parts of the Toulmin model: claim (what you want to prove), grounds (evidence/support for claim), warrant (connects claim and evidence), backing (explains why warrant is rational), and qualifier(limitations of claim).
The outline below is not a strict formula.
You will want to organize your essay parts in a way that makes your claim most convincing.
i. Introduction
A. Hook your audience. (Relate it to the topic and your thesis argument.) Analysis/ warrant: Your explanation of how the evidence supports the topic sentence/ thesis statement: include examples of causes or effects.
(Include backing as necessary.)
Qualifier: demonstrates limits to the argument or shows that it is not always true in all situations.
Summative Sentence: Restates the topic sentence in a new way and transitions your ideas from one paragraph to the next. (Use appropriate transitional words and sentences throughout your
essay to help you essay flow well for your reader.)
iii. One or More Body Paragraphs to Discuss Opposing Viewpoints
А. Topic Sentence: introduces opposing viewpoints). Refutation/ rebuttal: Explanation of why you disagree. (Do not use first or second person pronouns. Use qualifiers as needed.)
Qualifier: demonstrates limits to the argument or shows that it is not always true in all situations so can helpwith your refutation.
Summative Sentence: Wraps up the paragraph and refutation of the opposing viewpoint and includes a transition into the
conclusion paragraph.
iv. Conclusion Paragraph
Summarizes Main Points of your Body Paragraphs.
Restates your thesis claim in a new way.
Leaves reader with final thought and/or call to action.
Cause and Effect Essay(Toulmin) Outline Proofreading Checklist
Read through your outline and check the appropriate boxes on the chart below. If any area of your outline needs revision, make sure you correct it before submitting your assignment. Taking the time to construct a complete and thorough outline will help you save time when you write the actual essay.
