Out-of-Class Essay 2: Argument with Research
Directions: Read the assignment prompt below. When you are done reading the prompt, answer the reflection questions at the very bottom of this page.
Background:
The Argument Essay: An argumentative essay is one that takes a clear position on a controversial issue and offers specific evidence to support the main claim (also known as a thesis). However, before you can write an argument, you need to form your own opinion on the topic. Then you need to communicate your position in a clear, focused unified thesis. Once you have established your position, you need to prove the reasons (supporting points) and give evidence that supports your points.
An effective argument also often considers opposing viewpoints (counter-arguments), showing the reader why those arguments are not persuasive or making a small concession to the opposition. Remember that a good argument does not have to persuade every reader. Your goal should be clear arguments with relevant and credible evidence.
Your second out-of-class essay will be evaluated on how effectively its ideas are presented and supported.
Your writing task:
In an essay of FIVE-SIX FULL PAGES (NO MORE, NO LESS), with a works cited page attached (works cited page DOES NOT count towards minimum page count), you should answer the following essay prompt:
Argumentative Evaluation Essay question: One of the main arguments in The Narcissism Epidemic is that although it is a competitive world, an individual should be successful without developing narcissistic qualities. Is their argument realistic? Do narcissistic behaviors lead individuals to success or to struggle/failure?
**Take a strong stance.
Research requirement: You must bring in a minimum of four sources: at least 1 must be from a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal. The remaining 3 or more sources may come from the internet, but make sure to examine their credibility. You can definitely use The Narcissism Epidemic, however, it is not a scholarly source. It is credible. Total sources=4 or more.
Personal Observation as Research: You may include your personal observations/experiences and/or the experiences of friends or relatives (an interview would get great information from a friend or a relative) to support your ideas. However, personal evidence must be used in conjunction with credible evidence. In other words, you can’t develop a whole paragraph around just personal evidence. **Please limit your use of personal evidence to one paragraph only.**
Essay Requirements:
An introduction with an engaging hook
A unified thesis statement that clearly states your central argument along with your unifying idea.
Well-developed paragraphs, at least 4 body paragraphs, (within the TEEAS framework) with clear topic sentences, all of which make the love connection to your thesis.
Textual evidence—Keep in mind the different ways you can present evidence! (correct use of MLA citation!) You must use direct quotes or paraphrase+direct quote.
Lots of analysis within your body paragraphs which clarifies the significance of your evidence to your points.
A conclusion strategy of your choice. But do make sure to make meaning!
Use present tense verbs (unless discussing the real past) throughout the essay.
Transitions: You must use logical transitions to connect ideas between and within paragraphs.
Evidence of careful proofreading (no more than four errors per page!)
Careful MLA documentation—internally and in a works cited page.
CCSF Plagiarism Policy: Please note that when you complete your final draft, you will be submitting your writing to Turnitin, which is a plagiarism detection software. CCSF’s Plagiarism PolicyLinks to an external site. is very serious, so please work to ensure that your writing represents your own thinking. If you are worried that you might be accidentally committing plagiarism, please check in with me. I’m always happy to look over student writing and offer feedback on originality.
Directions: Review the following 9 questions and make you can answer YES to all of them before you submit your final essay 2 draft.
Do you have at least 6 full paragraphs: Introduction, 4 TEEAS body paragraphs, and conclusion?
Did you meet the minimum page length requirement of 5 full writing pages (top to bottom page 1, top to bottom page 2, top to bottom page 3, top to bottom page 4, top to bottom page 5)? Note–the 5 full writing pages does not include the works cited page.
Did you include at minimum 4 outside sources (one must be a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal)? One source, at minimum, per body paragraph? *Note, if you do not have the minimum research requirements, do not submit your essay as it will not receive a passing grade.
Did you review how to cite your sources in-text (signal phrases and parenthetical citations are very important) AND in a works cited page? Did you make sure to follow source citation rules in your essay 2?
Did you carefully type all of your citations into a correctly formatted MLA works cited page. Did you include the works cited as the last page of your essay?
Did you carefully revise for content?
Did you carefully revise for grammar? Did you apply the rules for FANBOYS and subordination to your sentences?
Did you correctly format your essay using MLA rules for formatting?
Are you feeling satisfied that you wrote this 2nd essay to the best of your ability?
