The Classical Argument (150 points)
Our book’s description of the assignment is in Chapter 15 of your Thinking Rhetorically by John and June Johnson text. Chapter 5 offers additional information to help with your essay. In addition, your argument must be supported by research from FIVE peer-reviewed sources. You may also use reliable statistical sources. I recommend using the Welder Library; however, I’m open to Google Scholar and other non-biased sites.
A structure for your paper is on page 321.
Model arguments can be found at the end of the chapter.
Your text must be at least 2000 words long, not counting the list of works cited.
See page 323 for ways to generate ideas for an arguable issue. Your issue MUST be researchable from peer-reviewed databases available in Welder Library or other scholarly research sites (see comment above); Wikipedia IS NOT a scholarly source. Before you settle on it, explore your issue in the databases to make sure that usable scholarly materials exist.
Your paper must make a significant claim and must offer good reasons in support of that claim.
Your paper must address objections and counterarguments. It must present these alternative views fairly and respectfully.
Your text must include a list of works cited in MLA format. Use Chapter 28 or the Purdue OwlLinks to an external site. for formatting your entries. Use parenthetical citations in the body of your paper (see pages 565-566).
Follow the format requirements as provided in the text (MLA).
Grading Rubric for the Classical Argument
The issue is real and significant to the intended audience.
The intended audience is clear to the reader and the argument effectively appeals to that audience.
The paper offers a strong, clear thesis.
The author has clearly searched for and considered serious opposing views.
The paper presents opposing views fairly
The paper rebuts opposing views effectively.
The thesis claim is supported by several clear reasons which are themselves well supported and well developed.
The author builds his or her own case rather than merely summarizing or repeating the arguments of one or two sources.
The sources are appropriate, properly cited, and listed in the Works Cited.
The author maintains a positive ethos.
