Touchstone 1.1: Engage with a Work of Research
ASSIGNMENT: For this essay, you will select one of the articles provided below and engage in a 2-3 page summary and response dialogue with the source (not including cover pages, headings, reference lists, or reflection questions). This will involve providing a detailed summary of the source’s argument and responding to that argument with your position based on the information provided in the source.
Article Option 1: “The Recess Debate: A Disjuncture between Educational Policy and Scientific Research”
Article Option 2: “Sugar in School Breakfasts: A School District’s Perspective”
A. Assignment Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines. Refer to the Sample Touchstone for additional guidance on structure, formatting, and citation.
1. Article Summary
❒ Have you introduced the title of the article and the author by name?
❒ Have you communicated the source’s purpose?
❒ Have you included all of the source’s main points, using page-numbered citations as you paraphrase?
❒ Have you restated the source’s argument mostly in your own words, with at least two direct quotations included, too?
❒ Have you used at least two key, quoted examples, cited with page numbers from the source, as part of the summary?
2. Article Response
❒ Have you provided your perspective on the source’s argument?
❒ Have you used at least two specific, quoted examples, cited with page numbers from the source to illustrate why you either agree or disagree with the argument?
3. Reflection
❒ Have you answered all reflection questions including specific and concrete examples that provide thoughtful insight in all responses?
❒ Are your answers included on a separate page below the main assignment?
B. Reflection Questions
DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
What ideas originally came to mind when you first read through the article? Did your initial response to the article change after reading it for a second time? (3-4 sentences)
How does paying attention to the way you respond to a source help you formulate your stance on a topic? (2-3 sentences)
