Use the five sources I’ve attached, as they came directly from my school’s research database. I would make the argument about whether gray wolves are still an endangered species. This needs to be very well written, so there’s an example essay in the attachments. This is the draft, so I included the final version criteria just to understand more. It’s all the way to the end; please read the instructions carefully.
Drafts should be two and a half to three typed and double spaced pages in length. Each time you refer directly to something you read, you need to include the author name or article name at the beginning of the information and put author or title name in parenthesis at the end of the information. Remember the citation lets the reader know where the outside source begins and ends. The draft, however, does not require other the formatting aspects that were included on the example paper, like the title page, page numbering, or the works cited page for your draft.
Begin drafting by writing out your ideas on the topic and what you’ve researched so far on both sides. For the draft, don’t worry so much about the structure of body paragraphs or topic sentences. Write out sections as you have the information. Try to follow the prompts below for ideas about getting out content.
I. Introduction: what is your topic and how is it controversial? What side are you trying to support? You don’t have to stay on the same side of the argument. You might begin your research thinking that you are opposed to the subject. It’s common to find out that you were misinformed about the topic and then change your position even more than once throughout your reading and researching about it. For the purpose of the draft, it’s okay to still be on the fence too. For the draft, you don’t have to know for sure whether you are supporting or opposing the controversy. The introduction should describe and inform the reader about the nature of the topic. Depending on the subject matter, you may have to spend a lot of time to make sure everyone understands the controversy. Consider beginning the intro with a relevant quote. Try a personal anecdote to establish a better connection between you and the reader. What is something surprising you found out about the topic that could make for a good hook? Generally, when drafting an intro, you aren’t as concerned with the length yet. Drafted introductions are usually long, even two paragraphs, or very brief. It depends on where you’re at in this process. But it’s fair to still be unsure of exactly what your position is at this point. What do you think is the most interesting or important aspect of your topic? What led you to want to write about it? Why would someone else want to read it? Include some or all of these prompts when drafting the introduction. You don’t have to include your thesis yet, especially if you’re still faced with doing a majority of the outside reading. Any new article you read has the capacity to make you change your mind of shift the direction of your paper. What do you hope the reader gets from reading and understanding your topic?
II. Body paragraph one should present the first point of opposition. If you yourself are in opposition to the claim of your argument, the other side would be the proponents. For example, you can be opposed to nuclear energy. Then, you’re presenting the other side which claims the benefits of nuclear energy. Try to write out as much of opposition point one as you are familiar with. What is the main claim? What did you find that helps to support and develop it? Is it a strong claim or a relatively weak one? A strong claim of opposition might initially seem daunting, but it’s really a blessing because it indicates that the argument is valid on both sides and has the potential to be critical. Remember to use signal phrases when you’re referring to an outside source. Put the article title or author’s name in parenthesis when you’re done summarizing/paraphrasing or quoting it.
III. Body paragraph two responds to the opposing point above. The response has to directly address what the first opposition point said. Then you can present information that develops your own thesis position. Try to write out how you will respond to the first opposing point. What kinds of evidence can you bring to this section of your paper that serves to acknowledge the opposing point but still gets the reader back to understanding your paper’s position on it?
IV. Body paragraph three should present the second point of opposition. Write out everything you know about opposing point two. Who are the people who would oppose in this way? What kinds of information do they use to support themselves? Does any of it ring true? Can you see their point being valid in some way even if you disagree with it?
V. Body paragraph four has to directly address what the second opposing point said. Then you can present information that develops your own thesis position.
VI. If you have a third opposing point, it should be presented here. Otherwise this paragraph would be another point on your argument’s side.
VII. Each body paragraph after the opposition and response to opposition should be one that develops a point on your side of the argument.
VIII. The last paragraph is the conclusion.
Five pages (all the way to the bottom) minimum and no more than six pages in length, not counting the title page or works cited page.
Your topic must come from the list of previously approved topics. Otherwise,
you had cleared the topic with me through an assignment, email, meeting, or your draft.
Your paper will be evaluated and graded in the following areas according to the criteria as listed:
Content =90 points is based on the following things:
1. An engaging introduction with a stated thesis that demonstrates a controversial issue and your paper’s position on it.
2. Developed body paragraphs which have topic and concluding sentences.
3. Your ability to explain two or three of the opposition’s points and three to five points that support your side.
4. The usage of transitions where needed.
5. The paper must have a clear pattern of organization.
6. You must cite or refer to all of your sources you list on your sources cited page in correct MLA format. There is a minimum five outside sources, but no more than ten. At least three must be scholarly, peer reviewed sources as found in academic, scholarly, or peer reviewed journals. Two of the other sources may be opinion pieces, such as those from the “Viewpoints” section in the Opposing Viewpoints database, for which you have determined the reliability. For other options and further details, please refer to the item posted “Additional Types of Outside Sources.”
You should keep your turnitin match percent at 15% or below, excluding bibliographic matches.
7. A concluding paragraph
8. A title not the name of the assignment
Grammar =35 points:
1. The paper must be edited for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Format =25 points is based on the following things:
1. Correct MLA style in-paper citation, including signal phrases and parenthetical references when necessary.
2. Sources Cited page (total of 15 points for this)–MLA 9th edition
3. A title page
4. Pages must be numbered (See student paper example)
5. Typed, double spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font
6. Use paragraph format with an indent
7. Use one inch margins around the paper
