For this essay, you should choose a topic from the Gale resource on Opposing Viewpoints (see below) and write a 4-5 page essay that argues a clearly defined position about that topic. The essay should have an introduction that has a clear thesis statement and demonstrates the relevance of your topic, several body paragraphs that each make focused claims, and a conclusion.
Purpose and Learning Objectives
The purpose of this assignment is to practice persuasive writing and synthesis of sources. You will increase your critical thinking skills by analyzing yours and others’ assumptions, evaluating multiple perspectives, and developing a clear position. Writing, research, and eloquent written expression are vital for a successful future. You will express all of these skills in this assignment. This essay will be used as the English department assessment for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s mandated core curriculum assessment of Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). This essay will address the SLO objectives of critical thinking and written communication.
Your research paper should demonstrate the following learning objectives:
- Awareness of the audience to whom you are speaking
- Awareness of the purpose of your argument
- Ability to enter into a scholarly conversation
- Ability to write a qualified and narrow argumentative thesis statement
- Ability to synthesize information from various sources
- Ability to craft an argument with different types of relevant, credible, and detailed support
- Ability to research and identify academic sources
- Ability to summarize, paraphrase, and quote while citing correctly in MLA to avoid plagiarism
- Ability to converse in standard, academic English
Minimum Requirements
- 1,200-1,500 word essay (4-5 pages)
- An interesting and informative title
- A clearly stated thesis in the introduction that articulates your position and what you want to argue in your paper.
- Logical and clear reasons supporting your argument
- A document formatted in correct MLA format
- 5 sources (peer-reviewed journals, books, and reliable web sources)
- One of your sources must disagree with your argument and be used to create a counterargument. A counterargument occurs when you show what the opposing side claims and then refutes that side. For instance, if I am arguing that public schools should require children to be vaccinated unless a documented medical reason prohibits vaccination, then I might cite a source that argues that vaccinations are dangerous. I would show one or two main reasons the source gives and then show why those reasons are invalid as I prove my point about the need for vaccines.
- A refutation of opposing arguments (in the counterargument)
- A synthesis of sources; do not simply summarize your source material, but show how they are connected and respond to them.
- A works cited page in MLA format with corresponding in-text citations. The works cited page should be included in the same document as your essay.
If you fail to meet the minimum requirements, you should not expect to earn higher than a D on the essay (but perhaps much lower).
Due Dates
Refer to the assignment calendar for due dates for this assignment.
Remember, the grade for the peer review is separate from the grade for the essay. See the guidelines for peer review for instructions about completing the peer review proces
Potential Topics
- U.S. Borders (Emigration & Immigration)
- Cuba & Immigration
- Children of illegal immigrants
- Public Transportation
- Civil Rights
- Popular Culture
- Culture of Beauty
- Celebrity Culture
- Renewable Energy
- Animal Experimentation
- Technology & Education
- Vaccines
- Privacy
- Criminal Justice
- Millennial Generation
- Genetically Modified Foods
My topic is : Arguments for and against the use of Vaccines
- Instructions for Peer Review
Peer reviews are an essential part of the revision process, as it’s important to receive feedback on your writing. Even the best writers ask for others to read their work. All you need to do is turn to the acknowledgement section of many books to find praise for others who have read drafts of the book. All important writing should be read by someone else prior to submission.To earn credit for peer review, you must submit a draft to the peer review discussion board by the due date and comment on one of your classmates’ drafts by the second due date (the schedule lists two due dates: the first is when you must submit your draft; the second is when you must submit your responses to others). You must submit a draft AND comment on someone else’s draft to earn any credit for peer review. Just submitting a draft OR just commenting on someone’s draft will not earn credit.
