FINALLY, you get to write the essay. Having now spent a lot of time focusing your research question, gathering secondary research materials, and finding more secondary sources, you are in a position to make an argument about your topic.
This means you need to stake out a position about your topic, developing and supporting a thesis that draws on the secondary research (your scholarly and other sources) for evidence. Your paper should present your argument and back it up with evidence. All evidence needs to be attributed appropriately.
The successful paper will draw on research, including several scholarly sources, to support your argument. Your thesis (the point you’re arguing) should be a claim based on your semester-long investigation of your question. In your conclusion, you should consider the larger significance of your investigations as well as questions remaining to be addressed and limitations of your project.
Your essay should be no less than 5 pages and no more than 10, double spaced, Times New Roman 12, not counting your Works Cited page.
Your essay should have an introduction that includes a clear thesis statement, body paragraphs that make the case for your thesis, and a conclusion. It is not necessary to summarize your argument at the end; instead, draw the threads together, essentially restating your thesis, and consider the larger significance of your project. Then suggest further questions that need to be answered about your topic.
You should refer to scholarly sources, a variety of reliable non-scholarly sources in making your argument.
YOU MUST include a Works Cited page listing only the sources actually cited in your essay. Don’t forget to alphabetize your list.
Title your essay!
Use MLA style for the paper format, in-text citations, and Works Cited. Quoted or cited material should be integrated effectively into your prose.
While you are using all kinds of outside information in this project, you should keep in mind that this essay is NOT A REPORT. This essay will have something to say that is meaningful to you and to others, something YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE about your topic. To that end, each paragraph should make a point that’s part of the case you’re building for your thesis rather than just provide background information.
The basic structure of each paragraph and the essay as a whole should be: claim backed up by evidence. Do not string together summaries of your sources instead of using the sources to back up your claims. It will not work to copy and paste summaries from earlier papers you wrote for this class.
Be careful that quotes make up no more than 10% of your paper—all key ideas need to be stated in your own words, even if you use a quote from an authority as evidence. Don’t string quotes together—it’s your own argument that should be at the forefront of your paper. On the other hand, you should have some quotes in your paper.
For this paper, you should not “tell the story of your research” or refer to any assignments for the class. Instead, this paper needs to present your argument.
Remember that your audience is neither your instructor nor a classmate—your audience is an anonymous reader who does not know the specifics of your project, a reader who might be part of the panel that funded your project or a reader who might consider your paper for publication/presentation in an undergraduate magazine or conference.
Format— Your paper should be double-spaced without extra spaces between paragraphs; use Times New Roman 12 font, and use the MLA guidelines to format the paper. This paper should not have sections or section headings.
If you need additional review for argumentative essays, please review the following:
How to Write an Argument Essay: A Persuasive Paper with Arguments (Links to an external site.)
How to Write an Argument Essay: A Persuasive Paper with Arguments
Sample Outline:
Paragraph One (Introduction):
Attention grabbing hook statement (Links to an external site.) connected to topic.
Relevant background information on topic.
Thesis statement (This should connect to your claims in your body paragraphs)
Paragraph Two: First Claim : 2-3 pieces of textual evidence
Paragraph Three: Second Claim: 2-3 pieces of textual evidence
Paragraph Four: Final Claim: 2-3 pieces of textual evidence
Paragraph Five: Discuss and refute one or two opposing arguments
Paragraph Six (conclusion):
Restate your thesis.
Summarize your main points from paragraphs two, three and four.
Connect your argument to the “bigger picture” of life/society/the future. Answer the question, so what?
Works Cited page
RUBRICPreview the document linked here
Rubric
Persuasive Research Essay
Persuasive Research Essay
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFOCUS
20.0 pts
A Paper
Original, sophisticated focus on developing the topic and writer’s individual contribution to it; takes a risk by attempting a complex argument/approach.
17.0 pts
B Paper
Clear and well maintained focus on developing the topic and writer’s individual contribution; makes connection to outside research, but the argument could be developed more fully.
15.0 pts
C Paper
Maintains a clear and appropriate focus throughout most of the components. Develops topic and incorporates outside research, but the argument has insufficient evidence and development.
13.0 pts
D Paper
Lack of focus; seems more like a rough draft than a final version. Leaves questions about the topic unanswered or unconsidered.
0.0 pts
F Paper
It does not meet the minimum requirements for assignment or engages in acts of plagiarism.
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDEVELOPMENT
20.0 pts
A Paper
Significantly developed using the required number of scholarly and sources; illustrates sustained inquiry, thought, and analysis in extending the existing conversation of the topic through the writer’s position. Presents opposing viewpoints effectively.
17.0 pts
B Paper
Developed ideas and well chosen evidence; some careful thought and analysis. Makes some moves to articulate the writer’s position on the topic. Evidence could be stronger. Paper is just shy of the required number and type of sources. Brings up opposing viewpoints but could do so more effectively.
15.0 pts
C Paper
Some examples and supporting evidence, but ideas are obvious or lack full development; surface-level analysis, or relies primarily on reporting. The type and number of sources do not meet the assignment requirement. Presentation of opposing viewpoints is insufficient.
13.0 pts
D Paper
Inadequate development of ideas with few or weak supporting examples; little to no analysis. No opposing viewpoints. The paper does not meet the minimum requirement for type and number of sources.
0.0 pts
“F” Paper
It does not meet the minimum requirements for assignment or engages in acts of plagiarism.
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeORGANIZATION
20.0 pts
A Paper
Organization patterns support the purpose of the project and allow for the reader to see the event and issue from multiple angles.
17.0 pts
B Paper
Effective use of organizational strategies; organization patterns do not inhibit the purpose, but do not support the project.
15.0 pts
C Paper
Organizational patterns could be more appropriate and effective. Paper relies on a linear or chronological organization.
13.0 pts
D Paper
Lacks clear or appropriate organization strategies; organization detracts from the purpose of the project.
0.0 pts
F Paper
It does not meet the minimum requirements for assignment or engages in acts of plagiarism.
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLANGUAGE AND AUDIENCE
20.0 pts
A Paper
Tone appropriate for writing situation; strong connection with the audience; addresses the anonymous reader. Varied language structures with few errors.
17.0 pts
B Paper
Appropriate tone and connection with audience’s interests. Writer has an audience in mind, though paper may struggle to connect in places.
15.0 pts
C Paper
Tone is sometimes but not always audience appropriate; connections with audience’s interests are weak.
13.0 pts
D Paper
0.0 pts
F Paper
It does not meet the minimum requirements for assignment or engages in acts of plagiarism.
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFORMATTING AND DOCUMENTATION
20.0 pts
A Paper
Citation is clear and correct. Paper is formatted correctly in MLA.
17.0 pts
B Paper
Citation is clear, with few errors. Formatting is mostly correct.
15.0 pts
C Paper
Citation is evident, if incorrect.
13.0 pts
D Paper
Missing internal and end citations. Major formatting errors.
0.0 pts
F Paper
It does not meet the minimum requirements for assignment or engages in acts of plagiarism.
20.0 pts
Total Points: 100.0
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