List of instructions
1. Argumentative Thesis Statement❒ Have you included a thesis in your introduction that includes a clear, arguable stance and 3-4 supporting reasons?
2. Argument Development❒ Are all of the details relevant to the purpose of your essay?
❒ Is the argument supported using persuasive rhetorical appeals and page/paragraph-numbered source material (i.e., direct quotations, paraphrasing, and summary)?
❒ Is your essay 6-8 pages (approximately 1500-2000 words, not including your references or reflection question responses)? If not, which details do you need to add or remove?
❒ Does the essay consist of at least seven paragraphs – an introduction, five body paragraphs (with at least one for the counterarguments and rebuttals), and a conclusion? Are the body paragraphs ordered logically to strengthen the argument, and do they all contain accurate evidence from credible sources?
❒ Do your topic sentences make original and supportable points? Do your topic sentences directly support your thesis statement?
3. Research❒ Have you introduced, contextualized, and cited outside sources effectively using at least some direct quotations (3-5 total), summary, and paraphrase techniques and included page/paragraph-numbered parenthetical citations?
❒ Are the sources incorporated smoothly, providing the reader with signal phrases and context for the source information?
❒ Have you referenced a range of 5-7 credible sources, and does each source have at least one accurate in-text citation in the essay?
❒ Have you properly formatted your citations according to APA style guidelines?
❒ Have you included an APA style reference page below your essay and do the sources listed there match those cited in the essay?
4. 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
DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
- Provide one example of a place where you have used rhetorical appeals or source material to support your argument. How does this enhance your essay? (2-3 sentences)
- Touchstone 4 is a revision of this draft. What kind of feedback would be helpful for you as you revise? Are there parts of your draft that you’re uncertain of? (3-4 sentences)