Requirements:
1. 5-7pages (NOT including the Works Cited). Typed, double-spaced, 12-pt Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins
2. You may only use the first person (I) or second person (you) when writing about an experience related to your argument. So, use is sparingly.
3. Please title your essay something other than “Research Essay” or “Final Draft”
4. Must have quotes and citations from 5-7 credible sources (which you already found thanks to the annotated bibliography 😊)
Instructions:
- Introduction (one paragraph): Snag your reader’s interest with vivid, concrete language, with human interest. Be subtle but be interesting. You should also provide background/history of the subject you will be discussing.
Ia. Thesis Statement (should be included in the Introductory paragraph): A thesis statement is one sentence and in this case it’s an arguable position on a controversial topic. You may end up taking a fairly moderate position on the topic, but your thesis is still specific.
Ib. Background/History of the Subject: Trace the history of your topic and bring the reader up to date on where the issue stands today. Do this section in chronological order, briefly hitting major landmarks from the beginning of the controversy until its current state. You should do basic research online (on the web and/or through the library website) to get this information. Direct quotations for basic history aren’t necessary, but any paraphrase or summary of sources MUST BE CITED using the MLA format. You do NOT have to limit the background history of your topic to only the introductory paragraph, but you should discuss it sooner rather than later, this way the reader understands the topic fully before you go further into your topic.
II. Proofs (outline with your topic sentences and evidence): Based on your research, of course, but you should have at least 4 thesis points (not including the counterargument in your refutation) as your paragraph topics. Use complete topic sentences to label each proof and include any quotes/paraphrases/summaries from your sources that you will cite as evidence. CITATIONS REQUIRED.
Example:
A. Topic sentence about thesis point.
1. Evidence, ideally paraphrased, cited in parentheses.
2. Evidence, ideally paraphrased, cited in parentheses.
B. Topic sentence about thesis point.
1. Etc.
III. Refutation: While some elements of refutation should be covered in your Proofs, this paragraph/these paragraphs will focus on naming and then refuting (disproving) any counterarguments unaddressed in you have yet to overcome the opposing view should already appear as part of your thesis, but the refutation should give the specific attack(s) that the opposing view would make against your thesis claim. If you cannot find a source with a counterargument, you need to still address a possible counter. ***Please note that your refutation can logically go anywhere in your essay. It is your decision based on how you want to present it.***
IV. Conclusion: Discuss why your readers should heed your argument/why this topic is important to us all. If possible, employ subtle yet effective pathos here, and vivid, concrete language.
V. Works Cited Page: Full list of cited sources. This should be a separate page with all citations in correct MLA format.
Grading Rubric:
Argument 20% – Is your thesis clear, effective, and arguable? Did you go off topic or stay consistent throughout your essay?
Content 40% – Are your points supporting your main argument? Is there more analysis and argument in your essay than summary and description? Is there enough detail to understand your statements and your examples? Did you acknowledge a counterargument that could be made about your topic? How did you address it?
Organization 20% – Were your points made in an order that made sense and was clear to follow? Do your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion help the reader toward a better understanding of your argument? Are you using transition words/sentences effectively when starting a new paragraph? Does your title help the reader understand what your essay will be about?
Professionalism 20% – Did you follow MLA guidelines while formatting your paper? Did you check your essay effectively for misspellings, typos, or other errors? Is your writing clear and concise for the reader to follow?