This will all be on one document (see template). This is not an essay, but the steps
you need to complete in order to plan a great essay, which I feel are just as important (if not more!). This is the information you’ll synthesize into a formal research paper. The essay you will be writing will be a 2000 word Rogerian Research Paper.
I want you to pick a topic and write/plan an argument showing that you can justify opposing sides of an issue while respecting each. The gage of your credibility (ethos!) is based on how well you can present both sides of this issue with equal respect and research. While these issues have nuances that also need to be addressed, the goal is to find commonalities and differences between the opposing sides; this process reflects scholarly argument that makes more of an impact that the type of argument that strengthens the stubbornness of your “opponents.”
Part 1: (40 points)
First two paragraphs (400 words)
Write the first two paragraphs of your argumentative research paper (you can write more paragraphs if needed). They should introduce your topic and present two opposing sides of an argument. I would spend the first paragraph presenting this, and the second paragraph giving some general background (history) setting up the foundation of the issue.
Cite at least two sources using paraphrasing and in-text citations (no quotes for this part).
Rubric:
30 points: Content (including paraphrasing)
10 points: Mechanics/Grammar/Coherency
Part 2: (40 points)
Standard Argument Form: Viewpoint 1 (representing one side of an argument)
Present two cogent arguments in standard argument form (Claim, Support, Support). Use and cite (can be a quote or paraphrase) at least one source (per argument) from your Annotated Bibliography per argument.
Rubric:
20 points: Cogency (the arguments are believable, relevant, and valid)
10 point: Includes a credible quote for each argument
10 points: Formatting
Part 3: (40 points)
Standard Argument Form: Viewpoint 2 (representing the opposing side to that argument)
Present two cogent arguments in standard argument form (Claim, Support, Support).. Use and cite (can be a quote or paraphrase) at least one source (per argument) from your Annotated Bibliography.
Rubric:
20 points: Cogency (the arguments are believable, relevant, and valid)
10 point: Includes a credible quote for each argument
10 points: Formatting
Part 4: (40 points)
Outline
See the template and make yours look similar to that (but with your content and a little more specificity).
Rubric:
30 points: Content
Include a clear argument in a thesis statement (can be more than one sentence, but the main argument needs to be clear; if needed, you can use some form of this template: “Some believe ______, while others believe _____.”)
Include topic sentences and references to research. You can even copy and paste parts of your arguments above to show where they would land in this paper. I just want to see an intentional plan for structuring your upcoming essay.
10 points: Formatting
Part 5: (40 points)
Annotated Bibliography with 4 sources
You will have already done a short version of this (so make sure to read my notes in your assignment if you received less than 20), but this is final draft quality and needs to include credible sources (C.R.A.A.P.).
Rubric:
10 points: Source 1 formatting/content
10 points: Source 2 formatting/content
10 points: Source 3 formatting/content
10 points: Source 4 formatting/content
—————————————————————————–
Reminders:
Use facts and credible research (C.R.A.A.P.).
The tone is formal. You may include lived experience in small doses (ideally at the very end of your actual research paper, so it won’t show much on this), but this is not a packet for a personal essay.
This should mainly be 3rd person POV (he, she, they, them), but if you want to add personal stories in some of (not all of!) your support and/or in your intro paragraphs, then 1st person is ok (me, my); just be intentional and remain formal.
Do not use 2nd person POV (you, your)
Specifications:
-MLA Format must be followed
-This must be a Word doc or pdf. This will not be accepted in any other format.
-LOOK AT THE TEMPLATE (please😃). I did the formatting for you, so there’s no reason yours shouldn’t be accurate.