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Essay 3: Research-based argument Background: For the third paper…
Essay 3: Research-based argument
Background:
For the third paper assignment, you will practice a variety of academic skills and
organizational strategies typically involved in longer, research-based essays:
formulating question(s) for inquiry; clearly stating the motivation and value for the
research; evaluating research sources for relevance, quality, and validity; and
triangulating sources in order to synthesize materials to make a coherent argument
essay. This assignment returns to Graff and Birkenstein’s idea about the nature of
formal writingthat effective writing responds to a larger conversation, whether it
be something in public discourse or an ongoing dialogue within a field.
Task:
Since this paper assignment is lengthier and more complex than the previous two, I
ask that you start with a topic that you’ve engaged with before, so that you do not
start from scratch. Your research essay can go back to a reading you’ve done (e.g.,
Solito, Solita) or a critical concept (e.g., postcolonial ideology, structural
violence, etc.) you studied. Your prior work provides a solid base to begin your
research assignment. The ultimate goal is to write a 7 page essay in which you make
an argument within your chosen topic using evidence from 4+ research sources. Your
sources should contain a variety of perspectives, giving you the opportunity to use
logical reasoning to make a case for your stance/thesis. In other words, the variety
of perspectives will provide the “They Say” to your “I Say.”
Hints:
Make sure you-
— identify the debate within your topici.e., the motivation for your argument.
— create a specific & arguable thesis within the broader topic (in other words, a
thesis that articulates
an argument about your interpretation of the research literature).
— demonstrate your analysis skills by evaluating the quality, relevance, and
credibility of your sources.
— evaluate the perspectives from the various sources and make logical connections
among them to
build your own argument.
— differentiate between facts, expert opinions, and uninformed opinions in research
materials.
— may use 2-3 pages from your prior writing as part of your final 7-page research
essay.
Evaluation Criteria: I will grade using the criteria below:
? An introduction that introduces the topic and the debate
? A clear, specific, arguable thesis within the topic
? Each body paragraph organized around 1 main point (i.e., claim)
? Body paragraphs organized by either the block or point-by-point structure
? Detailed support for your claims through analysis and examples, including
direct quotations and paraphrase where appropriate
? Examples/evidence drawn from 4+ appropriate sources
? Logical presentation of your sources as evidence (see sample annotation in
Module 9)
? A counter-argument that clearly states why a different argument might be
made about your topic
? Coherent development: ideas progress logically from one paragraph to the
next (i.e., your line of
argument is clear)
? A conclusion that connects to the larger conversation on the topic
? Consistent citation of your sources using MLA style, including a separate
Works Cited page
? Clear and focused sentences; variety in sentence structure (i.e., more
complex joining of ideas)
? Essay should be (minimum) ~2,400 words
