1.11: Assignment- Argument Essay—First Draft

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For this assignment, you will work through the drafting stage of your writing process in an argument essay.

Assignment Instructions

Review the grading rubric as listed on this page.
Choose the position, or side that you agree with, and argue that position using:
- Three separate pieces of evidence, or lines of reasoning, to support your position
- Research to support each line of reasoning (example, testimony, and fact/data, or any combination) that supports your position
- Research about the opposing position’s views
- Presentation of the opposing views, along with lines of reasoning to refute them

Review the Argument Essay Outline you submitted along with feedback you received from that assignment. Make adjustments to the outline in accordance with the feedback. This may include strengthening lines of reasoning, expanding or improving research sources for supporting evidence, creating a more sympathetic introduction to your position, etc.
Develop a complete draft of your essay using your improved Argument Essay Outline. It should meet the following requirements. Papers submitted that do not meet the requirements will be returned to you ungraded.
- A two-part thesis including statement of position; and forecast of your lines of reasoning
- A minimum of three credible outside sources formatted on a source page (MLA, Works Cited)
- MLA formatting
- Minimum of four (4) full pages, not including the Works Cited page.
Submit your detailed outline as a single file upload.

Be sure to:

Choose a specific issue in which two credible parties have documented clearly opposing positions and clear agendas
Choose the position you agree with and argue that position using the following:
- Three separate lines of reasoning;
- Each line of reasoning will support your position with research (example, testimony, and fact/data, or any combination) that supports your position; and
- Research about the opposing position’s views
- Present the opposing views and refute them.
Include a two-part thesis with:
- Statement of position; and
- Forecast of your lines of reasoning
Develop an enticing title that implies your position.
Use a sympathetic appeal and/or cited research in the introduction to establish the issue.
Avoid addressing the assignment directly. (Don’t write “I am going to argue about…” Instead, introduce the issue in a more compelling way that makes the reader care.)
Your voice should be professional and scholarly.
Package your source material with appropriate signaling and commentary.

Grading Rubric: Argument Essay—Draft
Criteria	Rating: Meets Expectation	Approaching Expectation	Point Total: 50
Ideas	The paper demonstrates outstanding or above average idea development, with a thesis that articulates a clear stance about a controversial topic.	The writer sufficiently defines the topic, even though development is still basic or general.	__/15 pts
Content	The paper demonstrates outstanding or above average evidence of supporting the main point with at least three lives of reasoning. Paragraphs are well-developed and clear, demonstrating research about the topic. Research may include examples, testimony, and fact/data that supports your position.	The writer demonstrates sufficient support of the main point, but could use more supporting details.	__/15 pts
Organization	The organization is clear and showcases the central theme. The presentation of information is compelling. Opposing viewpoints are addressed in a logical way, and refuted.	The organizational structure is strong enough to move the reader through the text without too much confusion.	__/15 pts
Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions	The writer demonstrates an outstanding word choice selection, flow and cadence, with well-built sentences and strong grasp of standard writing conventions.	The writer demonstrates sufficient selection of words. The text tends to be more mechanical and contains some errors of standard writing conventions.	__/5 pts

Provided by: Lumen Learning. Located at: http://lumenlearning.com/. License: CC BY: Attribution

Authored by: Daryl Smith O' Hare and Susan C. Hines. Provided by: Chadron State College. Project: Kaleidoscope Open Course Initiative. License: CC BY: Attribution
Authored by: Paul Powell. Provided by: Central Community College. Project: Kaleidoscope Open Course Initiative. License: CC BY: Attribution