1213: Principles of English Composition II                               The University of Oklahoma

Unit One Microtheme: Introduction to Writing Arguments

Assignment Sheet

In this assignment you will be constructing a one-sided academic argument according to the Toulmin schema found in your textbook Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings.  You are required to structure this argument fulfilling only the logos (the structure and logic of a message) of the rhetorical triangle model of an effective argument.  This means that the argument will follow a clear enthymeme, identify a warrant, supply sufficient backing and grounds, and be one-sided only (i.e. no counterargument).  It will be 2 pages long (approximately 500 words), in standard edited English, 12 pt. font, 1” margins, Times New Roman, and follow MLA format. 

In this unit, as with all units in this course, you will be required to keep a manila folder, which you are required to bring to every class.  The contents of this manila folder will constitute the writing process grade of the unit, as explained in the course policy statement.  Ensure that you maintain the integrity of a good writer in keeping copies of all extra readings, class worksheets, handouts, drafts, peer/instructor editing comments, and all work pertaining to your paper in this folder, which you will hand in with your final draft on ___________________________ .

You will not be required to do any outside class research for this unit as we will utilize the data set readings included in your textbook, which you will use as evidence.  The topic of these data set readings (and the topic of your papers) will be on environmental conservation.

Criteria

An effective argument will…

• address one of the three following issue questions.
• apply the Toulmin schema of argument.
• contain a properly constructed enthymeme and consider its warrant, providing sufficient grounds and backing.
• follow a logical progression of thought.
• use two of the data set readings as evidence (grounds and backing).
• be 2 pages long (approximately 500 words), in standard edited English, 12 pt. font, 1” margins, plain typeface, and follow MLA format. 
• show evidence of a progression of writing through notes, editing and drafting in their manila folder. 

Essay Issue Questions

Your essay must address one of the following issue questions:

1. Does owning an SUV imply a lack of moral consideration for the environment?

2. Are SUVs necessarily an environmental concern?

3. What are the perceived negative effects of an SUV on the environment, and why should we be concerned about these?