A controversial issue is clearly presented.
Assignment Description
In this essay, your purpose is to take a stance on a debatable issue, one that shows awareness of two sides of an issue, and effectively defend your position on this issue. You should construct a clear, effective argument by researching the issue, formulating an opinion, and defending your opinion through the use of Unit Four readings, research, and personal experience. Your essay should be 4-6 pages long, typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. You will be required to do some research for this topic, and you must cite this research in your paper using MLA format.
Criteria
This paper will be assessed according to the following criteria:
A controversial issue is clearly presented.
Writer asserts a position on the issue, including a thesis
statement (arguable assertion).
Writer is focused on his/her audience.
Writer defends position through the use of plausible reasoning and
various types of support (statistics, research and authoritative data, primary
sources, personal anecdotes, examples, counterargument, etc.).
Reasons and support for position are given, using one of the
readings from Unit Four and two outside print sources (journals, books,
electronic databases, newspapers, internet resources, etc.).
Language use is clear and precise, following a logical persuasive
strategy as described and covered in the unit.
Writer is able to effectively select, organize, and paraphrase
research material to argue his/her position.
Research materials are properly documented, using MLA format.
Writer produces evidence of the process of writing, editing and
revision.