The Inquiry Process (Joining the Conversation) (5–7 pages)
About This Assignment
Write a researched argument about an issue described in the readings you have used for your first or second essays or an issue affecting your future career field, your major field, or your immediate community. This paper provides your own conclusions based on the research, but you should take into account what you have learned during this course: begin by showing the conversation your paper is responding to (“they say”), have a clear statement of your own argument (“I say”), include quotes and incorporate them smoothly, point out possible objections to your argument, use appropriate transitions, and explain why the issue matters. You might also consider adding metacommentary and finding ways to include your own voice, even though this is academic writing.
Grounded and Challenging Topics
Although you are generally free to choose your subject, I would like you to stay away from topics whose arguments are primarily focused on a moral, religious, or philosophical issue (speculative topics). Likewise, the following issues may not be selected: abortion, the death penalty, lowering the drinking age, legalizing currently illegal drugs, euthanasia, cloning, and violence on television / in video games. I think you will get more out of this assignment if you think a bit deeper than trite topics. Instead of taking the all-too-easy standard topic approach, seriously consider issues that speak to you personally, issues that awaken in you a sense of urgency, issues that inspire your creativity and originality.
Research and Format
You must use at least three outside resources in this essay. The sources will be chosen from the Annotated Bibliography assignment or from the library databases or book sources. No non-professional / non-academic websites may be used in this essay. At least four direct quotes must be used in the essay. You must include one visual element, including a chart, graph, an image, etc. The essay must be a minimum of five (5) pages, typed and double spaced. Cite and document sources using MLA format both in-text and on the works cited page.
Purpose To develop skills is analysis, research, synthesis of sources, and argument.
Grading
A Paper In an interesting, logical, persuasive, and well researched essay thoroughly explains the issue, its causes, and your response to the issue.
Essay is well researched, full of interesting, relevant, and persuasive examples, quotations, and statistics. Evidence comes from credible and reliable sources.
Quotes are gracefully introduced and correctly cited. Information from research is correctly documented. The essay draws on the required number of sources, and they are listed on the works cited page and correctly formatted.
Organization is strong and effective. Essay contains a well developed introductory paragraph with a clear, argumentative thesis statement. Body paragraphs have strong topic sentences that are ideas. The conclusion is thoughtful and well developed.
