Document Specifications Minimum Word Count Requirement: 1200 words (4-5 pages of
Document Specifications Minimum Word Count Requirement: 1200 words (4-5 pages of text, not including title page or Works Cited/References page) Times New Roman font double-spaced 1-inch margins Context: In previous essays, we’ve been analyzing and evaluating other’s arguments. For our third essay, we’re going to make our own position argument, in which we take one side of an issue and defend our position using logic and evidence from sources. Topic: You are free to choose any topic you are interested in. It should be a topic you’re motivated to write about and truly believe in. It also should be an arguable topic, with at least two clear (valid, reasonable) perspectives. Sources: Four sources are required. All sources used must be of high quality and credibility, and are the best sources to help you make your case for your position. Additionally, your sources must include: Three sources must be reliable and credible. One source must be a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal article. To understand what this means, please view the Overview of Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed Sources page. Of these four sources, one source must represent the viewpoint that opposes your position. All sources should be cited in-text and on the References page (APA) or Works Cited page (MLA). Purpose: Your purpose in this essay is to explain why your position on the issue is the strongest one. Present your position early on, and then use the rest of your essay to give reasons why your position is the best one. Counterargument: In addition to your reasons why your position is the best, you should have at least one counterargument paragraph, which you describe accurately and respond to. If there was one reason why someone might not agree with your position, what is that reason? How do you respond to them? Learning Objectives: This assignment will allow students to demonstrate competency in all of the course’s learning objectives: I. Rhetorical Awareness: Students will take a considered rhetorical approach to composition. II. Critical Use of Texts: Students will demonstrate critical reading of texts and be able to engage critically with texts and arguments. III. Writing Processes: Students will practice the writing process, creating multiple, revised drafts of each major writing project. IV. Grammar and Mechanics: Students will be able to write clear, coherent sentences and paragraphs that conform to the rules of Standard English grammar. Students will follow conventions of academic documentation.