Essay Assignment Sheet
• Your assignment is to write an essay (a minimum of 4FULL pages in length, not including the works cited page) which will demonstrate your ability to construct a research-based, reasoned argument and correctly use MLA formatting.
• The style of the essay should be a third-person, classical argument (See below).
• Your research can include articles from scholarly journals, popular magazines, newspapers, and other print-based sources. You can also consult websites and online sources. You should use a MINIMUM of five(5) primary and secondary sources, and all sources must be cited correctly using MLA documentation, both in the essay and on a separate works cited page.
• The rough draft of this essay will be due in Smarthinkingby Sunday, July 16, 2017 (11:59pm).
• You must submit your Smarthinking feedback to Blackboard by Friday, July 21, 2016 (11:59 pm).
• The final draft will be due in Blackboard by Sunday, July 23, 2017 (11:59 pm).
• Your essay will be graded on the following criteria:
o Content: All of the evidence and examples are specific and relevant; explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position.
o Organization: Arguments and support are provided in a logical order that makes it easy and interesting to follow the author's train of thought. Information is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs.
o Grammar, Punctuation, and Mechanics: Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
o MLA Formatting: Met length requirements. Double spaced. Times New Roman, 12 point font. 1 inch margins on all sides. Left aligned. Proper heading. All sources cited and documented correctly using the MLA format.
Classical (Aristotelian) Argument Format
Introduction
Includes one or more of the following:
1. Exordium: The beginning or opening words, designed to win attention and good will by introducing the case in an interesting and favorable light.
2. Exposition or Narration: An account of the history of the case (what gave rise to the present problem; how the issues developed)
3. Direct statement of the case (the proposition to be proved or defended--thesis).
4. Division of Proofs: An outline of how the writer will present the evidence
Body
Includes all of the following':
Confirmation of case by presenting evidence in its favor (includes one or more of the following):
a. facts
b. reasons
c. statistics
d. testimony of experts
e. opinions supported by facts
f. reports
g. examples
h. logical reasoning (inductive or deductive)
i. analogy
2. Acknowledge merit of opposing view
3. Refutation of opposing views (counterarguments) by demonstrating that they are:
a. untrue
b. illogical
c. self-contradictory
d. ambiguous (terms not clearly defined)
e. dishonest (a deliberate attempt to deceive)
f. absurd
Conclusion
Includes one or more of the following:
1. Recapitulation and summary of argument: to repeat is to reinforce and make certain readers have not misunderstood.
2. Peroration: A final, heightened appeal for support.
3. Propose a solution.