ESSAY ASSIGNMENT
INSTRUCTIONS AND CHECKLIST
Ethical Argument
In preparation for Essay 2 and by completing your textbook readings, you will be equipped to respond by objectively compiling information from a variety of sources to compose an essay that understands and practices reading, writing, and rhetoric within the context of a biblical worldview; applies methods of sound reasoning; produces well-structured essays; integrates sources accurately and effectively; writes with clarity; recognizes standard usage in English grammar, word choice (diction), phraseology, and sentence structure; and applies knowledge of sentence structure to basic sentence editing and revision.
In Module/Week 5, you must write a 1,000-1,200 word ethical argument essay from the thesis/outline that you submitted in Module/Week 4. Please note the word count does not include citations.
Ethical Essay Prompt
Write an ethical argument in which you consider the topic, "How far should scientists go to modify humans through genetic engineering?" Use the websites included in the Reading & Study folder, your own academic research, and the Bible to include at least 4 quotations, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrase (6 total) from at least 3 of these sources. Be sure to document your sources correctly according to your documentation style (current APA, MLA, or Turabian).
As you compose your essay, be sure to:
a. Include all of the parts identified in "Structuring a Ethical Argument" found on page 599 in your Practical Argument textbook.
b. Integrate at least a total of 4 quotations, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrases into your essay from at least 3 outside sources.
c. Follow the appropriate formatting style for your degree program (current MLA, APA, or Turabian).
d. Use signal phrases and proper in-text citations; make sure you include a references (current APA), bibliography (current Turabian) or works cited (current MLA) page.
e. Use the Essay 2 Grading Rubric and the proofreading checklist (provided below) to draft and revise your essay.
f. Type your degree program and which style of writing you are using (current MLA, APA, or Turabian) in the title of the saved document and in the "Submission Title" field on the submission link in Blackboard.
IMPORTANT: Fully cite all quotations, summaries, and paraphrases used within your essay, or those excerpts will be regarded as plagiarism and will result in a "0" on your essay and possible course failure.
ESSAY THESIS/OUTLINE INSTRUCTIONS AND CHECKLIST
Ethical Argument
In preparation for Essay 2 and by completing your textbook readings, you will be equipped to respond by objectively compiling information from a variety of sources to compose an essay that understands and practices reading, writing, and rhetoric within the context of a biblical worldview; applies methods of sound reasoning; produces well-structured essays; integrates sources accurately and effectively; writes with clarity;recognizes standard usage in English grammar, word choice (diction), phraseology, and sentence structure; and applies knowledge of sentence structure to basic sentence editing and revision.
In Module/Week 4, you will write a thesis statement and outline for the ethical argument essay that you will write in the next module/week.
Develop an outline for your ethical argument essay that includes a clear thesis statement and a plan of support. Be sure to include all parts identified in "Structuring an Ethical Argument" on page 599 in your Practical Argument textbook. In addition, include at least 4 quotations, 1 summary,and 1 paraphrase into your essay from at least 3 outside sourcesto support your thesis statement and provide opposing argument(s). Be sure to document your sources correctly according to your documentation style (APA, MLA, or Turabian).Your outside sources can include scholarly sources and the Bible. (Note: Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable source for academic writing.)
Ethical Essay Prompt
Write an ethical argument in which you consider the topic, "How far should scientists go to modify humans through genetic engineering?"Use the websites included in the Reading & Study folder, your own academic research, and the Bible to include at least4 quotations, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrase(6 total) fromat least 3 sources.Be sure to document your sources correctly according to your documentation style (current APA, MLA, or Turabian).
Instructions
After reading pages 599-607 in your Practical Argument textbook and the 5 websites in the Module/Week 4 Reading & Study folder, you will be prepared to plan your own ethical argument about the topic, "How far should scientists go to modify humans through genetic engineering?"
When planning your outline, review the reading assignment with special attention to page 590-What is Ethical Argument?, page 591-Stating and Ethical Principle, and page 599-Structuring an Ethical Argument.
Next, do some preliminary research about your topic including the websites in the Module/Week 4 Reading & Study folder and scholarly resources such as those found on the Jerry Falwell Library. In addition, you are encouraged to use the Bible as a resource for your ethical argument development.
Finally, create an outline that includes a clear thesis statement and a plan of support. Be sure to include all of the parts identified in "Structuring an Ethical Argument" found on page 599 in your Practical Argument textbook.
Review the Outline Suggestions and Proofreading Checklist (below) and the Ethical Argument Outline rubric before submitting your thesis/outline in Blackboard.
Outline Suggestions
One of the most common difficulties you willexperience while writing a paper is organization. After you have generated some ideas for your essay, you will want to create an outline. Use this information to create an outline for each of your essays before you write your initial draft. Remember that outlines are subject to change as the ideas in your essays evolve. Simply use the outline as a way to get you started.
Outlines will vary depending on the exact goal of the piece, but every outline should contain the following elements:
I. Introduction
A. Interest-catcher that relates to your thesis
B. Sentence that connects your interest-catcher to your thesis
C. Your thesis, which identifies the topic and reveals the central claim you are making about the issue
D. Overview of your main points (optional)
II. Several Body Paragraphs with Main Supporting Points (Remember that these should support the claim you have made in your thesis.)
A. Topic sentence introducing the focus of the paragraph in some clear way
B. Specific example(s), facts(s), etc. that support your point. Use properly cited quotes, paraphrases, or summaries.
C. Your explanation and analysis of example(s) (Avoid 1st and 2nd person pronoun usage)
D. Summative sentence
Please note: Remember to provide transitions for your reader.
III. Body Paragraphs Discussing Opposition (This could also be addressed before your supporting points. There are other possibilities for organization, but it takes great care to make the flow of thoughts understandable to the reader, so we will just start with these.)
A. Topic sentence identifying opposing viewpoint
B. Explanation as to why you disagree (Avoid 1st and 2nd person pronoun usage)
C. Examples, facts, etc. that support your reason for disagreement
D. Summative sentence
E. Remember transitions into the next paragraph.
IV. Conclusion
A. Sums up what you talked about in your body paragraphs
B. Reiterates your thesis in different words
C. Drives home any final thoughts or call for action
Remember that this is just a rough guide, not a strict formula.
Proofreading Checklist
Part 1
Read through your outline and check the appropriate boxes on the chart below. If any area of your outline needs revision, make sure you correct it before submitting your assignment. Taking the time to construct a complete and thorough outline will help you save time when you write the actual essay.
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Reading & Study Application
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1. Introduction: Establishes the ethical principle and states the essay's thesis (make sure you address the prompt).
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2. Background: Gives an overview of the situation.
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3. Ethical analysis: Explains the ethical principle and analyzes the particular situation on the basis of this principle.
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4. Evidence: Presents points that support the thesis (Integrates at least 4 quotes, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrase from at least 3 outside sources).
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5. Refutation of opposing arguments: Addresses arguments against the thesis.
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6. Conclusion: Restates the ethical principle as well as the thesis (not in the exact words); includes a strong concluding statement.
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7. Contains pathos (emotional) appeals, (values/belief) appeals, and/or logos (factual) appeals as appropriate.
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8. Title reflects issue and proposal information.
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9. Uses only third person pronouns (all first and second person pronouns have been removed).
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10. If using current APA format, contains properly formatted, title, abstract, and References page.
If using current MLA format, contains a properly formatted Works Cited page.
If using current Turabian format, contains a properly formatted title page and Bibliography page.
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11. Double-spaced.
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12. Font is 12-point Times New Roman.
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13. References/Works Cited/ Bibliography page includes all sources cited within the body of the essay.
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14. Checked spelling, grammar/mechanics.
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Part 2
When you are satisfied with the quality of your essay, post it to Blackboard via the SafeAssign link for grading. Do not forget to write your degree program and whether you are using current MLA, APA, or Turabian on the title page and in the "Submission Title" field when submitting your paper.