Essay Assignment

Instructions and Checklist

Toulmin Model Argument about the Environment

In preparation for Essay 3 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 (Syllabus MLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G and Module/Week 8 LOs: 1, 2, 3).

In Module/Week 8, you will write a 1,200-word (4-5-page) essay using the Toulmin model argument in response to 1 of the following prompts:

• What specific action(s) should Christians take regarding the environment and its preservation or restoration?

• Is Berry correct in his view that single-issue movements (such as soil conservation or clean water) inevitably fail (Muller and Wiener 331)?

You will need to give some specific, documented examples of success or failure.

Follow the writing processes guidelines: gather all of your information, plan the direction of your essay, and organize your ideas by developing a 1-page thesis statement and outline for your essay. Format the thesis statement and the outline into a single Microsoft Word document using current MLA, APA, or Turabian style (whichever corresponds to your degree program).

For this assignment, be sure to:

• Follow the appropriate formatting style for your degree program (current MLA, APA, or Turabian).
• Use at least 5 external sources (including relevant readings in your textbook and/or any other sources you might find).
• Use a combination of quotes, summaries, and paraphrases.
• Use signal phrases and proper in-text citations.
• Include a references/works cited page, which lists all sources you used, including any images. Note: Any images you might use in your essay to support your argument must not take up more than one-third of a page (with 1-inch margins), and they will not contribute to the total page count for the assignment.

• Conduct your own research. Some website resources are listed in the Reading and Study folder; however, they are just a start.

• Use the grading rubric, the Outline Suggestions document, and the proofreading checklist (provided below) to revise your essay.

• Include your thesis statement and outline on a separate page at the end of the document.

• Type your degree program and which style of writing you are using (current MLA, APA, or Turabian) on the title page of your so that your instructor can grade your essay accordingly.

Fully cite all quotations, summaries, paraphrases, and images. If you fail to give credit for outside material, it will be regarded as plagiarism and will result in a "0" on your essay and possibly course failure.

Proofreading Checklist

Part 1:

Read through your paper and check the appropriate boxes on the chart below. If any area of your paper needs revision, make sure you correct it before submitting your essay. One of the best ways to proofread your writing is to read it backward to forward, sentence-by-sentence. This helps you to see words and ideas that you may have missed. Another very successful tool for proofreading is to read your work out loud to someone else. Individuals often think that handing their paper to someone and asking them to read it is the same thing, but it is not. Instead, ask someone to listen while you read your own words. You will immediately hear what you missed or will want to improve in your writing.

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 MLA, APA, or Turabian on the title page and in the "Submission Title" field when submitting your paper.