Purpose of the Assignment
Academic argument covers a wide range of writing, but its hallmarks are an appeal to reason and a reliance on research. As a consequence, such arguments cannot be composed quickly, casually, or off the top of one’s head. They require careful reading, accurate reporting, and a conscientious commitment to truth. But academic pieces do not tune out all appeals to ethos or emotion: today, we know that these arguments often convey power and authority through their impressive lists of sources and their immediacy. But an academic argument crumbles if its facts are skewed or its content proves to be unreliable.
For this assignment, you will use the specifics outlined in Chapter 17 to compose your academic research project topic you selected in WEEK 7. As indicated in the assigned readings, your claim should be controversial about the topic you’ve selected. Your essay should demonstrate that you’ve read widely and thought carefully about the topic and how to support your argument. You can follow the example essays at the end of Chapter 17 for specific guidance.
Strategies for Success
Have an effective thesis statement that makes a debatable claim
An example thesis for this assignment might look like this:
Some may argue that states should define rules regarding animal testing for cosmetic purposes (rebuttal); however, Congress should ban animal research (claim) because if the discussions were left up to states, corporations would move from state to state to avoid penalties (backing).
Use an evenhanded tone and dealing with all points of view fairly.
Acknowledge and respond to a counterargument of your claim.
Be sure to review the rubric for specific assignment expectations.
You will need to have 2 – 3 sources for your research (must come from the Triton Library Database) and be cited correctly.
Format Guidelines
Essay word count is 1250* – 1500* words (6 – 7 pages). (* does not include cited material, i.e. works cited page and in-text citations)
At least 10 paragraphs.
Use traditional MLA essay structure (use the MLA essay template in Microsoft Word). Use the default settings on your word processing program (“normal” margins,12-point font, Calibri or Times New Roman). Double-space your essay and include page numbers.
Cite all your resources from the readings.
Submitted the essay as a .doc or .docx file.
Save/name your assignment as LastName#3.
The research paper must have at least 1250 words in final version (not including in-text citations and works cited page).
Rubric:
— Intro is effective but may lack a clear purpose — Competent & well developed debatable thesis — — Reasons are effective, rational and support the claim — Conclusion recasts thesis & provides cohesion to whole paper. Ideas are sufficiently supported, sound, & logical — Grounds support the claim — The warrant connects the claims and grounds of to argument — Backing is evident — Qualifiers that explain the limit(s) of the claim are evident but may be less effective — Rebuttal counterargument & response are identified but may lack relevance to the topic. Competent organization, without sophistication because the reasons are not listed in appropriate order — Competent paragraph structure — May be lacking in effective transitions. –Incomplete Toulmin outline included with submission. word count without cited material is 1000 – 1250. Contains only minor errors in grammar, spelling, or mechanics. –Format is clean and consistent. — Title is related to the topic. — Citations mostly follow MLA format.
Reference:
Gale, editor. “Physician-Assisted Suicide.” Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law, 3rd ed., Gale, 2013. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NDIzMjY2NQ==?aid=105983.
https://www.npr.org/2014/11/20/365509889/debate-should-physician-assisted-suicide-be-legal
Waun, James, E., et al. “Physician-Assisted Dying.” The Gale Encyclopedia of Senior Health, edited by Gale, 2nd ed., Gale, 2015. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NDcxOTcw?aid=105983.