Mr. Phelan (Adapted from E. White)

Mr. Phelan (Adapted from E. White)

English 4 Academic

Rhetoric – Argument Unit

Argument Essay

Objective: You are to write an argument essay that

1) establishes a claim

AND

2) is supported by logic.

Topic: Paper topics are open, but if you are having trouble coming up with a topic refer to the end of the argument chapter in your rhetoric textbook, p. 703-4.

Format: Typed, double-spaced, 12pt. Times New Roman font; indent the beginning of paragraphs; follow MLA guidelines for heading

The length of your paper is to be at least 600 words (roughly two typed pages); the maximum is 1,200 words.

I want you to realize that it’s ok to abandon the traditional high school five-paragraph essay structure (intro, three body paragraphs, and conclusion). Writing is an art form; you may need to write a few paragraphs that are only three or four sentences long to create a finely nuanced and sophisticated argument; this is ok! The way in which you organize your essay is up to you, although as a general rule the thesis of your paper should appear somewhere in your introduction.

Remember, we studied two types of logic—deduction and induction. You can use both in your paper to help support your claim.

Make sure your claim is exactly that, a claim—something that can be argued. Do not base your thesis on a simple observation (e.g. divorces are often caused by infidelity) or a verifiable fact (e.g. fifty percent of the marriages in the 18-24 year-old age category end in divorce). You’re looking to explore the grey area of life here, which is exactly where argument resides!

Due Date:

A Day: Tuesday, December 6th 11:59 PM

B Day: Wednesday, December 7th 11:59 PM

Grading: 100 points

ARGUMENT Essay Rubric

English 4 AC

RHETORICAL METHOD- ARGUMENT
Demonstrates key components of method:
DEDUCTIVE AND/OR INDUCTIVE REASONING
REFUTATION OF OPPOSITION
Knowledge of rhetorical pattern is evident
Argument (thesis) supported by pattern / 20
ORGANIZATION
STRONG INTRODUCTION WITH Clear thesis
Coordinating and specific topic sentences
Unity of thought
BODY PARAGRAPHS LINK BACK TO CLAIM/THESIS
TRANSITIONAL SENTENCES UTILIZED / 20
CONTENT
Paper has a descriptive title
Content logically supports the thesis
Strong critical thinking
Body paragraphs are elaborated
Connections to central argument are explicit
Analysis rather than summary is apparent
Response is of the required length / 40
GRAMMAR, USAGE, MECHANICS, ELOQUENCE
Grammatical sentence constructions
Correct use of modifiers, pronouns, verbs
Correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling
Clear, precise and varied diction (word choice)
Varied sentence openings and constructions
Avoidance of informal language (contractions,
Slang...AVOIDs use the following words: I, me, mine, you, your, yours ) / 20
FINAL GRADE / ______=
100