Your argumentative essay will use course readings and in-class discussions to make an argument about the question at issue you raised.
- Overview of Task
- This 900-words (excluding the works cited page) first draft should be a fully developed essay. A successful first draft will do the following:
- To present a clear, interesting, debatable, and original enthymeme;
- To support the enthymeme with definitions of key terms, reason, examples, and textual evidence;
- To organize your discussion with paragraphs that are in a logical order, formed by sentences that make sense to you and your reader.
- This 900-words (excluding the works cited page) first draft should be a fully developed essay. A successful first draft will do the following:
- Criteria for Success
In this essay, I will be looking for the following things. You can/should use this as a checklist before you submit the essay.
- An introduction that grabs the audience’s attention and provides historical, social, or scholarly context for the issue as well as the particular argument you are making about the issue
- A complete, relevant, and believable enthymeme.
- A logical breakdown of the argument in the body paragraphs
- Clear topic sentences and transitions in each paragraph
- Quoted or paraphrased evidence from our readings that is used to help make your point, not to summarize the original author’s argument.
- Quotes from at least one of the assigned essays.
- Quotes from at least one outside source.
- Every quotation must be cited according to the correct MLA format.
- Clear presentation of your awareness of possible counterarguments
- Rebuttal of counterargument
- A conclusion that wraps up your argument, summarizing the highlights, and then gives your readers something to do with that information
- A MLA Works Cited page
** If this assignment is not submitted on time, it won't be assigned to peer reviewers and thus will not get feedback.
** If you prefer to remain anonymous during peer reviews, avoid including your name in the body of your essay.
Rubric
Argumentative Essay Rubric
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction and Conclusion | 10 ptsHighest MarksThe paper includes a brief introduction that succinctly orients the reader toward the paper’s enthymeme. The paper also includes a brief conclusion that succinctly summarizes the paper’s main points.5 ptsAverageEither the intro or conclusion is missing, incomplete, or excessively long. The intro and/or conclusion may also contain unnecessary language or “fluff.” 2 ptsNeeds Substantial ImprovementThe introduction does not present its enthymeme. | 10 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCentral Analytical Ideas | 15 ptsFull MarksThe essay has a clear, focused enthymeme and makes a strong argument. It provides background/contextual info on the issue. If needed, it defines key terms or concepts. If the unstated assumption is not self-evident, the essay justifies it. The essay acknowledges and responds to different perspectives by showing its awareness of counterarguments+rebuttal of it.12 ptsAbove AverageThe paper makes a valid attempt at making an argument, but its reasoning could be stronger. The author may be aware of objections to the argument without fully addressing or dismissing them. The author may cite appropriate textual evidence but needs to further explicate the evidence's connection to their own point. 9 ptsAverageThe paper does not venture beyond a conventional presentation of an argument, or it merely reproduces ideas from class/reading materials with little attempt to push them forward. The author may fail to identify objections to their arguments. The paper contains references to the text, but the author does not analyze them with appropriate depth.6 ptsNeeds Substantial ImprovementThe essay does not have clear enthymeme. It demonstrates that the author has read the text but not carefully or with a critical eye. The paper may fail to make an argument at all, focusing instead on paraphrasing/summary.3 ptsNo MarksThe paper does not show evidence of argumentative reasoning, nor does it show an attempt at textual support for the claims it makes. Ideas are not organized in a coherent fashion. | 15 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody Paragraphs and Organization | 15 ptsFull MarksThe paper is organized logically and flows seamlessly from one point to the next. Paragraphs are delineated thoughtfully. Each paragraph includes a transition, topic sentence, and relevant supporting evidence/analysis.12 ptsAbove AverageThe overall organization of the paper is good, but it occasionally digresses or loses focus. Some paragraphs may contain irrelevant information or feel choppy. Transitions between paragraphs are occasionally awkward. Paragraphs include relevant components (topic sentence, supporting evidence, etc.), though some paragraphs may stray off-topic, contain irrelevant/distracting sentences, etc. 9 ptsAverageOrganization and logic build up to the paper’s construction, but the organization could be much stronger. Paragraphs may be distractingly long. The paper may be vague and move away from claims without developing them. While paragraphs make sense as relatively logical sub-sections, individual paragraphs routinely fail in at least one of the following respects: lack of transition sentences, lack of topic sentences, lack of specific evidence, lack of analysis, etc.6 ptsNeeds Significant ImprovementAttempts at organization are tentative and fragmentary. The paper may read like an unfocused stream-of-consciousness narrative that lacks purpose. Paragraphs are haphazard with little regard for coherence.3 ptsNo MarksThe paper makes no attempt at cogent organization and/or thoughtful paragraphing. | 15 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle and Authorial Voice | 10 ptsFull MarksSentences are lucid and elegant and show a superior command of phrasing and vocabulary. The author’s voice is distinct and consistent.5 ptsAverageMany sentences show a relative command of phrasing and vocabulary. However, some sentences may be long and confusing to the degree that it interferes with the ability of the author’s voice to come through in the prose. Language use may be repetitious, awkward, or misplaced. 2 ptsNeeds Significant ImprovementThe paper has serious and extensive problems with language, phrasing, and vocabulary. There is no consistent or legible authorial voice. | 10 pts |
Total Points: 50