Academic Writing -- 2

Essay 3: Evaluation Argument Assignment Essay 3 deals with the assessment of value. Similar to the definition argument formula, here’s the formula you will need to complete your thesis statement: _________ (X) is a great/good/average/bad/etc. _________ (Y) if measured by criteria A, B, C In Essay 3, then, you will make a specific claim about the value of something. You may continue writing about the topic you wrote about in Essay 2—or you may feel inclined to ditch it and try something new. The choice is yours. Regarding your sources: you will need five total, gathered together on an MLA Works Cited page. This is a synthesis of sources, and should present a complete, up-to-date portrait of your topic. Summarizing and providing background context on each source you use is highly recommended. Three of the five sources must be referenced inside your essay as support for your argumentative claims. Far more than merely summarizing all of your sources, you will examine how they argue on behalf of a specific position. You will look for trends in argumentative strategies and develop the connections between sources. You will hopefully seek out sources that argue against your claim, for texture. And instead of inserting your opinion using “I think,” find smart, quality sources who reinforce your point of view. Butting in with 1st person will likely distract from your argument. It may be helpful to think of presenting the different perspectives you have found as a conversation, so that you may preserve focus and cohesion in this assignment, which should be a formal paper for an academic audience. In one sense, you are writing to inform about the perspectives in a debate, but your paper should also include a thesis that makes some sort of claim about quality. PAGE LENGTH: 4+ full pages Rubric ■ The introduction should have a clear and focused topic selection presented with a formal thesis early on in the proposal (formula). ■ The evaluation argument should introduce three of the five sources included on the MLA Works Cited, using MLA in-text citation (direct quotation/paraphrase/block quotation). Adhere to signal phrase + direct quote + parenthetical formula. ■ The MLA Works Cited should demonstrate a substantive amount of in-depth comprehension of both the content of the source and the purpose of the author, as well as its relevance to focused topic. Sources should be credible and preferably with an author name. ■ There should be a logical progression of thought that shapes the construction of the evaluation argument—clear claims, effective use of source support—providing graceful transitions between each sentence, paragraph and/or section. ■ All claims offered must be reasonable, thoroughly explained, and supported by source material when necessary. ■ The paper should be free of distracting grammatical, language, and typing errors.