Essay #4: Engaging in Civic Debates Research-based Persuasive Argument Essay Assignment: For this assignment, you will identify an issue hopefully of interest to you that represents a contemporary issue being debated in public discourse. This issue can be at the local, national, or international level. You must research your issue and produce a persuasive argument about it in 6-9 pages (double spaced). The paper will follow MLA format. The font should be Times New Roman or Cambria 12pt font. You must have a minimum of seven (7) outside sources for this paper, although a strong paper will likely contain many sources beyond this minimum. These sources should cover both sides of this issue and attention should be paid to the credibility and degree of ideological bias/affiliation of the publication source. You should strive to include at least two (2) scholarly journal articles as part of your sources. This paper will follow the model of the formal argument essays studied in class and will contain a literature review, rebuttal of the opposing arguments (including concessions as needed), additional research & arguments that will support your side of the argument, as well as effective introductory and concluding sections/paragraphs. The paper will be drafted and reviewed in various sections prior to final submission (see due dates below). Through various assignments you will begin to stage the development of your essay and situate your argument within a larger conversation, including engaging with audiences whose stance on the issue may differ from your own. The Annotated Bibliography (see separate handout) will allow you to familiarize yourself with various perspectives and arguments surrounding this issue and the Literature Review (see separate handout) will provide you with the opportunity to show your understanding of the larger context surrounding this debate (while also developing effective synthesis writing techniques). Next, the Rebuttal Paper (see separate handout) will provide a space for you to specifically address and respond to the arguments made by the opposition. These various essays will become the two major “sections” of your final Research Paper, accompanied by an effective introduction and conclusion and an additional body section devoted to additional arguments that may convince a reader that your stance on this issue is correct. Professor Name Course Name Date Sample Annotated Bibliography Student Essay Title: The Various Interpretations of Steinbeck’s Fiction Barnes, Rebecca. “Steinbeck’s East of Eden.” The Explicator, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 159-61. Project Muse, doi.10.1193/bjp.bk.122.09345. Barnes analyzes Steinbeck’s novel East of Eden, paying close attention to the literary allusions found within the story. Barnes focuses primarily on the allusions to Pandora, a character from Greek mythology, and to biblical figures: Adam, Eve, Cain, and Able. She also pays close attention to the repeated symbolic usage of boxe ...

1. Essay #4: Engaging in Civic Debates
Research-based Persuasive Argument Essay
Assignment: For this assignment, you will identify an issue
hopefully of interest to you that represents a contemporary issue
being debated in public discourse. This issue can be at the local,
national, or international level. You must research your issue
and produce a persuasive argument about it in 6-9 pages (double
spaced).
The paper will follow MLA format. The font should be Times
New Roman or Cambria 12pt font. You must have a minimum of
seven (7) outside sources for this paper, although a strong paper
will likely contain many sources beyond this minimum. These
sources should cover both sides of this issue and attention
should be paid to the credibility and degree of ideological
bias/affiliation of the publication source. You should strive to
include at least two (2) scholarly journal articles as part of your
sources. This paper will follow the model of the formal
argument essays studied in class and will contain a literature
review, rebuttal of the opposing arguments (including
concessions as needed), additional research & arguments that
will support your side of the argument, as well as effective
introductory and concluding sections/paragraphs. The paper will
be drafted and reviewed in various sections prior to final
submission (see due dates below).
Through various assignments you will begin to stage the
development of your essay and situate your argument within a
larger conversation, including engaging with audiences whose
stance on the issue may differ from your own. The Annotated
Bibliography (see separate handout) will allow you to
familiarize yourself with various perspectives and arguments
surrounding this issue and the Literature Review (see separate

2. handout) will provide you with the opportunity to show your
understanding of the larger context surrounding this debate
(while also developing effective synthesis writing techniques).
Next, the Rebuttal Paper (see separate handout) will provide a
space for you to specifically address and respond to the
arguments made by the opposition. These various essays will
become the two major “sections” of your final Research Paper,
accompanied by an effective introduction and conclusion and an
additional body section devoted to additional arguments that
may convince a reader that your stance on this issue is correct.
Professor Name
Course Name
Date
Sample Annotated Bibliography
Student Essay Title: The Various Interpretations of Steinbeck’s
Fiction
Barnes, Rebecca. “Steinbeck’s East of Eden.” The Explicator,
vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 159-61. Project
Muse, doi.10.1193/bjp.bk.122.09345.
Barnes analyzes Steinbeck’s novel East of Eden, paying close
attention to the literary allusions found within the story. Barnes
focuses primarily on the allusions to Pandora, a character from
Greek mythology, and to biblical figures: Adam, Eve, Cain, and
Able. She also pays close attention to the repeated symbolic
usage of boxes that appears throughout the story.
Busch, Christopher. “Longing for the Lost Frontier:
Steinbeck’s Vision of Cultural Decline in
‘The White Quail’ and ‘The Chrysanthemums.’” The
Literary Post, 31 March 2011,
http://www.literarypost/steinbeck/busch.com
In his article Busch deals with the idea of the yearning for the
long ago ‘lost frontier’ lifestyle, as it is portrayed in
Steinbeck’s fiction. Busch mentions various Steinbeck works

3. that deal with this theme of a forgotten frontier, but mainly
centers his analysis on the short stories “The White Quail” and
“The Chrysanthemums.” He shows instance in these stories
where the characters desire to be free from their current
lifestyles/stations/locales and want the primal, more simplistic
and satisfying existence of the old frontier days. Busch also
draws attention to the portrayal of the decline of American
society as represented through Steinbeck’s writing.
(Note: Your annotated bibliography must follow this template.
Pay close attention to the student information, header, title,
spacing, indenting, font size/type, and proper citation format
(including punctuation). The example above only provides
three entries, yours of course will include a minimum of seven –
two of which must be scholarly journal articles. Scholarly
content is key along with mechanics, as well. You should have
a working title for your term paper.)
Annotated Bibliography – ENG 1002
The Task: For your upcoming research project you will need to
become an expert in your chosen civic issue. This, of course,
requires research. An annotated bibliography is a tool that
allows you to showcase your understanding of the research
material (your issue) and documents your progress and
understanding of the material. It allows your professors to
make sure that you are on track and gives them a quick
overview of the academic conversation before you engage with
it. It is also a useful tool for you because when you are in the
writing process, instead of having to go back and re-read each
and every source to determine if they are usable at a certain
point in your paper, you can simply turn to this piece and
review the summary instead. It also can be useful in the future
if you ever decide to re-visit this area of study again. This can
also be a spot to save/describe possible assets you stumble
across so going beyond the minimum may useful. The minimum

4. required sources for this assignment is seven (two of which
must be scholarly journal articles). Again, consider the
credibility and ideological bias/affiliation of your sources when
selecting them.
The Format: An annotated bibliography is just what its name
implies – a bibliography (or works cited page) that is
“annotated” (meaning that it has notes/description/discussion
embedded into it). Basically it will look like a normal MLA
works cited page with brief paragraphs in between the standard
bibliographic citations. These paragraphs are simply summaries
of the sources that hint at their upcoming use in your essays.
To ensure that you are formatting your annotated bibliography
correctly, refer to the attached sample. It must have the proper
student information and header, a title, the sources must be in
alphabetical order, the citations should be double-spaced and
indented according to MLA rules, and the paragraphs should be
5-7 substantial (single-spaced) sentences.
The Rubric:
The Criteria
Below
Satisfactory
Meets
Exceeds
Content
(15, 25, 35, 40)

5. Short summaries lacking in detail, understanding of topic area
is not clear, only one perspective is addressed, the majority of
the sources are questionable. Under length.
Solid summaries with some detail, covers topic area, one
perspective is emphasized much more than another, some
scholarly sources used, meets length requirement..
Clear, detailed summaries, well-covered topic area, multiple
perspectives represented, mostly scholarly sources used, meets
length requirement.
Thorough summaries, in depth coverage of topic, multiple
perspectives represented, scholarly sources utilized, meets
length requirement.
MLA
(15, 25, 35, 40)
Understanding of MLA and Annotated Bib format is not clear,
multiple errors in bibliographic citations present.
Some understanding of MLA and Annotated Bib format is
evident, some errors in bibliographic citations.
Understanding of MLA and Annotated Bib format is evident, a
few errors in the bibliographic citations present.
Mastery of MLA and proper Annotated Bib format is evident,
no errors in the bibliographic citations present.
Mechanics
(10, 13, 18, 20)
Proofreading effort needs improvement. Multiple errors left.

6. Lapses in academic tone and numerous sentence structure errors
distract reader.
A few issues with proofreading, some errors left. Mostly
college writing with some tone and/or sentence problems to
address.
Solid proofreading, few errors. College-level, formal
vocabulary and well formed, clear, sentences with few
structural problems.
Flawless in terms of proofreading. College-level, advanced,
formal vocabulary and clear, complex, varied sentences utilized
throughout.
Essay #4: Literature Review Piece
Directions: For this essay, you will synthesizing the research
you obtained during (and after) compiling your Annotated
Bibliography. You will need to briefly provide context for the
issue/debate/conflict/controversy and make a claim as to why it
is an important issue to study/attend to. The bulk of the essay
will objectively present the various points of contention
surrounding this issue: what do the sides argue about, where do
their views differ, what different means of persuasion or bodies
of fact do they tend to use, etc. Although you have a side you
align with, the literature review should not reveal it.
Your Literature Review can use the following format:
The Introduction: (length - 1 paragraph minimum) –
Introduction to Issue. This portion of your essay should provide
context for the issue, perhaps discussing it in relation to recent
events, making a claim about why this is an important civic
debate to be aware of. Consider this introduction as a chance to
practice and experiment with introduction formats. (You will

7. likely not use the majority, or perhaps any, of this paragraph
when you merge your literature review into final essay). If it
helps, you can recall the typical structure of an introduction –
grab the reader’s attention and flow from general to specific,
ending with a thesis statement (perhaps one that reveals a road
map for your essay – in this case this could be the major areas
of contention you have organized your literature review
around). There are plenty of effective variations to the typical
introductory paragraph structure, feel free to use essays we’ve
studied in class as models if you want to experiment with a new
introduction technique.
The Body: (length 3 paragraph minimum) – Summary &
Synthesis of Both Side of the Argument. This portion of your
essay should touch on the major areas of disagreement between
the two sides and the various arguments each side makes. The
key is objectivity. Although you will ultimately argue form one
side’s perspective, your literature review should be written so
that your personal standpoint is not evident. Avoid redundancy
when discussing your source material. The best way to structure
this would be around key arguments. Do not, for example,
discuss your sources one at a time (as you did in the annotated
bibliography) or discuss one side followed by the other (as that
would lead to repetitive coverage of topics). This essay will
allow you to develop your summary and synthesis writing skills.
Of particular focus should be working to consider when to quote
and when to paraphrase. When doing either, make sure to
provide context so it is clear which platform, author, text is
being referenced and use proper MLA citations. Clear
organization techniques (topic sentences and transitions) will
help your reader navigate through this essay as you move from
one argument to another or one perspective on an argument to
another. Therefore, don’t forget that inter-paragraph transitional
phrases are as important as traditional transition sentences than
link one paragraph (topic) to another.

8. The Conclusion: (length of 1 paragraph should suffice) – Wrap
Up. Again, consider this conclusion as a practice run of sorts.
(You will not use this in your final essay.) Use the essays we’ve
studied in class as models for a strong conclusion. You can
reiterate the main arguments through a thesis re-statement, you
can point out any gaps in the literature (as you’ve reviewed it),
you can set-up your contribution to the conversation, or you can
offer a tentative proposal for how to move forward in
addressing this issue or productively engaging in this debate.
Note: Your literature review should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced
with 12 standard (Times New Roman or Cambria) font. It
should conform to proper MLA documentation.
Literature Review Essay
Criterion
Below
Satisfactory
Meets
Exceeds
Content
(10, 13, 18, 20)
Topic is not adequately covered. The overall paper strays from
the argument at hand, does not provide scholarly analysis or
reader interest. The essay clearly reveals the writer’s stance on
the issue and does not remain objective.

9. Discussion could highlight the complexities of the argument
better. Scholarly analysis and interest level could be more
developed. Essay falters with objectivity & seems to relay the
writer’s particular stance on the issue.
Solid analysis of the complexities of the issue or argument.
Topic is well discussed in a scholarly, unique, and interesting
manner. For the most part, the essay objectively convers both
sides of the issue.
Well-articulated analysis of the complexities of the issue or
argument. Topic is explored in a scholarly, enjoyable, creative
& interesting fashion. Essay objectively covers both sides of the
issue.
Research
(10, 13, 18, 20)
Substantial research is still needed to cover a range of
perspectives and arguments on this topic. Sources present do
not seem well understood.
Additional research is needed to present a range of perspectives
and arguments on this issue. Sources present seem to be
understood with few exceptions.
Solid research is present showcasing a range of perspectives and
arguments concerning this topic. Most source material seems to
be well understood.
Ample research is utilized to showcase a wide range of
perspective & arguments concerning this topic. All source
material seems to be understood well.
Essay Organization

10. (5, 7, 8, 10)
Does not follow the standard essay pattern organization.
Some slips in the standard organizational essay pattern.
Good organization in the standard essay pattern.
Well-crafted, progressing in the standard essay pattern.
Synthesis of Material
(10, 13, 18, 20)
Does not demonstrate mastery of synthesis writing. Material
unconnected. Quotes or paraphrases dropped in without context
often.
Demonstrates the ability to synthesize material to some extent.
Some issues with the integration of quotes and paraphrases into
writing.
Demonstrates the ability to synthesize material with a solid
outcome. Quotes and paraphrases are pretty well integrated.
Does not rely heavily on any source.
Demonstrates the ability to synthesize material efficiently.
Quotes and paraphrases are well integrated into essay. Does not
rely too heavily on any particular source.
Language Usage
(5, 7, 8, 10)
Lower-level writing. Overall, simple sentences and basic
wording. Problems with basic writing conventions.
Decent writing showcased here. Some variety with wording but
simple sentences prevail.

11. Good overall writing. Well worded with a solid amount of
sentence variation.
College-level writing. Excellent word variation and complex
sentence structure.
Mechanics
(0, 6, 8, 10)
Lack of effort with proofreading. Multiple errors
Problems with proofreading. Some errors present.
Pretty well proofread. A few oversights.
Well proofread. Very few oversights.
MLA
(5, 7, 8, 10)
Does not show mastery of MLA format. Multiple errors and
misuse.
Some problems with understanding MLA format. Some errors
and misuse.
Demonstrates basic mastery of MLA format. A few errors and
misuse.
Demonstrates high-level mastery of MLA format. Very minor
errors present.
Rebuttal Essay Piece
Directions: For this paper, you will be focusing entirely on the
opposing side(s) of the argument at hand (the side that disagrees
with the argument you are ultimately trying to make). You will
need to briefly provide context for the
issue/debate/conflict/controversy, present the most common
arguments the opposition makes and dissect/counter them. Your
aim is to logically evaluate the opposing argument – show its
weaknesses, fallacies, oversights, problematic use of data, lack
of evidence, etc. (Merging this essay into your final essay will
allow you to show how your side of the argument is more

12. logical, does not do X, accomplishes Y, is supported by Z, etc.)
Do NOT discuss your side of the argument in here – just
discredit the opposition. Save the pedestal for the final draft.
That said, you may find good counterpoints to the opposition in
sources that align with your point of view. If you use their
counterpoints, do not forget to cite accordingly – do not pretend
that these are your own rebuttals if they are, in fact, not.
Your Rebuttal Essay will likely follow the following format:
The Introduction: (length - 1 paragraph minimum) –
Introduction to Topic. This portion of your essay should
provide context for the issue, the opposition’s particular stance,
and their specific arguments. Remember the typical structure of
an introduction – grab the reader’s attention and flow from
general to specific. Your essay will have a thesis statement that
will touch on your main points of evaluation to follow and
should give clear indication of your overall assessment of its
effectiveness. Make sure that your thesis makes it clear that you
are critiquing these points made by the opposition – rather than
making them yourself or objectively summarizing them. There
are plenty of effective variations to the typical introductory
paragraph structure, feel free to use essays we’ve studied in
class as models if you want to experiment with a new
introduction technique. (Note, you can consider this
introduction a practice activity or sorts – a chance to attempt a
new introductory approach perhaps – as you will not use this
paragraph in your final essay.)
The Body: (length 2 paragraph minimum) – Evaluation of
Opposition’s Claims. This portion of your essay should touch
on key aspects of the other side’s argument that you feel are
relevant and worthwhile of deep analysis. Here you will provide
your opinion (not in first person) on how logical this platform is
presented and you will use specific text examples to undermine
their claims. This section will contain your rebuttal and
counterarguments, as well as concessions as needed. Remember

13. the rules of body paragraphs – topic sentences usually introduce
your main point and the following sentences should support and
develop this point. Be careful with your wording in the topic
sentences – a vague or unclear topic sentence discussing one of
the opposition’s claim could be misread to sound like you
personally are making this point or that you agree with it. This
could be very misleading for the reader. Make sure to use
phrases that show that you are not simply summarizing their
argument, but rather are critiquing it. (Some examples would
include phrases like “X problematically claims that…” or “X’s
argument concerning Y lacks credible evidence” or “X makes
the illogical argument that…”)
Also, consider your organization when drafting this section of
your essay. Remember – evaluation is only effective if it is
clear and logically organized. Support, support, support! Do not
forget the nature of making an argument – you must back-up
your statements/claims – you must provide analysis, examples,
or evidence. It is also helpful to make the sure the reader can
keep up with the moves you make throughout your essay so
make sure to carefully craft transitions (between and within
paragraphs) that help the reader follow you from one argument
to the next.
The Conclusion: (length of 1 paragraph should suffice) – Wrap
Up. A clearly written thesis re-statement will drive home the
points you have just made. Next, move more general as you tie
up your essay. Connecting to the introduction in some fashion is
often effective. There are plenty of variations to the typical
conclusion structure, feel free to use essays we’ve studied in
class as models if you want to experiment with a new
conclusion approach. (As with the conclusion, consider this a
practice paragraph of sorts to try different techniques as you
will not use this paragraph in your final argument essay).
Note: Your rebuttal essay should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced

14. with 12 standard (Times New Roman or Cambria) font. It
should conform to proper MLA documentation.
Rebuttal Essay
Criterion
Below
Satisfactory
Meets
Exceeds
Content
(10, 15, 18 20)
Topic is not adequately covered. The overall paper strays from
the argument at hand, does not provide scholarly analysis or
reader interest. The opposing side is not the primary focus of
this essay.
Discussion could highlight the complexities of the argument
better. Scholarly analysis and interest level could be more
developed. Essay seems to veer away from the opposing side’s
appoints at times.
Solid analysis of the complexities of the issue or argument.
Topic is well discussed in a scholarly, unique, and interesting
manner. Essay stays focused on the opposing side.
Well-articulated analysis of the complexities of the issue or
argument. Topic is explored in a scholarly, enjoyable, creative
& interesting fashion. Essay stays focused on the opposing side.
Research

15. (5, 7, 8, 10)
Problems with basic research. Under length requirements. Most
or all sources are questionable. No attention to ideological bias.
Research meets basic requirements. Some questionable sources
are present and/or the ability to address ideological bias is not
evident.
Most sources are scholarly in nature and worthy of study. If
sources with ideological biases are present they are analyzed as
such.
All sources are scholarly and worthy of study. If sources with
ideological biases are present they are analyzed as such.
Essay Organization
(5, 7, 8, 10)
Does not follow the standard essay pattern organization.
Some slips in the standard organizational essay pattern.
Good organization in the standard essay pattern.
Well-crafted, progressing in the standard essay pattern.
Synthesis of Material
(5, 7, 8, 10)
Does not demonstrate mastery of synthesis writing. Material
unconnected. Quotes or paraphrases dropped in without context
often.
Demonstrates the ability to synthesize material to some extent.
Some issues with the integration of quotes and paraphrases into
writing.
Demonstrates the ability to synthesize material with a solid
outcome. Quotes and paraphrases are pretty well integrated.
Does not rely heavily on any source.

16. Demonstrates the ability to synthesize material efficiently.
Quotes and paraphrases are well integrated into essay. Does not
rely too heavily on any particular source.
Evaluation
(10, 13, 17, 20)
Poor understanding or analysis of opposition’s argument. Very
few rebuttal points made and/or those existing lacked sound
analysis or research/evidence.
Decent attempt at analyzing the opposition’s arguments. Some
rebuttal and counter arguments are present, but logic, analysis
and/or research for claims could be improved.
Good understanding of opposition’s arguments. Solid analysis
of their claims with rebuttal, analysis, and researched
counterpoints.
Shows thorough understanding of opposition’s arguments. High
level analysis of their claims with logical rebuttal, and strong
analysis and researched evidence for all counterpoints.
Language Usage
(5, 7, 8, 10)
Lower-level writing. Overall, simple sentences and basic
wording. Problems with basic writing conventions.
Decent writing showcased here. Some variety with wording but
simple sentences prevail.
Good overall writing. Well worded with a solid amount of
sentence variation.
College-level writing. Excellent word variation and complex

17. sentence structure.
Mechanics
(0, 6, 8, 10)
Lack of effort with proofreading. Multiple errors
Problems with proofreading. Some errors present.
Pretty well proofread. A few oversights.
Well proofread. Very few oversights.
MLA
(5, 7, 8, 10)
Does not show mastery of MLA format. Multiple errors and
misuse.
Some problems with understanding MLA format. Some errors
and misuse.
Demonstrates basic mastery of MLA format. A few errors and
misuse.
Demonstrates high-level mastery of MLA format. Very minor
errors present.

18. Based on the above survey write a paper about how staying up
for late hours affect the health and follow the requirement: