2. Remember, the argument or persuasive essay is not a personal
rant. Your goal is to appear unbiased.
One of the ways of achieving a level of objectivity is to
consider counterarguments against your position. Therefore, at
least one of your paragraphs should include some
discussion of a counterargument. For example, if you write in
favor of abolishing the death penalty, you might devote some
discussion to the loved ones of a murder victim,
the need for these survivors to gain closure, or even their
demands that the perpetrator meet a similar fate as the loved
one taken from them.
You are welcome to rely on the five-paragraph essay structure
of English 106. Click here for a sample outline for an argument
or persuasive essay.
Topics
Click here for the suggested topics list for the argument or
persuasive outline.
Note: You may choose one of the topics provided. If you wish t
o devise your own topic, please seek your instructor’s approval
of the topic before you begin writing.
As you choose your topic, keep in mind that your goal in
English 107 is to create, week-by-week, a college-level research
paper. You will submit a final draft of this paper at
the end of Week 5. Although you will be allowed to change
topics if needed, you should choose a topic this week that you
will be comfortable researching and writing about
3. throughout the course.
Regardless of the topic that you choose, be sure to complete the
following:
Watch this instructional video on writing the argument or
persuasive essay.
Format your essay in APA manuscript style. Watch this video
for step-by-step instructions: APA style at AIU.
Include an introduction paragraph (place your thesis statement
at or near the end of this paragraph).
Watch this instructional video on writing an introduction to
your thesis.
Develop at least 3 main points in 3 body paragraphs, and
include at least 1 counterargument.
The support section of your body paragraphs could contain
examples, observations, commonly known facts, personal
testimony, descriptions, and other details
that do not require citation.
Watch this instructional video on writing body paragraphs,
including the conclusion paragraph.
End the essay with a wrap-up or conclusion paragraph.
Check your essay with Word’s spelling and grammar checker. C
lick here for a video that demonstrates how to use the product.
Checklist
4. Format the pages of your project in APA manuscript style in the
following order:
Title page
Abstract
Essay
Note: Do not research this essay or include any citations.
Click here if you need to watch a tutorial on submitting
Individual Project files.
For information on Macintosh Word shortcuts, click here.
Repurposed Submissions
If you are planning to submit a repurposed or reused
assignment, please let your instructor know. If an instructor is
not made aware of work being repurposed or reused, an
instructor will treat the assignment as a plagiarized task and
may post an F grade until proof of originality is provided. Click
here for more information.
Grading Rubric:
Content & Organization Demonstrates understanding of
rhetorical mode and uses it to deliver
appropriate, detailed and pertinent content structured in a
logical pattern. Uses
transitional devices to achieve coherence throughout the essay’s
three parts:
5. introduction, body and conclusion.
35%
Critical Thinking Demonstrates critical analysis of chosen essay
topic with the use of relevant,
insightful and logical sub-points that form an integrated essay
argument in
support of a central thesis.
35%
Presentation Demonstrates effective college-level syntax and
word choice; correct grammar
and mechanics. Manuscript is formatted in APA style according
to guidelines
in the Sixth Edition.
30%
References
American InterContinental University. (2012, April 18). APA
style at AIU [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
feature=player_embedded&v=mxiu9LRUUmY
comptaylor. (2011, April 19). Essay formulas (Part 1): Outline,
thesis, intro graf [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://youtu.be/TRWkWw3p24A
6. comptaylor. (2011, April 19). Essay formulas (Part 2): Body
paragraphs, conclusion paragraph [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://youtu.be/8nXw60X95sg
HowTech. (2012, September 13). How to check spelling and
grammar errors in Microsoft Word 2010 [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=bEYQ2WOM0DA
Private [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/HNmeu2dErJk
Reading Assignment
Chapter 1: "Choosing a Topic," Chapter 2: “The Basic Essay,” p
p. 2642; Chapter 5: "Writing Argument/Persuasion," Section II
I: Style Guides: "APA Style: Formatting a
Paper."
Assignment Objectives
Demonstrate effective strategies to apply critical thinking to
research, plan, draft, and revise essays to address targeted
audiences in written arguments.
Demonstrate effective written communication in content,
organization, correct grammar, and cited sources in a properly
formatted APA document.
Other Information
Instructions:
This is the essay you will write based the ideas in your DB 1
Main Posting. Thus, you will use the same topic for DB and IP.
7. Refer to the model IP Essay in Unit 1 Learning Materials. Use
the five paragraph structure for an argument essay:
Introductory Paragraph with thesis statement stated in the last
sentence of the paragraph.
3 Body Paragraphs each focusing on a narrowed claim in
support of your thesis statement. Use the SESC method by
stating claim in a strong topic sentence
at the beginning of the paragraph, explain the topic sentence in
the next sentence, support the topic sentence with specific
details, and write a strong closing
sentence. Use transition words; see list on p. 37 in textbook.
A concluding paragraph that effectively closes the essay and
reminds reader of counterargument and thesis statement.
After writing the essay, use the checklists in chapter 4 to help
you revise and edit your essay before final submission. A
Proofreading Check List can be
downloaded from General Learning Materials.
Instructor's Comments:
Refer to the model provided in the Unit's learning materials. For
additional help, see Writing resources in the General Learning
Materials. For additional help
with writing skills, visit the Writing Support Center lab in the
Learning Center.
Assignment Overview
9. Assignment Description
The word argument usually conjures up images of agitated
people disagreeing with each other, often emotionally. In
academic writing, the argument or persuasive essay is
not about confrontation. Instead, this essay relies on detailed
evidence, cool logic, and precise language to persuade readers
to accept a viewpoint or to take an action. This
ability to make a reasonable, persuasive case for your point of
view can be one of the most important skills for your
advancement in the workplace.
For this Individual Project, you should either choose one of the
topics below or devise one of your own (with your instructor’s a
pproval) and write a short argument or
persuasive essay. As you discovered in your reading, you will
assert a position on the topic and then defend that position so
well that others might agree with you.
Remember, the argument or persuasive essay is not a personal
rant. Your goal is to appear unbiased.
One of the ways of achieving a level of objectivity is to
consider counterarguments against your position. Therefore, at
least one of your paragraphs should include some
discussion of a counterargument. For example, if you write in
favor of abolishing the death penalty, you might devote some
discussion to the loved ones of a murder victim,
the need for these survivors to gain closure, or even their
demands that the perpetrator meet a similar fate as the loved
one taken from them.
10. You are welcome to rely on the five-paragraph essay structure
of English 106. Click here for a sample outline for an argument
or persuasive essay.
Topics
Click here for the suggested topics list for the argument or
persuasive outline.
Note: You may choose one of the topics provided. If you wish t
o devise your own topic, please seek your instructor’s approval
of the topic before you begin writing.
As you choose your topic, keep in mind that your goal in
English 107 is to create, week-by-week, a college-level research
paper. You will submit a final draft of this paper at
the end of Week 5. Although you will be allowed to change
topics if needed, you should choose a topic this week that you
will be comfortable researching and writing about
throughout the course.
Regardless of the topic that you choose, be sure to complete the
following:
Watch this instructional video on writing the argument or
persuasive essay.
Format your essay in APA manuscript style. Watch this video
for step-by-step instructions: APA style at AIU.
Include an introduction paragraph (place your thesis statement
at or near the end of this paragraph).
Watch this instructional video on writing an introduction to
11. your thesis.
Develop at least 3 main points in 3 body paragraphs, and
include at least 1 counterargument.
The support section of your body paragraphs could contain
examples, observations, commonly known facts, personal
testimony, descriptions, and other details
that do not require citation.
Watch this instructional video on writing body paragraphs,
including the conclusion paragraph.
End the essay with a wrap-up or conclusion paragraph.
Check your essay with Word’s spelling and grammar checker. C
lick here for a video that demonstrates how to use the product.
Checklist
Format the pages of your project in APA manuscript style in the
following order:
Title page
Abstract
Essay
Note: Do not research this essay or include any citations.
Click here if you need to watch a tutorial on submitting
Individual Project files.
For information on Macintosh Word shortcuts, click here.
12. Repurposed Submissions
If you are planning to submit a repurposed or reused
assignment, please let your instructor know. If an instructor is
not made aware of work being repurposed or reused, an
instructor will treat the assignment as a plagiarized task and
may post an F grade until proof of originality is provided. Click
here for more information.
Grading Rubric:
Content & Organization Demonstrates understanding of
rhetorical mode and uses it to deliver
appropriate, detailed and pertinent content structured in a
logical pattern. Uses
transitional devices to achieve coherence throughout the essay’s
three parts:
introduction, body and conclusion.
35%
Critical Thinking Demonstrates critical analysis of chosen essay
topic with the use of relevant,
insightful and logical sub-points that form an integrated essay
argument in
support of a central thesis.
35%
Presentation Demonstrates effective college-level syntax and
13. word choice; correct grammar
and mechanics. Manuscript is formatted in APA style according
to guidelines
in the Sixth Edition.
30%
References
American InterContinental University. (2012, April 18). APA
style at AIU [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
feature=player_embedded&v=mxiu9LRUUmY
comptaylor. (2011, April 19). Essay formulas (Part 1): Outline,
thesis, intro graf [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://youtu.be/TRWkWw3p24A
comptaylor. (2011, April 19). Essay formulas (Part 2): Body
paragraphs, conclusion paragraph [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://youtu.be/8nXw60X95sg
HowTech. (2012, September 13). How to check spelling and
grammar errors in Microsoft Word 2010 [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=bEYQ2WOM0DA
Private [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/HNmeu2dErJk
Reading Assignment
14. Chapter 1: "Choosing a Topic," Chapter 2: “The Basic Essay,” p
p. 2642; Chapter 5: "Writing Argument/Persuasion," Section II
I: Style Guides: "APA Style: Formatting a
Paper."
Assignment Objectives
Demonstrate effective strategies to apply critical thinking to
research, plan, draft, and revise essays to address targeted
audiences in written arguments.
Demonstrate effective written communication in content,
organization, correct grammar, and cited sources in a properly
formatted APA document.
Other Information
Instructions:
This is the essay you will write based the ideas in your DB 1
Main Posting. Thus, you will use the same topic for DB and IP.
Refer to the model IP Essay in Unit 1 Learning Materials. Use
the five paragraph structure for an argument essay:
Introductory Paragraph with thesis statement stated in the last
sentence of the paragraph.
3 Body Paragraphs each focusing on a narrowed claim in
support of your thesis statement. Use the SESC method by
stating claim in a strong topic sentence
at the beginning of the paragraph, explain the topic sentence in
the next sentence, support the topic sentence with specific
details, and write a strong closing
15. sentence. Use transition words; see list on p. 37 in textbook.
A concluding paragraph that effectively closes the essay and
reminds reader of counterargument and thesis statement.
After writing the essay, use the checklists in chapter 4 to help
you revise and edit your essay before final submission. A
Proofreading Check List can be
downloaded from General Learning Materials.
Instructor's Comments:
Refer to the model provided in the Unit's learning materials. For
additional help, see Writing resources in the General Learning
Materials. For additional help
with writing skills, visit the Writing Support Center lab in the
Learning Center.
Assignment Overview
Type: Individual Project
Due Date: Sun, 2/15/15
Points Possible: 100
Points Earned: 0
Deliverable Length: 350-500 words
Go To:
Assignment Details