This document outlines the requirements for Paper #2 assignment in an EWRT 1A course. Students must write a 3 to 5 page argumentative essay arguing which supplies would be most important to bring if stranded in the wild. The essay must use at least 2 outside sources, follow MLA formatting, and include an introduction, thesis, arguments for each supply choice, a counterargument, and conclusion. It provides guidance on structure and content, as well as a works cited page with at least 2 citations. The goals are for students to learn argumentative writing skills like outlining, integrating quotations, and revision strategies.
1. 1
EWRT 1A –The Argument Revisited – Paper #2 150 points
Skills: Argument and Revision
Objectives
To Lean to Write a Clear and Cohesive Paper
To Learn Argumentative writing
To Learn brainstorming strategies
To Learn revision strategies
To Learn to integrate quotations MLA style
To Learn MLA Documentation Style
To Learn MLA Works Cited Page 8th
Edition
The Writing Assignment:
Using both your in-class essay and the basic features of an argument essay, write an essay
arguing for the supplies you have chosen to take with you into the wild. Present the issue to
readers, and develop an argument for the purpose of confirming, challenging, or changing your
readers’ views on which supplies are the most important for survival. You may choose one
additional non-weapon supply or tool of your choice. You will use at least two outside sources to
help convince your readers that the supplies you have chosen are the most efficient for the job.
This is not a minor revision, but rather an entirely new essay. Do not rely on your in-class essay
for more than a brainstorming document.
Format: MLA style (For help, see “MLA Formatting” on the website). Please give your paper
an original title; don't underline or put quotation marks around your own title.
Content: Please see sample essays in Chapter 6 “Arguing a Position.”
You may choose your own structure that fits your story. However, here are some suggestions:
• Present your issue: Write an introduction that sets up your essay argument. You are not
restricted to the scenario in which you have limited supplies, but you must have a
reasonable explanation for arguing for specific supplies.
• Thesis: Write a clear and compelling thesis.
• Support your position: Write one body paragraph for each supply. Use facts, statistics,
examples and anecdotes, or quotes from authorities to support your position.
• Include an effective counterargument: Include a counterargument that addresses any
obvious arguments against your choices. Consider other positions about important
selections.
• Finish strong: Tie your conclusion back to your introduction, or provide a scenario
concerning your successful stay in the woods.
2. 2
Due Dates:
See Syllabus/Calendar
Submission Requirements: Please submit your essay through Kaizena. See the instructions
posted on the website.
After you upload your essay, use Kaizena to mark the following sections of your essay.
1. Your MLA formatted header and heading
2. Your original title
3. Your introduction to the essay
4. Your thesis.
5. A properly integrated and cited quotation, formatted in MLA style
6. Your counterargument statement
7. Your conclusion (Framing or some other method of closing).
8. Any other section that you would like me to notice or comment on.
To attach a comment to a highlight, you start by making a highlight in a file.
q Scroll to the part of the file where you want to make your highlight. Click in the margin (or on the
text you want to highlight), and drag the cursor to expand the comment box.
q Click on the A in the comment box on the left side to type in your comment or question.
q Click “Post to Highlight”
q Make sure to use just one color (whichever you prefer), so I can comment in a different color.
q You can also leave voice comments, but please use the written comment feature to identify the
sections of your essay. You may leave me a voice comment if you have other comments or
questions.
Format Requirement: MLA-style formatting and citations
Length: Your finished text should be between three and five pages, excluding the Works Cited page.
Research Requirements: Works Cited Page
A Works Cited page names all of the sources that were used in an essay or research paper; it credits the
source or sources for the information you present, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize to support your
thesis. A Works Cited page also serves as a reference to the sources that were used so that a reader or
writer can quickly refer to the original text. The Works Cited page for this research project must
contain at two entries.
Expected Student Learning Outcomes
§ Demonstrate outlining and brainstorming abilities
§ Demonstrate an awareness of the time needed to plan, search, and write an essay
§ Demonstrate an awareness of sentence structures
§ Demonstrate an understanding of multiple rhetorical strategies: Argumentation, Exemplification,
Explanation, and Persuasive Reasoning.
§ Learn to integrate quotations effectively and correctly
3. 3
Previously Learned Skills Required to Complete this Assignment
ü The ability to summarize sources
ü The ability to write grammatically correct, clear sentences.
ü The ability to write a clear and concise thesis.
ü The ability to brainstorm material for an essay.
ü The ability to organize an essay
Best Practices
Ø Write a thesis that helps readers understand the main point of the essay.
Ø Avoid telling the reader that something is “interesting,” or “exciting”; instead create images or
use examples that show it.
Ø Come to my office if you are unsure, confused, or behind.
Traps to Avoid:
Ø Writing in the second person.
Ø Failing to support your assertions.
Ø Seeking to argue using memory or hearsay.
Ø Citing Wikipedia as a source for your paper.