This document provides guidelines and requirements for Essay Assignment 3, a research paper for ENG 101. Key dates are listed, including deadlines for a topic proposal, pre-writing, outline, draft, and final paper. The paper must be 1700-3400 words and include at least six outside sources. Students must choose a technology story from two provided books to argue a position on. Research from specific source types is mandated, including a book, e-book, articles, and film. Additional process assignments like pre-writing and an outline must be completed. Help resources and additional requirements are also outlined.
presentation to MA Book Art students at Camberwell - part of a seminar to explore context for research writing around the final essay in relationship to practice
An effective presentation for those seeking to master essay writing, creative writing, APA referencing style and to map the writing process through actionable steps, yielding successful outcomes. Kemal Brown, Digital Consultant.
English for Writing Research Papers by Adrian WallworkSina Radfar
Publishing your research in an international journal is key to your success in academia. This guide is based on a study of referees' reports and letters from journal editors on reasons why papers written by non-native researchers are rejected due to problems with English usage. It draws on English-related errors from around 5000 papers written by non-native authors, 500 abstracts by PhD students, and over 1000 hours of teaching researchers how to write and present research papers.
With easy-to-follow rules and tips, and with examples taken from published and unpublished papers, you will learn how to:
- prepare and structure a manuscript
- increase readability and reduce the number of mistakes you make in English by
writing concisely, with no redundancy and no ambiguity
- plan and organize your paper, and structure each paragraph and each sentence so
that the reader can easily follow the logical build-up towards various conclusions
- write a title and an abstract that will attract attention and be read
- decide what to include in the various parts of the paper (Introduction, Methodology,
Discussion etc)
- select from over 700 useful phrases
- highlight your claims and contribution
- avoid plagiarism and make it 100% clear whether you are referring to your own work
or someone else’s
- choose the correct tenses and style (active or passive)
Please cite with the following:
Bunts-Anderson, K. (2011, November 27). Required components of academic essays[slide show]. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/drkimberlybuntsanderson/required-components-of-academic-essays-slideshow
(Bunts-Anderson, 2011)
presentation to MA Book Art students at Camberwell - part of a seminar to explore context for research writing around the final essay in relationship to practice
An effective presentation for those seeking to master essay writing, creative writing, APA referencing style and to map the writing process through actionable steps, yielding successful outcomes. Kemal Brown, Digital Consultant.
English for Writing Research Papers by Adrian WallworkSina Radfar
Publishing your research in an international journal is key to your success in academia. This guide is based on a study of referees' reports and letters from journal editors on reasons why papers written by non-native researchers are rejected due to problems with English usage. It draws on English-related errors from around 5000 papers written by non-native authors, 500 abstracts by PhD students, and over 1000 hours of teaching researchers how to write and present research papers.
With easy-to-follow rules and tips, and with examples taken from published and unpublished papers, you will learn how to:
- prepare and structure a manuscript
- increase readability and reduce the number of mistakes you make in English by
writing concisely, with no redundancy and no ambiguity
- plan and organize your paper, and structure each paragraph and each sentence so
that the reader can easily follow the logical build-up towards various conclusions
- write a title and an abstract that will attract attention and be read
- decide what to include in the various parts of the paper (Introduction, Methodology,
Discussion etc)
- select from over 700 useful phrases
- highlight your claims and contribution
- avoid plagiarism and make it 100% clear whether you are referring to your own work
or someone else’s
- choose the correct tenses and style (active or passive)
Please cite with the following:
Bunts-Anderson, K. (2011, November 27). Required components of academic essays[slide show]. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/drkimberlybuntsanderson/required-components-of-academic-essays-slideshow
(Bunts-Anderson, 2011)
In this paper, the author presented how to carry out an appropriate research without any fear. Our intention is to motivated the researcher in such a technique that, they do not feel any difficulties when they start-up their research. After goes through this report, the researcher will never feel anxiety during their research work. Before starting the research work, researchers are fell trepidation but here presented approach will stirred up the researcher for research. The systematic process is presented in this paper for carry on the healthy research.
Research methodology (Philosophies and paradigms) in ArabicAmgad Badewi
Explaining research philosophies and paradigms. Explaining the ontology, epistemology and of different research paradigms. In addition, explaining how to innovate in research using pragmatic research. Finally, explaining Grounded Theory at the end of it.
ENG2150 - Assignment 2 1
Assignment 2: Research-Based Argument Essay (Part 2)
• Word count: 2,800-3,100 words / ~ 8-9 double-spaced pages
• Font 11-12, Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, or similar
• At least one primary source and four secondary sources
• Contains formal references, a bibliography and your Writer’s Letter
• Submitted by direct message to me on Slack, by Word Document
• Time needed to complete: about 5-6 hours, highly recommended to spread
over a few days
• Peer-review of first drafts in pairs occurs in Week 13 (May 3rd to 10th)
• Due in Week 15, by May 20th at the latest
(this is a strict deadline, due to the deadline I’m given for submitting final
course grades)
Description
So, here we are: your final project! This is the completed research-based argument
essay that you have already worked on substantially by completing Assignment 1, your
rhetorical analysis. This exercise is fundamental: you’ll be asked to write argumentative essays
very frequently in college. It’s also an amazing skill to have for your future life: you’ll know
how to efficiently analyze any material, critically question things that are presented as truths to
you, and you’ll know how to make a powerful, professionally back-up argument. It doesn’t have
to be tedious: by following the step-by-step method you started for Assignment 1, you have
already spread out the work.
Hopefully you’ve chosen a topic and a medium that you’re deeply interested in, so that
you find enjoyment in your project. Topping up the research you’ve done for Assignment 1 with
the two additional Reflective Annotated Bibliography sheets from Week 12, you may note
that your thesis changes slightly, or your topic framing or approach shifts. That’s complete fine
and normal: it shows you’ve deepened your reflection since first working on your topic,
receiving feedback from me and your peers, and it also allows you to update the research angle
you’re interested in exploring with this final project. An academic will frequently take weeks or
even months to complete a peer-reviewed article like the ones you used for your RefAnnBibs,
adding ideas, rearranging the structure of their argument, and refining their thesis as they go.
Directions
As a reminder, to write a complete, well-presented essay, you need four things: a specific
topic, selected sources, selected evidence from your sources, and most of all, your own ideas
(and a willingness to proofread!). Following is the detailed step-by-step method you’ve already
ENG2150 - Assignment 2 2
used for assignment 1. Now, you’re stepping back briefly into step 2 to add your two new
RefAnnBibs, a ...
13 March 2020Saddleback CollegeSpring 2020English 1BPatton.docxjesusamckone
13 March 2020 Saddleback College Spring 2020
English 1B Patton
Essay III – Historical Analysis Research Essay: (200 points)
Due dates: Proposal/thesis/brainstorming notes: 03/06
Pre-write / annotated bibliography 03/13
Draft (full length): 03/27
Peer Review: 03/27
Final Draft: 04/03
The final submission includes all pre-writing material, including notes on research, a hard copy submitted to the instructor and to Turnitin.com.
Note: Grades for papers with high rates of “similarity” will be penalized severely.
Analyzing historical events and their consequences is common research practice. In this essay, choose an historical event that is interesting to you, one that you may even be passionate about. Choose a topic that is debatable and has extensive sourcing. Prior knowledge of the event may be useful, even necessary. This assignment will require that you conduct a reasonable search for documentation and support. Start early and keep good notes. Start with an internet and library search. Good pre-writing protocol requires that you take notes as you read and that you document your sources accurately. Develop a thesis statement that is narrow enough to cover in a short (1700 – 2100) word paper and debatable—make a claim of value, fact, or policy.
Choosing a topic:
You may deal with various aspects of the topic: artistic, geo-political, scientific, moral, aesthetic, cultural, social, or economic. The following suggestions on the attached list may help you choose a topic.
You may wish to take a conservative or a liberal stance on a topic. Be sure that the essay is thesis driven. The essay should be developed according to the methods discussed in class and in the textbook. The paper should be 6 - 8 pages. The paper is worth 200 points. You will be responsible for all phases of the writing process. Research is required (6+ sources cited; websites/magazine/newspaper articles are OK but much less valuable).
Directions:
Write a 6 to 8-page historical analysis research paper (including a Works Cited page) in MLA format on the topic of an historical event. Follow the writing process as discussed in class and in the textbook. Be prepared to show every step of the process in class. Show evidence of brainstorming, note taking, outline and rough draft. Write a thesis driven analysis of the topic. The thesis, preferably a divided thesis, should make a strong statement or claim about the event. Write a multi-paragraph essay analyzing the historical event that you have chosen. The essay should be expository, with some description and narration where appropriate.
Historical Analysis Essay Rubric (200)
40 pts. Structure SLO #1 – divided thesis with debatable claim, coherence, organization, unity, transitions, topic sentences, paragraph structure – SEE, logical, academic and scholarly, embedded sources
60 pts. Content Development SLO #2 – debatable issue; enough content; rhetorical strategies; skillful use of summary, paraphrase, and quotation.
13 March 2020Saddleback CollegeSpring 2020English 1BPatton.docxaulasnilda
13 March 2020 Saddleback College Spring 2020
English 1B Patton
Essay III – Historical Analysis Research Essay: (200 points)
Due dates: Proposal/thesis/brainstorming notes: 03/06
Pre-write / annotated bibliography 03/13
Draft (full length): 03/27
Peer Review: 03/27
Final Draft: 04/03
The final submission includes all pre-writing material, including notes on research, a hard copy submitted to the instructor and to Turnitin.com.
Note: Grades for papers with high rates of “similarity” will be penalized severely.
Analyzing historical events and their consequences is common research practice. In this essay, choose an historical event that is interesting to you, one that you may even be passionate about. Choose a topic that is debatable and has extensive sourcing. Prior knowledge of the event may be useful, even necessary. This assignment will require that you conduct a reasonable search for documentation and support. Start early and keep good notes. Start with an internet and library search. Good pre-writing protocol requires that you take notes as you read and that you document your sources accurately. Develop a thesis statement that is narrow enough to cover in a short (1700 – 2100) word paper and debatable—make a claim of value, fact, or policy.
Choosing a topic:
You may deal with various aspects of the topic: artistic, geo-political, scientific, moral, aesthetic, cultural, social, or economic. The following suggestions on the attached list may help you choose a topic.
You may wish to take a conservative or a liberal stance on a topic. Be sure that the essay is thesis driven. The essay should be developed according to the methods discussed in class and in the textbook. The paper should be 6 - 8 pages. The paper is worth 200 points. You will be responsible for all phases of the writing process. Research is required (6+ sources cited; websites/magazine/newspaper articles are OK but much less valuable).
Directions:
Write a 6 to 8-page historical analysis research paper (including a Works Cited page) in MLA format on the topic of an historical event. Follow the writing process as discussed in class and in the textbook. Be prepared to show every step of the process in class. Show evidence of brainstorming, note taking, outline and rough draft. Write a thesis driven analysis of the topic. The thesis, preferably a divided thesis, should make a strong statement or claim about the event. Write a multi-paragraph essay analyzing the historical event that you have chosen. The essay should be expository, with some description and narration where appropriate.
Historical Analysis Essay Rubric (200)
40 pts. Structure SLO #1 – divided thesis with debatable claim, coherence, organization, unity, transitions, topic sentences, paragraph structure – SEE, logical, academic and scholarly, embedded sources
60 pts. Content Development SLO #2 – debatable issue; enough content; rhetorical strategies; skillful use of summary, paraphrase, and quotation ...
Communication in the Workplace
Communication Analysis Essay and Discussion Assignment
Reference: Chapters 1 - 6
Instructions:
SELECT a topic from the sample choices. Read and analyze. Using your textbook for support!
FORMAT with the following WRITING GUIDELINES:
1. Typed 12 point font, Times New Roman
1. Double spaced, page length will vary (approximately 3 pages)
1. Stapled upper left-hand corner
1. Information used from our textbook or outside sources should be noted in-text in APA or MLA format along with either a Reference or Works Cited page.
HINTS:
1. If you use a direct quote, place quotation marks and in-text cite.
1. If you summarize someone’s knowledge and use your own words, and in-text cite it.
1. If you are in doubt, cite it!!!!!
1. Remember the 80/20 rule: 80% of your essay response should always be your thoughts/words and 20% directly quoted. BUT REMEMBER, JUST BECAUSE YOU PUT IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS DOES NOT MEAN IT IS YOURS. YOU MUST GIVE CREDIT FOR THE IDEA! Cite, cite, cite, cite, cite!
1. OWL PURDUE WRITING LAB is a wonderful resource and reminder of these tips and more. Check it out!
1. Visit the ECU Writing Center for help with sources, organization and error check. If you are unsure about using sources correctly, seek help! Plagiarism is unacceptable.
ON DUE DATE:
1. Upload your Communication Essay to Safe Assign on Blackboard link provided before you attend class on the due date. Be prepared to discuss/present a brief 3-4 minute oral summary of your essay utilizing your essay as a reference before a small group of your classmates. You may bring your essay or notes to help you with this discussion/presentation.
EVALUATION:
Your grade on this assignment will be based on your written and discussion response. Each area is worth 25 points for a total of 100. Each of the 4 areas will be assessed as either Excellent, Competent, Needs Improvement.
Area 1: Adherence to WRITING GUIDELINES
Area 2: Style: grammar/punctuation/readability
Area 3: Organization/ Supporting examples and terminology utilized from the textbook for support
Area 4: Presentation individual summary-group discussion; Active participant/listener- group discussion
*****************************************************************************
CHOICES! (In each choice, make sure that you search for a RECENT article. This means within the past 6-12 months.)
*****************************************************************************
Email and text messages are not always the most appropriate channel for a particular message. Think of a specific instance in your life where you used IM or e-mail and the message sent was not the message received.
· First, describe the kinds of problems caused by selecting this channel of communication? Could these problems been prevented by using a different channel for sending the message? Make sure to use the .
Helping sudents/professionals preparare a Thesis, Scientific Paper, improve Oral Presentation Skills for conference presentations, prepare a CV/Resume and Cover Letter
The Three-Part Topic Proposal for ResearchSave this file to your.docxssusera34210
The Three-Part Topic Proposal for Research
Save this file to your computer; type in your responses for each of the three areas below, and then upload your work by the deadline using the dropbox in Module 11.
Step 1:Explanation
Write a one-paragraph explanation. (This is not an introductory paragraph for the paper.) This should be an explanation of your focused topic and what you hope to prove to your reader through your analysis.
Step 2:Working Thesis
Really think about what you wrote in the explanation and pull it together by creating a working thesis. You will likely continue to revise and edit this thesis. Remember: A THESIS should include the focused topic plus your assertion about the significance of that topic. It should be argumentative in nature, since it is an opinion that you will prove through a close analysis of the details of the text.
Step 3: Tentative Outline
Now create a tentative outline for your working thesis. In other words, how will you break up your body paragraphs to prove or support the thesis?
Assignment:
APPROACH #2:
Another approach would be to expand on an idea addressed briefly in one of your discussion posts. Remember, you'll need to create a focused thesis statement. The prompts below can be used to create an assertion that you could then prove in your body paragraphs through a close analysis of the primary source (the work we studied) and through support from your secondary sources (literary criticism).
Edgar Allan Poe - "The Fall of the House of Usher"
Analyze the use of parallels or mirror images in this story. How does this kind of imagery support a thematic idea running throughout the story?
· SOURCES: You must use a minimum of THREE secondary sources. You will cite the work you are analyzing, of course, but it is a primary source. Therefore, you will have a minimum of FOUR sources listed on your Works Cited page. At least ONE of your secondary sources must be an article from a scholarly journal accessed via an LSCS library database. You must not use Cliffs Notes or Bloom's Notes or the like, basic dictionaries or encyclopedias, or any plot summaries. You should select reputable sources of literary criticism that help you prove your thesis. If, in addition to these minimum source requirements, you would like to briefly cite a source such as The Bible or a specialized dictionary - that is fine. If in doubt about the quality of a source, ask me or a reference librarian. An essay that does not meet the minimum source requirements will earn an automatic F.
· LENGTH: The essay must be 3-4 textual pages (not including the Works Cited page). The essay must follow MLA manuscript form guidelines stated in the 7th edition of the MLA Handbook. The text of the essay must be 3 full textual pages, meaning it will reach the bottom, one-inch margin on the third page of a correctly formatted Word document. An essay that does not meet the minimum length requirements will earn an automatic F. Plea ...
1 Writing and Formatting ENGL 2113 Essays Overview .docxSONU61709
1
Writing and Formatting ENGL 2113 Essays
Overview
Each essay (W3, W4, and W4) should be approximately 750 words in length and include the
following:
A title, which reflects both the topic and your thesis
Four (and only four) paragraphs:
o an introductory paragraph that ends with an underlined thesis statement
o two body/support paragraphs that begin with an underlined topic sentence
o a concluding paragraph
At least two authoritative, credible online sources of support, which are cited in the text
and included on a Works Cited or Reference page. The sources must be correctly
formatted using either MLA or APA style.
Follow these steps to format and save your essay:
Set margins at 1 inch
• Set line spacing at either 1.5 or 2
• Insert a header with your last name and page number aligned to the right
• In the body of the first page, aligned to the left, include:
o your full name
o instructor’s name
o ENGL 2113 (your section number)
o date
• Include a title for the essay, one that reflects the topic and your thesis
• Save the document as a Word document
• Name the file YourLastName Assignment # (for example, Smith W3)
Follow these seven steps to write, submit, and review feedback on your essay:
1. Read the Essay Grading Guidelines document
If you don’t meet these criteria, you will lose points.
2. Read the assigned essay prompts
Each essay prompt will be posted to D2L.
3. Outline your argument
Before writing your essay, write out your thesis and the topic sentences you plan to use to defend
that thesis. You will submit these three sentences for the W1 assignment. You will not turn in the
2
these statements separately for the other essay assignments; however, you would be wise to write
them out before you write each essay:
Thesis: In one sentence, state your opinion, or your stand, on the assigned topic.
Topic/reason sentence one: In one sentence, state one reason WHY the reader should accept
your opinion.
Topic/reason sentence two: In one sentence, state a second reason WHY the reader should
accept your argument.
Reminder: A topic/reason sentence has two jobs: to serve as a reason in support of your thesis, and
to announce which reason will be discussed and supported in the body paragraph that follows.
Again, each topic sentence should be a reason in support of your thesis, not simply an introduction
to the paragraph.
4. Write your paragraphs
Paragraph one: an introductory paragraph. Assume that the reader of your essay does not know
the assignment topic. First introduce the reader to the topic of the essay. Do not start the
introductory paragraph with your thesis. End the paragraph with your thesis. Underline the
thesis statement.
Paragraph two: a body or support paragraph that is 7-10 sentences in length. Begin this body
paragraph with your first topic/reason sentence. Underline the topic sentence. Devote the
e ...
ENC 1102NoonanSpring 2018RESEARCH PAPER PACKETContents.docxchristinemaritza
ENC 1102 Noonan Spring 2018 RESEARCH PAPER PACKET
Contents:
Assignment Page #s
1. Research Paper Outline2-4
2. Main Article Selection 5
3. Summary of Main Article 6
4. Requirements for Sources 7
5. Research Plan 8
6. Annotated Bibliography 9
7. Quote Sandwich 10
8. Works Cited 11
9. Introduction 12
10. Ethos, Pathos, Logos examples 13
11. Effectiveness discussion 14
12. Conclusions 15
13. Rough Draft directions 15
14. Rough Draft checklist 16
15. Final Paper directions 17-18
16. Final Paper checklist 19
1. Research Paper Outline
Use this outline to guide you through the development of your paper. This outline is meant to show the ideal structure of your paper. You do not need to complete this outline as an assignment.
I. Introduction
a. Hook – Attention Grabber
b. Background Information - what is the issue discussed in the main article? Describe at least 2 different
positions on the issue (ex: pro and con).
c. Why is this topic important for the audience to understand?
II. Summary
a. Cut and paste the (Main Article) Article Summary you previously submitted; revise as needed
III. Analysis:
Paragraph 1: Ethos/Pathos/Logos example
a. Find one example in your Main Article where the author uses ethos, pathos, or logos to persuade the reader. Give a quote from the main article, cite the quote, then explain how it shows use of ethos, pathos, or logos.
Paragraph 2: Point 1, compared to research
a. Select first point from main article
i. Introduce the point from main article
ii. Give quote from main article and in-text citation
iii. Explain the quote (What does it mean? How does it fit into rest of your paper?)
b. Select correlating point from Source 1
i. Introduce the correlating point from Source 1
ii. Give quote from Source 1 and in-text citation
iii. Explain the quote (What does it mean?)
iv. Describe how this point relates to Point 1 from the main article- does it support, contradict, or give
more info on that point?
Paragraph 3: Point 2, compared to research
a. Select second point from main article
i. Introduce the point from main article
ii. Give quote from main article and in-text citation
iii. Explain the quote (What does it mean? How does it fit into rest of your paper?)
b. Select correlating point from Source 2
i. Introduce the correlating point from Source 2
ii. Give quote from Source 2 and in-text citation
iii. Explain the quote (What does it mean?)
iv. Describe how this point relates to Point 2 from the main article- does it support, contradict, or give
more info on that point?
Paragraph 4: Point 3, compared to research
a. Select third point from main article
i. Introduce the point from main article
ii. Give quote from main article and in-text citation
iii. Explain the quote (What does it mean? How does it fit into rest of your paper?)
b. Select correlating point from Source 3
i. Introduce the point from Source 3
ii. Give quote.
Unit VIII Final Research Paper Draft Purpose The purpose of.docxdickonsondorris
Unit VIII Final Research Paper Draft
Purpose:
The purpose of this final draft is to finish the paper you have been working on throughout the course by adding a conclusion and an abstract.
Description:
In this assignment, you will assemble the final draft of your Research Paper you have been working on throughout the course. Your Research Paper Final Draft should include the elements listed below.
Elements:
The grade of your Research Paper Final Draft is largely based on your inclusion of these elements and the overall quality of your writing. Your paper must contain the following elements.
1. Cover page and APA formatting:
You should include an APA-style cover page for your Research Paper. See the example on page 16 of The CSU APA Guide (6th edition). Your cover page should include the following: the title of your paper, your name, and the name of your university (Columbia Southern University). The running head should include up to 50 characters from the title of the paper, along with a sequential page number in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Abstract:
The abstract is a 150-250 word summary of your Research Paper, and it should be written only after you have finished writing the entire paper because how your abstract is worded largely depends on the development of your paper. Your abstract should be accurate, self-contained, concise and specific, non-evaluative, coherent, and readable. Your abstract may be modeled after the theoretical paper model or empirical study model. For information or an example of an abstract, see p. 12 of The CSU APA Guide (6th edition) and p. 511 of Strategies for Writing Successful Research Papers. Note that the abstract presented references MLA, but yours should be in APA style. The abstract should be the second page in the paper, after the cover page, and the abstract should be on its own page. The text of the paper itself should begin on page 3. Your abstract must meet the following standards:
• Be 150-250 words • Be located on the second page of your final draft • Have a heading of Abstract that is centered at the top of the page.
3. Introduction:
There are some pitfalls to writing an introductory paragraph, and you can avoid some of them by reading through the Checklist: “Avoid Certain Mistakes in the Introduction” on p. 495 of Strategies for Writing Successful Research Papers.
4. Review of literature:
The review of literature should be a smooth transition from the introduction of your paper and should present a controlled summary of the conversation surrounding your topic.
5. Body paragraphs:
Each paragraph of the body of your Research Paper should be a cohesive unit. It should be tight, but developed. It should serve a function, and its purpose should always be to bolster the thesis. Therefore, you should use the following order for each paragraph in the body.
a. Topic sentence: This sentence summarizes the entire paragraph in one strong, well-written sentence, and it dir ...
1. ENG 101 – Bolton
Essay Assignment 3: Research Paper
Important Dates and Requirements
Topic Proposal Due: March 15 (by 5:00 p.m.—via e-mail)
Pre-Writing Due: March 18 (12:30 class); March 20 (9:30) (at class time)
Outline Due: April 1 (at class time)
Draft Due to TurnitIn for PeerMark: April 8 (by 11:59 p.m.)
PeerMark Must be Completed By: April 12 (by 11:59 p.m.)
Paper Due to Instructor: April 22 (by 5:00 p.m.)
Length: 1700-3400 words*
Outside Sources Required: Six—see “Part 2: Researching Your Topic” below for details
Submission Methods: Hard copy (to me), electronic copy to TurnitIn
* Essays that are too short, too long, or don’t meet the source requirements will receive half credit.
In your last two essays, you analyzed and responded to an argument; now, it is your turn to make one. I
expect you to read Chapters 9 and 32 in your Norton Field Guide thoroughly, as they discuss all the
components of arguing. Here are the additional guidelines you must follow to get full credit:
Part 1: Choosing a Topic
1.) Select one of the ―technology horror stories‖ from Steven Casey’s Set Phasers on Stun or The
Atomic Chef to be what ―provokes you.‖
Remember, your argument has to be prompted/provoked by something—in this case, you
will find a story that provokes you and build an argument based on the event.
For example, ―Signal Detection‖ might lead you to question the effectiveness of airport
security and perhaps suggest improvements (see sample essay on D2L). (―Signal
Detection‖ is the only story from the books you cannot use).
Since you are now provoked by an event, not someone’s opinions, you have flexibility in
what you want to argue—as long as it’s relevant to the story/event, it is acceptable.
2.) Submit a topic proposal to your instructor via e-mail (alicia.bolton@hgtc.edu ONLY—not
through D2L) that requests the story and states what argument you will (likely) be making.
Consult pages 177-179 of your Norton Field Guide for details on topic proposals
The proposal must include the following:
o Title of story you want to use
o Why this story interests you—what provoked you when you read it and why?
o Your intended focus—what argument are you leaning towards making?
No two students may request the same story, so requests will be granted on a first-come,
first-served basis; for this reason, you should probably have a couple of ―back up‖ stories
in mind in case your first choice is already taken.
Please note that the topic proposal is an informal and ungraded requirement but a very important one.
You cannot begin on the pre-writing until your story has been approved; if you do not receive instructor
approval by the deadline, work you complete for this essay assignment may not receive credit.
2. Part 2: Researching Your Topic
1.) Locate the following to support your claim—you must include EACH of the following in your
essay (and you must quote from each within the essay itself):
One book (printed, published, physical—not an e-book)
One e-book (from library database)
Two articles (from library database(s))
One Film-on-Demand (from library database)
o Note: If you can’t find a Film-on-Demand, come see me and I’ll give you an
alternate option—but you must let me know in advance!
The story that prompted you to write this
o You do not have to directly quote/cite from this, but it must be mentioned in your
introduction and should therefore be included on your Works Cited page
2.) Print and annotate each source you will use in your essay—you are required to submit these with
the final essay (except the film on demand)
For books/e-books, you may print/copy a few relevant pages—the entire document is not
required.
Some additional notes/warnings about Research
All sources (except book and ―provoking‖ story) MUST come from a library database—if a
source doesn’t come from the library database, it doesn’t count (meaning your essay will
receive half credit for just ONE slip!)
You may use more than these five sources, but all must be scholarly – if you include ten
sources and one isn’t scholarly, you may receive half credit
Unless they come from a database, newspaper articles are not scholarly.
Only one dictionary is scholarly (and acceptable): The Oxford English Dictionary. It will only
count once (regardless of the number of words cited) and won’t count as your book; any
other dictionary does not count at all!
On your Works Cited page, you must include the name of the database where you retrieved
the article—this is typical MLA format, but I warn you because if I can’t tell where you got it, I
can’t check it, and if I can’t verify it, it may not count…
Part 3: Constructing Your Essay
1.) In your introduction paragraph, summarize/explain the issue for readers, discussing the
―provoking‖ as well as the overall topic/controversy.
2.) The last sentence of your introduction must be your thesis statement, which should clearly state
your claim and some brief reasons for your claim.
3.) The body paragraphs of your essay should support the claim, offering solid reasoning through
both your own ideas and the research, and you should use the rhetorical appeals of logos, ethos,
and/or pathos to persuade your reader. (Don’t forget to avoid logical fallacies as well!)
4.) In your essay, you must quote from each source (except ―provoking‖ story) at least once—you
may summarize and paraphrase additionally, but you will lose 15 points for each source you do
not quote from.
5.) Include a counterargument (―naysayer‖) somewhere in your essay.
6.) Follow MLA format (including a Works Cited page with all sources on it!)
3. Additional “Process” Assignments
You will be required to turn in both pre-writing and an outline for this assignment—both are
worksheets on D2L that you can simply print out and fill out by hand. These are due on the due dates
listed at the beginning of this assignment sheet and on the course syllabus.
Where to Go for Help
Relevant Textbook Chapters for…
Quoting – They Say I Say (TSIS), Chapter 3; Norton Field Guide (NFG), Chapters 46 and 48
Summarizing – TSIS, Chapter 2; NFG, Chapter 46
Arguing (general concept) – NFG, Chapters 32 and 9
Supporting Your Claim – NFG, Chapters 31, 34, 35, 39
Writing an Introduction – NFG, Chapter 29; TSIS, Chapters 1 and 7
Writing a Conclusion – NFG, Chapter 29
Writing a Counterargument – TSIS, Chapter 6
MLA Format – NFG, Chapter 49
Structure/transitions – NFG, Chapter 30; TSIS, Chapter 8
Language Use – TSIS, Chapters 5, 9, 10
Additional Online Resources
ENG 101 Guidebook - http://hgtc101guidebook.weebly.com
ENG 101 LibGuide (for Bolton) - http://libguides.hgtc.edu/english101_bolton
D2L – ―Research Paper and Annotated Bibliography‖ unit (various handouts available)
Purdue OWL - http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Additional Assignments
In addition to turning these items in on the due dates listed on the course outline/syllabus, you must
also return them with the final hard copy of your essay—put everything in your folder. You may lose
points for any items missing.
Pre-Writing = _____/10
Outline = _____/15
Other Items You Must Turn In:
These items are also due with the final copy of your essay; for each missing (or incomplete), your
essay may be penalized up to 20 points.
□ Copy of this rubric (print and turn in)
□ Introduction worksheet (from class)
□ copy of this rubric (all four pages—print and turn in)
□ copy of EACH SOURCE used in your essay—each source must be thoroughly annotated (-20
for each source not included; -15 for each not annotated))
o Exclude ―film on demand‖
o For books/e-books (and extremely long articles), just print/copy a few relevant pages
o You don’t have to include your ―provoking‖ story, though you are welcome to do so
Don’t forget that you also have to submit your final copy to Turnitin.com!
4. Student Name: _________________________ PeerMark Grade: _____/20
Essay 3: Research Paper (150 points)
Scale: 12.5 = perfect/excellent, 10 = good, 7.5 = fair, 0 = poor or missing
12.5 10 7.5 0
Introduction effectively and objectively summarizes issue, offers what
―sparked‖ essay, provides necessary background information, states why the
issue is important, and ―plants a naysayer‖ (―they say‖)
Thesis statement is clear and well-developed, makes an arguable claim, and is
the last sentence of the introduction
Each body paragraph includes a topic sentence that outlines that paragraph
and connects to the thesis
Body paragraphs are appropriate, concrete, and well-developed; examples are
logical and effective
Counterargument (the ―they say‖) paragraph is included, well-presented,
(fairly and objectively), and ultimately weakened/discredited
In-text citations are formatted correctly, properly framed, and used effectively
to support thesis; sources and quotes are well-chosen and appropriate
Logos, ethos, and pathos are effectively used to appeal to readers; logical
fallacies are avoided
Conclusion avoids introducing new ideas and adequately summarizes essay
Essay is well-organized; transitions effectively enhance essay’s ―flow‖ by
guiding reader
Vocabulary, language use, and word choices are correct and appropriate
Note: You should avoid second-person (“you,” “your,” “you’re”) and
unnecessary first-person (I think, I believe, in my opinion, etc.)
Grammar, spelling, and mechanics demonstrate correct use of Standard
Edited American English
MLA Format is followed throughout essay (including Works Cited page)
* Please consult your essay for details; if you do not understand a comment I made, please don’t
hesitate to come see me during office hours to discuss your essay.
Note: If your total ends in .5, it will be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
See Checklist on page 3 of this
assignment sheet!
Grade: _____/150