For essay 1 you explored a topic of interest. For essay 2 you analyzed an argument. For your last essay, you will again expl

Module 10

Due: Dec 17^th   

 Background:

For essay 1 you explored a topic of interest. For essay 2 you analyzed an argument. For your last essay, you will again explore a topic or issue of interest but will now be called upon to develop your argument through sound reasoning skills as well as your individualized research.

 Your Task:

Think about a topic or issue you find particularly important or intriguing explore that issue through research. It is the goal of your research to expound on your understanding of the issue and have your new understanding shape your argument. Or, as the Purdue OWL website states, “investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner.”

Remember, an issue is “a topic of concern or controversy.” You may want to start this essay by asking yourself some type of initial questions about your chosen issue: What is significant about this issue? Do you think more should be known about this topic? Your answer(s) to some of these questions will help form your working thesis, begin your research, and, of course, become premises that lead to a conclusion. For this essay, your argument / thesis is expected to become quite specific.

We have learned over the course of the semester that your argument is defended and supported by your textual evidence and reasoning skills. This essay will require you to research and find your own textual evidence as well as make inferences from that evidence to make your argument structure valid. Essentially, I am asking you to rely on your critical thinking and reasoning skills to make your essay persuasive.

For this essay you will need at least four (4) scholarly peer reviewed sources and at least one (1) source of whatever you like. I would suggest that you use more than five (5) sources total. The more resources you cogently use, the more persuasive your argument becomes. Remember, your explanation of your textual evidence should show the connection between what is being said by the author you are citing and what you, as the writer, are arguing for.

The assigned annotated bibliography will assist you in developing your research. With your annotated bibliography, we can discuss your working thesis and possible research together. Plan to discuss your ideas with me, and your peers in discussion groups.

Essay Requirements:

• Minimum eight (8) full pages.
• An introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
• Topic sentences that clearly relate to back to your thesis and central argument.
• Developed body paragraphs with clear points that support your thesis statement stated in your topic sentences. (They may not be necessarily structured around a piece of textual evidence).
• At least four (4) scholarly peer reviewed sources.
• At least one (1) source of any origin.
• Transition sentences that connect and make relevant your ideas and assertions.
• An acknowledgement of counter argument(s) with a concession.
• Proper MLA formatting and a works cited page.

Essay 1 Submission Instructions

You may submit your assignment as a Word document, a text document, a PDF, OR as a link to a Google Document (make sure that the document has been shared "anyone who has the link" so that I can read it.)

The Canvas Student Guide provides .

Assignment Rubric

The rubric below will be applied when your assignment is graded. If you’re reviewing this assignment using the Canvas mobile app, the rubric is included in the Grade tab.