For your first paper you will be required to write an essay at least

nine pages long

using

in depth research to craft a persuasive argument. Choose a topic to research to gain a clear

understanding of its history, and how the topic has changed over time. Use your outside

evidence drawn from articles, news reports, internet sources, documentaries, interview, etc. to

education your readers about the subject. Your main objective for this essay is to explain how

your range of evidence works to prove a specific point about your subject. How can you

interpret and analyze the logical, ethical, and emotional evidence you have to make readers agree

with your thesis? How do you want readers to think, discuss, or act differently regarding your

topic?

Your essay needs to be clear and unified under your thesis. Make sure to include specific

evidence from your outside sources you read, to show how and why your sources support your

thesis. Use your own original ideas about your topic in conjunction with your outside evidence

to support your thesis. Make sure to review the section in your textbook on proper MLA citation

for any quotes or paraphrases you use from your outside source.

A second copy of your final draft must be uploaded and run through the Turnitin program

set up within the course blackboard page. If a student doesn’t submit their essay through the

system, their essay will not be graded until the professor can first check the turnitin reports. The

Turnitin copy must be uploaded the SAME DAY as the final draft is due; otherwise the whole

essay will be considered late, and lose points.

Grading Criteria

Successful papers will have:

1. A developed introductory paragraph, with a clear thesis. Explain what your topic is, and

what you will try and prove about your topic. Why is it important to accept your

argument? (70 points)

2. Well-supported, unified body paragraphs with specific examples that reinforce your

thesis. Express your original ideas and insight you’ve gained about your topic, to show

how and why readers should be persuaded by your argument. (80 points)

3. Smoothly integrated quotes from at least three outside sources. At least two of your

sources must be print sources (articles or books that originated in print form.)

(50 points)

4. A conclusion that summarizes your main point, and offers a final thought about the value

of your argument. What should readers do with the information you’ve given them?

(30 points)

5. Your paper will also be thoroughly edited for sentence-level errors. If you have any

questions on sentence structure or grammar, visit the Writing Center, or see me in my

office. (20 points)