Essay #2:
Criteria-match Argument with sources
Assignment:
Write
an essay in which you argue a claim based on one of the criteria-match topics
below. In this 4-to-5-page essay, you
will 1) provide at least three reasons to support an argumentative claim of either
evaluation or definition; 2) provide evidence to support each reason; 3) argue using criteria that has been made clear to the reader,
either explicitly or implicitly; 4) give background information your readers
need to understand the issue; and 5) properly incorporate and document source
material (providing attribution, parenthetical citations, and a works cited
page).
Note: You must incorporate information from a
minimum of four credible essay-length sources gathered from your college’s
library databases or from Good Reasons,
as well as at least one personal interview. (Other types of sources must
be pre-approved.)
Objectives:
To use
the elements of essays, including the thesis statement (claim) and topic
sentences (reasons should be clearly stated in topic sentences). To avoid logical fallacies. To provide necessary background information
on the issue. To base an argument on clear criteria. To use effective details. To follow the organizational patterns we have
discussed. To write unified, coherent
paragraphs. To write sentence that are correct in structure, grammar, and
punctuation. To correctly use MLA
documentation style and format (see your syllabus for submission guidelines).
Due
Dates:
Your
criteria-match argument is due by ________________________. Be aware of grade penalties for late
submissions.
Readings:
There are several examples of
criteria-match arguments (definition and evaluation) in Good Reasons. Some of these arguments utilize source evidence (see pp.
xiv-xv).
Grading:
Content: (50%) – The writer
argues a claim, which is revealed in a thesis statement and supported by at
least three reasons. The evaluation or
definition argument is based on clear criteria. Reasons are supported thoroughly
by evidence. Necessary background information is provided. There are no errors
in logic.
Organization: (30%) – The
essay has a clear, emphatic claim. Topic sentences provide the reasons and
effectively link supporting ideas to the thesis. All supporting material is
relevant to the thesis. The introduction and conclusion are effective. Transitions are used where necessary. MLA
internal documentation and Works Cited are correct.
Style: (20%) – Writing is
fluent. Word choice is accurate and precise. Appropriate punctuation is used.
Major sentence structure errors are avoided. There are no agreement problems.
An appropriate tone is used. There are no proofreading or format errors.
Evaluation Argument topics:
1.
Does home
schooling offer a quality education for children?
2.
Is the so-called
“mountaintop removal” method of coal mining good or bad?
Is online learning as effective as face-to-face learning?
4.
Other than 9/11,
what has been the most significant national event in your lifetime?
5.
Are Genetically
Modified Organisms (GMOs) bad?
6.
Do we give children
too many trophies?
Definition Argument
topics:
7.
Is the name of
the NFL franchise in Washington D.C. racist?
Is Colin Kaepernick a patriot?
Is wearing pink in support of breast cancer
research an example of true activism or “slacktivism”?
Should video games be considered a sport?
Should bullies be treated as criminals?
12. Is child obesity child abuse?