College Writing I Contrast Argument Assignment

3rd paper assignment College Writing I Contrast Argument Assignment Assignment: In keeping with the Objectives listed for this course, you next assignment will require you to contrast two texts that address a common issue, but have opposing points of view. Topics: You will read 3 sets of essays from the Points of View Reference Center database that have the same structure to the example essays you read about the differing viewpoints about taking online classes. While you cannot use the essays that discuss online classes, you may choose one set of essays from the three choices listed below: “Electroconvulsive Therapy Must Be Stopped" and "Electroconvulsive Therapy Can Be Helpful" Purpose: You must use an argumentative approach to this essay. After examining both essays in the set, you should make a decision about who makes a stronger argument. You will then attempt to persuade your audience to favor your position. Audience and Tone: You will address a hostile audience- one that is in favor of the opposing side that you chose to support. Therefore, you need to convince your readers to change their position and favor the argument you favor. Be careful that your tone/word choice does not appear too abrasive to the reader. You want to be convincing, but you do not want to sound overbearing to the reader. Thesis: You need to state who makes the stronger argument. You should include the names of the authors and say with whom you agree more. You can also include why you think one essay is more convincing than the other. Supporting details: For the body of the essay, you should find common points discussed in the essays and contrast the differing viewpoints. You may want to introduce the opposing viewpoint and then present the side you favor in order to reinforce your thesis and refute the opposition. For the outline: The minimum amount of contrast points that you must raise for this paper is three, but if you find more points you may include them. Please set up your outline in a point-by-point organizational structure and include the elements listed below: Specific topic Thesis statement-your position on the issue in specific language Name of Contrast Point #1 One side of the issue-quotes from first article Other side of the issue-quotes from second article Name of Contrast Point #2 One side of the issue-quotes from first article Other side of the issue-quotes from second article Name of Contrast Point #3 One side of the issue-quotes from first article Other side of the issue-quotes from second article Concluding ideas Obviously you will need to expand upon the points with supporting details from the articles. You may not know all of this information by next week, but for each point you should know generally how each side stands on the issue. For the final draft: Write this paper from a 3rd person perspective. Please be sure your peer review and final drafts are typed, double-spaced and in Times New Roman 11 or 12 point font. The final draft should be 2 ½ -3 pages in length. If you are writing less than that, you probably do not have enough information or insight included in the paper. Grading system: The rubric below will serve as the breakdown for your grade for this paper. All categories include the number of points allocated to each section and questions to ask yourself during the group review and final revision. Please email me if you have questions or concerns. Introduction (10 points)-How effective is the “hook?” Does the introduction explain what the essay will be about and its purpose? Is a thesis statement included? Thesis (10 points) - Is there a clear stance about the favored argument? Are all authors mentioned in the thesis? Points of Contrast (15 points) - Are there 3 points of contrast addressed and is each side (favored and opposing) explained in detail for each point? Is the same contrasting point discussed in each essay? (Are the bases concurrent for each point?) Does the topic sentence present each contrast clearly? Evidence, Support & Documentation (45 points) - Does the writer quote, paraphrase, or summarize from the essays correctly? Are both essays quoted and explained in the paragraph? Does the writer analyze and explain the contrast in detail and argue for the position effectively? Are there additional examples included to further support the contrast? Tone, Word Choice and Audience Awareness (10 points)-How does the writer’s word choice affect the tone and is it appropriate for a hostile audience? Transitions (5 points)-Are the transitions between paragraphs strong-leading the reader smoothly from one idea to the next with no abrupt changes? Conclusion (5 points)-Does the conclusion reinforce the thesis? How effective is it? Grammar/Spelling/Usage/Punctuation- (1/2 point for each error beyond 3 per page)