Posted: September 16th, 2017
The US government should lower their higher education cost
Your task is to write a researched argument about a topic of interest. Your topic can certainly be an issue of national or global importance as well, but it might be worth your time to think of a local issue. You will want to avoid shallow and unfounded arguments in your essay, and I will expect to see evidence of thorough and engaging research. Your goal is not just to rile people up; you want to educate others about your topic in the process of educating yourself.
For this assignment, I recommend that you try some sources that you may not have looked into for previous units – The Idaho Statesman, The Boise Weekly, Idaho Business Review, and National Public Radio are all sources that I would encourage you to look into. All of these sources can be accessed online.
GETTING STARTED
- Make sure to have a variety of sources to consult. Don’t just look at sources that support what you have to say. (I know, it’s tempting.) You need to know what the other side is saying too. Do not use Wikipedia, blogs, dictionary sites, quote sites, etc. For this essay we won’t use personal interviews, either. We’ll go over in class the various online resources available to you through the Albertson’s library website. http://library.boisestate.edu/
- I think of argument as solving a problem. It’s not a shouting match. You have a position. You explain your position in a thoughtful, compelling way in order to convince others to join you.
- Don’t make sweeping generalizations. Don’t make statements that you can’t back up. If you say something like: “Nebraskans are out to take over the world,” I better see some strong statistical evidence that supports it.
GOALS
The essay should:
● Persuasively argue your viewpoint through use of sound and intelligent arguments, and substantial research.
● Include ample evidence from reliable sources. Utilize that research in interesting ways – don’t just rely on the same old tired arguments.
Final draft is due Nov. 4th.
Technical details:
This essay needs to be 5 full pages. Do not go under or over 5 pages. Additionally, you’ll be creating an annotated bibliography of at least 5 sources. All writing should be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font. Follow MLA guidelines.
Points: 250 total
You need five credible sources with annotations.
Each annotation will need 2-3 sentences of summary and 2-3 sentences describing the usefulness of the source. (How did it help your understanding of the subject? How did it fit into your overall argument?)
Also: after each annotation, you’ll need to apply the CRAAP test to each source (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose).
Example:
Early, DM, KL Maxwell, M Burchinal, S Alva, RH Bender, D Bryant, K Cai, RM Clifford, C Ebanks, JA Griffin, GT Henry, C Howes, J Iriondo-Perez, HJ Jeon, AJ Mashburn, E Peisner-Feinberg, RC Pianta, N Vandergrift, and N Zill. “Teachers’ Education, Classroom Quality, and Young Children’s Academic Skills: Results from Seven Studies of Preschool Programs.” Child Development. 78.2 (2007). Print.
This peer-reviewed article looks at the effects of preschool programs on children through seven different studies. The article posits that the most successful preschool programs had teachers that not only had extensive education, but also participated in a variety of developmental programs sponsored by the school districts that they belonged to.
This article clarified my argument that it is not enough to have preschool. You also need to have special training for teachers who implement activities that help with cognitive development. Because this article looks at seven different studies, the findings help support my claim in various ways beyond my main argument, including my supporting point about the cost/benefit ratio of providing effective preschool.
Currency: This was published in 2007.
Relevance: The information directly supports my argument. It was intended for professionals in the field of child development.
Authority: Published by Wiley-Blackwell. Academic journal—extensive sources.
Accuracy: Because this is from a peer-reviewed journal, I am confident it is accurate.
Purpose: Meant for professionals and academics. Research-based.
This paper will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Organizational Structure: Intro with a clear thesis (in the 1stor 2nd paragraph) that sets up a specific, focused argument and previews the main points that will be covered. The body of the essay must follow the structure provided by the thesis. The conclusion should reflect back on the main points covered and leave the reader with a final thought.
Correct Paragraph Structure: Each paragraph should transition logically to the next one. The first sentence of each paragraph should function as a topic sentence. Every sentence in the paragraph that follows the first one should support the topic sentence.
Minimal Grammar Errors
Correct Use of MLA Format, Including In-text Citations & Annotated Bibliography
Points Supported with Credible Research
Technical Details of Assignment (page count, correct font) should be met.
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