Using your outline and annotated bibliography from Touchstones 1.2 and 2.2, draft a 6-8 page argumentative research essay on your chosen topic. (attached below)
1. Argumentative Thesis Statement
- ❒ Have you included a thesis in your introduction includes a clear, arguable stance and supporting reasons?
2. Argument Development
- ❒ Are all of the details relevant to the purpose of your essay?
- ❒ Is the argument supported using persuasive rhetorical appeals and source material (i.e., direct quotations, paraphrasing, and summary)?
- ❒ Is your essay 6-8 pages (approximately 1500-2000 words, not including your references or reflection question responses)? If not, which details do you need to add or remove?
- ❒ Does the essay consist of at least seven paragraphs – an introduction, five body paragraphs (with at least one for the counterarguments and rebuttals), and a conclusion? Are the body paragraphs ordered logically to strengthen the argument?
- ❒ Do your topic sentences make original and supportable points? Do your topic sentences directly support your thesis statement?
3. Research
- ❒ Have you introduced, contextualized, and cited outside sources effectively using quotation, summary, and paraphrase techniques?
- ❒ Are the sources incorporated smoothly, providing the reader with signal phrases and context for the source information?
- ❒ Have you referenced a range of at least 7 credible sources, and does each source have at least one in-text citation in the essay?
- ❒ Have you properly cited your sources according to APA style guidelines?
- ❒ Have you included an APA style reference page below your essay?
4. Reflection
- ❒ Have you answered all reflection questions thoughtfully and included insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses?
- ❒ Are your answers included on a separate page below the main assignment?
B. Reflection
DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
- Provide one example of a place where you have used rhetorical appeals or source material to support your argument. How does this enhance your essay? (2-3 sentences)
- Touchstone 4 is a revision of this draft. What kind of feedback would be helpful for you as you revise? Are there parts of your draft that you’re uncertain of? (3-4 sentences)