Write a comparative evaluation/analysis of the arguments presented by the authors of each assigned reading you’ve chosen, explain how the authors agree and/or disagree, and construct your own response to the issues/arguments presented by the authors. Make sure you address the “so what?” factor (i.e. why does this issue matter?) as explained in Chapter 7: So What? Who Cares – Saying Why it Matters in They Say/I Say.
Instructions
Your essay must include a brief introduction paragraph, two to three body paragraphs, and a brief concluding paragraph.
In your introduction (one brief paragraph, approximately five sentences), identify and briefly summarize the content and arguments presented in the two assigned readings you’ve chosen. Conclude your introduction paragraph with your thesis statement, which will answer the following question: which author’s argument about education do you most agree with and why?
In two to three body paragraphs, compare and/or contrast the arguments presented by the authors of the two assigned readings you’ve chosen. Cite specific concepts, ideas, and evidence from the assigned readings to support your evaluation of the arguments presented in these assigned readings. Whether you cite a direct quote or summarize a quote in your own words, you must include MLA-style parenthetical citations. When citing evidence as a direct quote, make sure you “sandwich” them, as described in Chapter 3: As He Himself Puts It- The Art of Quoting in They Say/I Say.
Your conclusion (one brief paragraph, approximately five sentences) will include your response to the arguments presented in the assigned readings. The conclusion is the “I Say” portion of your essay. Refer to the chapters in “Part 2: I Say” of the textbook. This final paragraph wraps up your essay by making the connection between the arguments presented in the chosen assigned readings and your opinion of the author’s argument. In other words, your concluding paragraph will restate and evaluate the following: the main points of your comparative evaluation/analysis from your body paragraphs and your thesis statement.
Include an MLA-style Works Cited page on a new page after your conclusion.
The two assigned readings that need to be used for this essay are both:
Lawrence Lanahan, “What if We Hired for Skills, Not Degrees?”
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ti9Z3jVcaE_Ep6ZHEMejjP2E50FMP2sb/view
Josh Moody, “Alternatives to a 4-Year College: What to Know”
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xew7og35GY4tNM3jxgN8fNryFZL5B_II/view
Please do not use any other reading or articles for citations
Formatting
Length: Four to five total paragraphs
Introduction paragraph
Two to three body paragraphs
Concluding paragraph
Overall, the text of your essay must be at least 2 full pages and no more than 4 full pages. A Works Cited page is required but is not included in the page length requirement.
Line spacing: Double space
Font typeface: Times New Roman
Font size: 12
MLA formatting/documentation guidelines: Parenthetical citations and Works Cited page required. See Course Content > Helpful Resources: MLA Style Requirements folder for resources and templates.
Narrative point-of-view: First-person allowed; avoid filler phrases: I think, I feel, In my opinion
Essay must be attached/uploaded to this Assignment link. See Course Content > Video: Submit an Assignment. Emailed submissions are not accepted. If you accidentally submit the incorrect file, you may submit the correct file through this assignment submission link by the due date.
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