FINAL DRAFT
Final Hybrid Argument and Extended Research Paper Assignment Sheet and Grading Rubric
We have learned about warrants and claims, about audience and tone and voice, about logos, pathos, ethos and kairos, about evaluating sources. We’ve analyzed other people’s written arguments in the form of published opinion pieces and editorials, and both read and performed rhetorical analysis. We’ve conducted research, assessed that research, and cited that research. Now it’s time for you to unleash this new skill set on perhaps the most significant task of the semester: the final extended research and argument.
For this assignment, you will be crafting a hybrid argument over a topic of your choice. This assignment will be research driven and will develop over the remainder of this course. You would be advised to include a variety of source styles to provide sufficient grounds for your argument.
Choosing a Topic
1. Your thesis will argue a position, present a policy proposal, or explore an inquiry that connects to your life personally or socially. This may be an issue we explored in class or a new issue you are curious about.
2. Think about your interests, your current major, and arguments that you have some vested interest in. Read the newspaper; talk with people. Consider, for example, the broad categories of education, environment, privacy vs. security, immigration law, or even proposed bills in the City Council, State Legislature, or U.S. Congress. This paper should deal with something you care about and something on which reasonable people can disagree.
Technical Requirements
• Your paper must meet length requirements; 2000 words, not counting the works cited • Your paper must include a separate Work Cited page, minimum of 8 sources but more is
encouraged (using a variety of sources, i.e. not just websites—look to peer reviewed journals and even primary source information if applicable). You are required to use at least 2 journal or peer reviewed sources.
• You will use MLA formatting and citations throughout • Your paper will include at least one (1) relevant, original visual, such as a chart or graph (of
course, properly cited). You cannot copy + paste the graphic from another source, you need to make this graphic. The visual will help support your thesis by making or clarifying a point (not merely clipart)
Considerations for Organization and Structure
For general organization, follow the explanation of Classical Argument in Chapter 2 (pages 18-19), using the guidelines for developing such an argument through Part Four of your textbook, Types of Claims Chapters 11-15 (Definition, Resemblance, Causal, Evaluation/Ethical, Proposal). Classical argument is particularly effective when you are addressing neutral or undecided audiences. It has a closed-form structure in which you:
(1) state your proposal/thesis/main claim at the end of the introduction (Also remember that the beginning of the introduction should be an attention-getter: vivid examples of the issue are particularly effective)
(2) begin body paragraphs with clearly stated reasons (they serve as the topic sentence for the paragraph),
(3) develop the paragraphs with evidence presented in concrete language and specific detail,
(4) use effective transitions throughout to keep your reader on track,
(5) consider the order in which you present your reasons and the impact that order will have on the reader,
(6) summarize anticipated objections to the writer's argument and respond to them. (Chapter 6 gives a detailed explanation with examples of how to respond to objections and alternative views.)
See page 18 for a diagram of a classical argument; review Chapter 2 for more details on a classical structure argument.
Criteria Below Expectation
(0-30) Meeting Expectations
(31-43) Outstanding
(44-50) Total
Points
Claim
Demonstrate an understanding of claim types, argumentation, and writing for a specified audience Utilize at least two claim types: Causal, Proposal, Evaluation, Ethical, or Definition argument to form a Hybrid Argument. Claim is clear and arguable, Argument matches the claim, and Claim is appropriate for intended audience
__/ 10
Research Quality
Demonstrate an understanding of library and database researching, information literacy, and detecting bias. 8-10+ separate sources well integrated throughout the paper, At minimum, 2 peer reviewed sources used, Original research prioritized over commentary, Variety of source types
__/ 5
Development
Demonstrate the ability to flesh out ideas and support them with sources Examples and sources support the claim, Balance of quotes and paraphrases, Strong source integration, Strong introduction that familiarizes audience with topic, Strong conclusion that goes beyond merely restating the introduction; rather leaving the audience with a new perspective on the issue
__/ 10Rhetorical Appeals
Appropriate Tone is used throughout and Academic register is maintained Academic Perspective is maintained no I, you, or we narrative portions or hooks and Reasonable attempt is made to utilize at least 2 Rhetorical Appeals (Logos, Ethos, Pathos, Kairos)
__/ 5Organization
Demonstrate meaningful and logical organization, Clear supporting reasons for claim, Clear connection between paragraphs, Clear organization within individual paragraphs
__/ 10Style
Demonstrate attention to editing and proofreading, Varied sentence constructions, Attention to word choice, Avoidance of vague, tired, or overgeneralized phrasing, Conventions and Grammar are consistent, Spelling errors and typos are minimal, Correct Punctuation throughout
__/5
Formatting and Citation
Demonstrate citation and attribution skills, In-text citations always provided, and every source is attributed, Correct info included for citations, Varied citation style throughout, Correct formatting for citations
Demonstrate knowledge of MLA style • Header (Last Name #), Heading Matter, Title is centered and original, TNR or similar, 12pt Font, No extra or manipulated spacing, Meets word count requirement 2000 words before works cited
Demonstrate the ability to produce a complete and correct works cited page, Correct heading, Double Spacing Throughout, hanging indent, Alphabetical order, Correct info included, Web URLs, permalinks, or DOIs included but not hyperlinked, Correct MLA formatting (including capitalization and italics)
__/5Order an Essay Now & Get These Features For Free:
Turnitin Report
Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
