Touchstone 1.2 English - Assignment Essays

Sophia Pathways for College Credit – English Composition II
SAMPLE TOUCHSTONE AND SCORING

Logan Stevens

English Composition II

December 1, 2019

Research question: How should ethical concerns direct the choices that people make about

eating meat?

Working thesis statement: For ethical and environmental reasons, people should limit their

beef consumption, and the beef that they do eat should be humanely raised, locally sourced, and

grass-fed.

Detailed Outline

I. Working Thesis in Introduction: For ethical and environmental reasons, people should

limit their beef consumption, and the beef that they do eat should be humanely raised,

locally sourced, and grass-fed.

A. Hook with description statistics on beef consumption.

B. Introduce two concerns: humane treatment, environment

Source: Davis and Lin on statistics on beef consumption in the U.S.

II. Ethical Issues

Comment [SL1]: Hi Logan! This is a very good
research question. It is relevant, debatable, and
is adequately focused for a paper of this length.

Comment [SL2]: This is a very well-constructed
thesis statement. You take a very clear stance on
the issue, indicating how you plan to argue one
aspect of the research question.

Sophia Pathways for College Credit – English Composition II
SAMPLE TOUCHSTONE AND SCORING

A. Animals feel pain

B. CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)

C. Inhumane treatment of domesticated cattle

Source 1: Grandin and Smith, paragraph 2

Source 2: Pollan on ethical conflicts, paragraphs 32 and 40

III. Environmental Issues

A. Mono-cropping: feed for cattle and transport

B. Manure: contamination, transport, ground water

C. Antibiotics: rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria

Source 1: Lappe on mono-cropping com/soy and production, page 22

Source 2: Sager on manure issues, paragraph 7

Source 3: Palmer on antibiotics, paragraph 12

IV. Health Benefits of Grass-Fed

A. Higher in vitamins A and E and contains half the saturated fat and more omega-3

fatty acids, all of which fight cancer and heart disease

B. Cows are healthier, so their meat is healthier to consume.

C. Note that organic is a separate category.

Source 1: Ruechel on health benefits, page 235

Source 2: Sager on organic note, paragraphs 10-15

V. Environmental Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef

A. Local production is better for the climate

B. Forage is better for the climate than corn/soy

C. Some meat consumption is good for the planet.

Comment [SL3]: Good. You are indicating which
sources you plan to use in support of your
discussion and highlighting the specific part of
the source which will be used here. This helps
you to find exactly what you need when you are
writing your final paper. Well done.

Comment [SL4]: Your argument is progressing
in a very logical manner so far.

Sophia Pathways for College Credit – English Composition II
SAMPLE TOUCHSTONE AND SCORING

Source 1: Lappe on climate change, page 11

Source 2: Pollan on local and diverse, end of article

VI. Counterargument

A. Rainforest razing in South America – increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

and depletes the ozone layer

B. Travel distance from S. America & Australia is environmentally negative –

depends on fossil fuels

Source 1: Brown and Funk, and Sage, on issues w/grass-fed cattle in the

developing world.

Source 2: Pollan (and possibly Lappe) on “season” for beef

VII. Conclusion

A. Grass-fed is better on both ethical and environmental grounds, but the real answer

is to eat less beef overall.

B. Emphasizing respect for animals solves ethical dilemmas

Source 1: Pollan on eating less and the ethics of being choosy, paragraph 82

Reflection Questions

1) Learning to conduct research is important because it is a skill you will use both in

academia and in your professional life. It improves critical thinking and empowers

you to find information for yourself. Consider the process of researching as a whole.

What was the most challenging aspect of the process for you? (2-3 sentences)

Comment [SL5]: Good. It is important to
present the counter-arguments in order to
establish a balanced perspective on the issue.

Comment [SL6]: Excellent. This summarizes the
main points you have made throughout your
essay and ties the discussion back to your thesis
statement.

Sophia Pathways for College Credit – English Composition II
SAMPLE TOUCHSTONE AND SCORING

One of the most challenging aspects of researching for me was how much time it took to

find all of the different types of sources for this paper. It was also very difficult to assess

each source and determine whether the information it provided was credible and useful

for my essay. I really thought this would only take an hour or two, but it ended up being a

much more involved process. Now I know that if you want to really learn about an issue,

it takes more than a quick web search for information!

2) The working thesis statement is a proposed answer to your research question. It

should clearly identify a debatable topic and take a position on one side of that topic.

Analyze the effectiveness of your working thesis statement.

My working thesis statement is one sentence that presents one side of a relevant and

debatable argument. In addition, I tried to be as specific as I could. Instead of simply

saying “People should not eat beef” I stated that it was for ethical and environmental

reasons. I offered an alternative for what should be done if people would not avoid beef

completely. I really tried to explain why this issue was important and discuss what could

be done to improve the situation.

3) A detailed outline is an effective tool for laying out the progression of an

argument. It allows you to consider the arrangement and organization of your ideas,

as well as choose places to incorporate outside source materials. Review your

detailed outline and summarize the argument you’ve presented.

I start by laying out the ethical issues and inhumane treatment of mass-produced cattle

and discuss the environmental concerns of feeding and transporting cattle. I then switch

Sophia Pathways for College Credit – English Composition II
SAMPLE TOUCHSTONE AND SCORING

to discussing the health and environmental benefits of grass-fed, humanely raised beef.

The counterargument outlines a few issues that still exist with grass-fed beef and the

conclusion reiterates that eating grass-fed beef is better but eating less beef is the more

environmentally friendly option. I think that the argument progresses logically in this

way and I think that the information I provided in my introduction and conclusion will be

very helpful in introducing and summarizing the topic.

4) You will use the same topic on three of the remaining Touchstones in this course.

What kind of feedback would be helpful for you? What are specific questions you

might have as you go deeper into the research process?

I’m pretty confident in the information I provided, but I would like additional insight into

the structure of my essay. I think that my outline is clear, but I am not sure if it will make

as much sense to someone who is not as familiar with the topic. I would also like some

guidance on my use of formatting. I tried my best to use APA guidelines, but I’m not as

familiar with these Comment [SL7]: You’ve done a really great job
with these things. It can be difficult to strike the
right balance in providing enough information in
the bibliography and outline, but you have
summarized the sources well and your outline
clearly shows how you plan to develop your
topic. Your formatting is also very precise and
adheres to all the conventional guidelines. Very
well done!

Sophia Pathways for College Credit – English Composition II
SAMPLE TOUCHSTONE AND SCORING

Touchstone 1 Rubric and Feedback

Rubric
Category

Feedback Score
(acceptable, needs
improvement etc.)

Research
Question

Your research question is very precise and
represents a relevant and debatable topic.

8/10

Working Thesis

Your working thesis is also very clear and you
clearly state which side of the issue you plan to
take.

9/10

Detailed Outline Your outline is clearly labeled and demonstrates

the logical progression of your argument. You
have provided sufficient notes so that the reader
can easily see how you plan to use each source
to support the discussion in each section. You
also include all of the required components.

14/15

Style

Your tone is consistent and informative.

5/5

Conventions Your use of English conventions is consistent.

5/5

Reflection You thoroughly answer all questions and provide
insights, observations, and examples in your
responses.

5/5

Overall Score and Feedback: 46/50

Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can

work on a Touchstone anytime, but you can’t submit it until you have completed the unit’s Challenges. Once you’ve submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded

and counted toward your final course score.

Touchstone 1.2: Write a Research Question, Thesis, and Outline

ASSIGNMENT: Following the Topic Selection Guidelines below, choose an argumentative topic to research. This will be your topic throughout the entire

course, so the activities required for this assignment will provide the foundation for your future Touchstones. The topic for an argumentative research

paper must be an arguable topic, meaning that it involves a stance that advocates for a concrete course of action and at least three supporting reasons

which are defensible with credible sources. Additionally, it must take a stance that someone could hypothetically disagree with. You will need to take a

firm position on the topic and use evidence and logic to support the position. Touchstone 1.2 includes a research question, a working thesis, a detailed

outline, and a reflection on this pre-writing process.

 Sample Touchstone 1.2

In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any recycled work will be sent back with a

and you will be given one attempt to redo the Touchstone.

A. Topic Selection Guidelines

DIRECTIONS: You may choose any topic you wish as long as the stance is arguable and the supporting reasons are defensible with evidence. Your topic

should be current, appropriate for an academic context and should have a focus suitable for a 6-8 page essay.

In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any recycled work will be sent back with a 0,

and you will be given one attempt to redo the Touchstone.

EXAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

1) Rather than ending at age eighteen, compulsory education in the United States should be lifelong in order to improve civic engagement, teach new skills,

and stave off cognitive decline, thus extending life expectancies.

2) Local governments, businesses, and property owners should replace conventional grass lawns with clover lawns in order to create habitat for pollinators,

save water, and reduce maintenance, which will also lower carbon emissions.

Not Submitted Submitted Scored

You can work on a Touchstone whenever you want, but you must complete
the previous assessments in the Unit before you can submit it. SUBMIT TOUCHSTONE

 It takes 5-7 business days for a Touchstone to be graded once it’s been submitted.

UNIT 1 — TOUCHSTONE 1.2: Write a Research Question, Thesis, and Outline
SCORE

-/50

https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/10037-Touchstone%201.2%20Sample

javascript:void(0);

https://app.sophia.org/spcc/english-composition-ii

3) Colleges and universities should prioritize academic freedom for students because sensitive discussions on difficult topics are necessary for students to

learn, confidence in their own expertise is essential to teachers being effective, and students should be prepared to be exposed to many different opinions.

B. Research Guidelines

DIRECTIONS: Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.

1. Research Question and Working Thesis

Keep in mind: The research question and working thesis are the driving force behind your research and eventual argument.

❒ Your research question should be a single sentence, framed as an actionable statement that takes a clear position on the research question and

includes three main supporting points for holding that position.

❒ Your working thesis should be a single focused sentence, framed as a statement that takes a clear position on the research question.

❒ Include your research question followed by your working thesis.

2. Detailed Outline

Keep in mind: Your detailed outline provides a map of the argumentative research essay that you will write in Touchstone 3.2, including your key claims and

the sources that support them. You might not have all seven required sources yet, and that is fine. The outline is a way to organize your essay and determine

which areas (e.g. your sub-points) will require researched evidence as support.

❒ Headings: one for each paragraph with a brief label of the paragraph’s controlling idea(s).

❒ An introduction, at least five body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

❒ Introduction includes your working thesis.

❒ Body paragraphs should each have their own unique title and key points.

❒ At least one body paragraph is devoted to addressing counterarguments.

❒ Conclusion includes notes on your final thoughts.

❒ Subheadings: two to five for each paragraph, below each heading, indicating key points that support the controlling idea

❒ Sources: one to three for each paragraph, as relevant, indicating the support for the key points. Do not over-rely on any single source.

❒ For each source, include the author’s name and the idea or information relevant to your argument (e.g. “Lappé (2017) on mono-cropping corn/soy and

production”). Link with a website if it is available.

3. Reflection

❒ Have you displayed a clear understanding of the research activities?

❒ 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?

C. Reflection Questions

DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.

. Learning to conduct research is important because it is a skill you will use both in academia and in your professional life. It improves critical thinking

and empowers you to find information for yourself. Consider the process of researching as a whole. What was the most challenging aspect of the

process for you? (2-3 sentences)

. The working thesis statement is a proposed answer to your research question. It should clearly identify an arguable topic and take a position on one

side of that topic. Analyze the effectiveness of your working thesis statement.

(3-4 sentences)

. A detailed outline is an effective tool for laying out the progression of an argument. It allows you to consider the arrangement and organization of your

ideas, as well as choose places to incorporate outside source materials. Review your detailed outline and summarize the argument you’ve presented.

(3-4 sentences)

. You will use the same topic on three of the remaining Touchstones in this course. What kind of feedback would be helpful for you? What are specific

questions you might have as you go deeper into the research process? (2-3 sentences)

D. Rubric

Advanced (100%) Proficient (85%) Acceptable (75%) Needs
Improvement (50%)

Non-Performance
(0%)

Research Question (10
points)

Pose a meaningful
research question on an
arguable topic.

Constructs a precise and
focused research question
relative to a current an
arguable topic.

Constructs a focused
research question relative to
an arguable topic.

Constructs a research
question relative to an
arguable topic; however it is
somewhat too broad or too
narrow for the assignment.

Constructs a research
question; however, the
question is too broad or too
narrow for the assignment
and/or it is not arguable.

Does not construct a research
question, or constructs a
research question that does
not meet any of the rubric
criteria.

Working Thesis (10
points)

Propose a focused
working thesis.

Includes a working thesis that
takes a well-articulated, clear,
specific position on one side
of an issue.

Includes a working thesis
that takes a clear, specific
position on one side of an
issue.

Includes a working thesis that
takes a clear position on one
side of an issue; however it
lacks specificity.

Includes a working thesis;
however, it lacks specificity
and does not take a clear
position.

Does not include a working
thesis, or includes a thesis
that does not take a position.

Detailed Outline (15
points)

Present a detailed outline
that includes coherent
headings, subheadings,
and source placement
notes.

Outline is thoroughly
developed and clearly
labeled with effective notes,
such that the reader can
easily see how the essay will
build its argument; all
necessary elements of the
outline are present.

Outline is well-developed
and labeled with sufficient
notes, such that the reader
can get a sense of how the
essay will build its argument;
all necessary elements of the
outline are present.

Outline is primarily well-
developed and labeled with
sufficient notes, such that the
reader can get an overall
sense of how the essay will
build its argument; however, a
few necessary elements may
be unclear or missing.

Outline is not fully developed
and/or labeling and notes are
often unclear, such that the
reader cannot easily get a
sense of how the essay will
build its argument; several
necessary elements of the
outline are unclear or missing.

Outline is not developed
and/or labeling and notes are
unclear or absent, such that
the reader is unable to see
how the essay will build its
argument; most necessary
elements of the outline are
unclear or missing.

Style (5 points)

Establish a consistent,
informative tone and
make thoughtful stylistic
choices.

Demonstrates thoughtful and
effective word choices,
avoids redundancy and
imprecise language, and
uses a wide variety of
sentence structures.

Demonstrates effective word
choices, primarily avoids
redundancy and imprecise
language, and uses a variety
of sentence structures.

Demonstrates generally
effective style choices, but
may include occasional
redundancies, imprecise
language, poor word choice,
and/or repetitive sentence
structures.

Frequently includes poor word
choices, redundancies,
imprecise language, and/or
repetitive sentence structures.

Consistently demonstrates
poor word choices,
redundancies, imprecise
language, and/or repetitive
sentence structures.

Conventions (5 points)

Follow conventions for
standard written English.

There are only a few, if any,
negligible errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, and usage.

There are occasional minor
errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, and usage.

There are some significant
errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, and usage.

There are frequent significant
errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, and usage.

There are consistent
significant errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, and usage.

Advanced (100%) Proficient (85%) Acceptable (75%) Needs
Improvement (50%)

Non-Performance
(0%)

Reflection (5 points)

Answer reflection
questions thoroughly and
thoughtfully.

Demonstrates thoughtful
reflection; consistently
includes insights,
observations, and/or
examples in all responses,
following or exceeding
response length guidelines.

Demonstrates thoughtful
reflection; includes multiple
insights, observations, and/or
examples, following
response length guidelines.

Primarily demonstrates
thoughtful reflection, but
some responses are lacking in
detail or insight; primarily
follows response length
guidelines.

Shows limited reflection; the
majority of responses are
lacking in detail or insight, with
some questions left
unanswered or falling short of
response length guidelines.

No reflection responses are
present.

E. Requirements

The following requirements must be met for your submission to be graded:

• Double-space the outline and use one-inch margins.

• Use a readable 12-point font.

• All writing must be appropriate for an academic context.

• Composition must be original and written for this assignment.

• Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.

• Submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition.

• Submission must include your research question, working thesis, outline, and reflection questions.

• Include all of the assignment components in a single file.

• Acceptable file formats include and x.

F. Additional Resources

The following resources will be helpful to you as you work on this assignment:

. Purdue Online Writing Lab’s APA Formatting and Style Guide

a. This site includes a comprehensive overview of APA style, as well as individual pages with guidelines for specific citation types.

. Frequently Asked Questions About APA Style

a. This page on the official APA website addresses common questions related to APA formatting. The “References,” “Punctuation,” and “Grammar and

Writing Style” sections will be the most useful to your work in this course.

. APA Style: Quick Answers—References

a. This page on the official APA Style website provides numerous examples of reference list formatting for various source types.

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