Informed Argument Sequence: Week 13
Warning! Warning! All letters to the editor and informed argument will be screened by turnitin.com for plagiarism. Be careful to use lead-ins, quote marks, and in-text citations when using some else's words OR ideas. However flawed your own words may seem to you, I will find original brainwork and original words more valuable than copied brains and words.
Write a informed argument which uses significant evidence to support your position on a controversial social issue which is connected to an issue brought up in Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation.
Minimum Formal Expectations:
6 pages of informed argument
one page of Works Cited
6+ references to 6+ Works Cited (number of sources used in paper equals number used on Works Cited page)
Sources of varied quality and type from low quality newspaper and news magazines, but with a preference for high quality journals and upper level magazines. [Be careful not to use advocacy web page material as if it were a credible source.]
MLA style format, in-text/parenthetical citations, and citations
Free of grammar/mechanical errors
Use of lead-ins and in-text/parenthetical citations introducing brief quotes, paraphrases and summaries of authority's arguments (this means that there will be a minimum of 8 lead-ins and in-text citations in your essay)
Content Expectations:
A clear, focused, and complex claim to which the informed argument coheres
A section which refutes an opposing point or argument
A significant amount of evidence for support of your position (statistical, historical, statements of trustworthy authorities, cultural)
Exercise of good logic.
Focus and coherence (arguments which attempt to discuss too many sub-topics will be unfocused and incoherent)
Well-organized (see Everyday Writer pages 90-91 for guidance and suggested organization)
At least one section which imitates the structure of the Build an Essay assignments but does not copy one of your previous Build an Essay assignmnets without major revisions and additions to it.
Introduce and/or conclude with an appeal to pathos, but
The body of the paper mostly appealing to logos.
Stylistic Expectations:
Sentence variety with a leaning toward complex sentences, esp. in an effort to make logical points (because, if . . . then, if, since, even though, although);
Strong coherence and cohesion.
Please turn it in to digital dropbox and bring hardcopy to class by Wednesday, Nov 22. Papers cannot be turned in early and must be turned in in class.
Absolutely No late papers. 150 points.