ENG.

102 WRITING PROJECT #4 – Researched Argument Essay

Purpose

By the end of this writing project, you will be able to:

 Develop an argumentative thesis that articulates a position on a significant issue

 Use evidence from research to provide relevant background information, examples, and counter-
arguments
 Employ strategies of argumentation including making a claim, supporting claims with evidence, and
identifying and engaging with alternative perspectives
 Attribute and cite sources using signaling phrases, in-text citations, and a works cited page
 Apply genre conventions for a research-based academic essay including structure, design, formatting,
language usage, and mechanics
 Compose a text using the writing process by drafting, reviewing, collaborating, revising, and editing

Task
This is where you will bring it all together and show what you have learned this semester. Using the sources
that you listed on your Annotated Bibliography, as well as any additional sources, write a research-based
argument essay of eight to ten pages. You will demonstrate your skill in articulating complex ideas, examining
claims and evidence found in your research materials, supporting your ideas with relevant reasons and
examples, sustaining a coherent discussion, and using standard written English to convince your readers to
agree with your stand on the issue or at least to believe in the soundness and reasonableness of your position.
Assume that your audience will be neutral and uninformed about your topic. To meet the needs of your
readers, you will need to provide sufficient background information for them to understand your argument.

Related Reading in the Text:

 Chapter 5: “Shaping Arguments: Thinking Like an Architect”
 Ancillary Graphics: Tables, Charts and Graphs pp. 235-242

Including graphics in your research paper:

A graphic such as a table, chart, graph, or diagram:

 You may include one or more pages of graphics in your paper, BUT they CANNOT substitute for text in
the length requirement
 Font used in graphics must not exceed 12-point font
 Tables, charts, and graphs are used most commonly to show numerical data or statistics
o If you conducted a survey, you can use a graphic to show your results.
o If you found a research source that supplies statistical data about your topic, you can put the data
into a graphic; don’t forget to cite the source of the data.
o If you found a graphic in one of your research sources that you want to use, you can design a copy
of the graphic or, if it is an electronic source, you can download it or you can copy and paste it into
your document. Don’t forget to cite the source.
 You may compose a graphic(s) yourself, or you may use one(s) that you found in your research
materials.

An image such as artwork, an advertisement, a cartoon, or a news photo that communicates information or an
idea about your topic:
 Images may account for up to one page of the length requirement.
 You may include more than one page of images, BUT the amount in excess of one page CANNOT
substitute for text in the length requirement.
 Visuals are used to relay opinion, inspire reaction, or influence emotion.
 Tip: Use Google’s Image Search feature to find images related to your topic. On the Google home
page, click on Images.
Criteria

WRITING PROJECT #4 ESSAY EVALUATION

A B C D F

THESIS Clear, well- Reasonable thesis Thesis Vague or poorly No apparent thesis
articulated statement that requires constructed thesis
thesis required slight revision some editing
for clarity
OVERALL Provided Reasonable amount of Thesis not Method of No apparent work on
DEVELOPMENT sufficient support provided with consistently presentation is developing an argument
evidence some adequate supported by confusing or
that clearly attention to counter- discussion misdirected.
supports argument(s) and/or Inadequate or no
thesis and evidence not attention to counter-
excellent convincing. argument(s)
attention to Inadequate
counter- attention to
argument(s) counter-
argument(s)
ORGANIZATION Superior Adequate integration Requires Confusing, off-topic, No apparent organization
integration of of sources better requires revision around a specific thesis
thesis, body organization
support, and and support
conclusion for thesis
PARAGRAPH Excellent Good topic sentences Ineffective Discursive/too many No apparent
DEVELOPMENT topic with minor topic ideas in one development/organization
sentences, transition/development sentences paragraph or
transitions problems. Integration and/or paragraphs not
and of sources adequate. problems controlled by main
supporting with idea. Sources not
details. transitions appropriately
Excellent and integrated into
integration of supporting discussion.
sources. details.
Problems
with
integration of
sources.
LANGUAGE Excellent Adequate use of Word choice Word choice and/or No attention to word
word choices words and sentence and sentence variety choice, sentence
and effective variety sentence problematic/distracting structure or spelling
sentence variety
variety require
attention
FORMAT/ In-text In-text citations used In-text Too many problems Demonstrated no
DOCUMENTATION citation used with some minor citations not with in-text citations understanding of in-text
and all issues with chosen always used and chosen formatting citation usage and/or
elements of formatting. correctly chosen formatting
chosen and/or some
formatting problems
executed with chosen
correctly. formatting.