Formal Essay #1 Analyzing Argument Value: 100 points, final draft to turnitin.com; 10 points for MLA formatting/in-text cites/works cited; 25 points for peer sharing/review Format: MLA with in-text citations and works cited page (for the assigned essay reading only) Length: 1000-1200 words Due Dates: see assignment sheet Directions: Read the essay Five Myths about Immigration by David Cole (615-618). Write an analysis essay of this article. Use the following guidelines. Introduction What is the name of article (in quotations), the full name of the author, and the date and medium in which it was published? How does the title of article add to or detract from the argument? Analyze the opening paragraphs brief summary and discussion of the author s purpose. What is the author s claim (thesis)? What is he attempting to prove in order to convince you, his audience? Does the claim occur in the introductory paragraphs? If not, where is it located? Body paragraphs What points/premises is he basing his argument on? What are the writer s methods of presenting evidence examples, authorities, or statistics? Where and how are they being used? Are they effective or misleading? What would you like to see more of? Be sure to reference at least two examples. What is your analysis of the writer s persona who is his audience and how does the author connect with audience? Is he engaging, trustworthy/credible (ethos), and/or informed on his topic? Does he use humor, drama, or empathy to connect to his audience? If he fails, why? Conclusion/ Closing Paragraphs Does the writer re-state the claim? Does he offer any additional evidence? Are you satisfied with his concluding remarks? Are you convinced? Why, why not? This is where you are allowed to comment on the essay overall.
Mechanics Check for accuracy in the following areas Syntax complete sentences/correct word order Fragments, Comma Splices, Run-ons Verbs forms and tense Subject-Verb Agreement Subordination/Coordination Capitalization Pronoun usage Prepositions Punctuation Spelling Word Choice
Grading Rubric for Analysis of Argument Essay A 6 paper will 1. Contain a strong introduction that contextualizes the analysis assignment 2. Identify and Evaluate the argument/reading assignment for the following elements: 1. The effect of the opening paragraphs the author s purpose 2. Claim (thesis) 3. Organization/Development premises/discussion. Are they logical? 4. Evidence offered kinds, clarity, reliability of support for premises and, therefore, claim 5. Writer s persona/ethos--reliability/credibility 3. Demonstrate mature sentence variety 4. Contain some grammar and usage errors, but not so many as to distract the reader from the meaning A 6- paper will Perform all of the above tasks although may contain minor errors in organization, logic, and grammar A 5+ to 5- paper will Contain a clear purpose and effective introduction that contextualizes the assignment Will identify and evaluate the elements described in a 6 paper but may not be as fully developed Demonstrate mature sentence variety Will contain a higher incident of flaws in in organization, logic, and grammar than the 6 paper A 4 paper will Contain an adequate introduction but may fail to contextualize the assignment Will identify and evaluate some of the elements but may fail to fully develop the analysis and may be more inclined to generalities rather than specifics Will contain a higher incident of flaws in in organization, logic, and grammar than the 5 paper A 3 paper will acknowledge the requirements of the reading response assignment but will be weakened by the following Omit a clear purpose, introduction, and/or conclusion Be too general or too specific Contain unimportant or irrelevant points Have flaws in organization/development Contain flaws in grammar and usage that hinder communication
Mechanics Errors occur in the following areas Syntax complete sentences/correct word order Fragments, Comma Splices, Run-ons Verbs forms and tense Subject-Verb Agreement Subordination/Coordination Capitalization Pronoun usage Prepositions Punctuation Spelling Word Choice Final Draft /100 pts MLA /5 pts Peer Review /10pts Total Points /115 pts
Response Paper 2 Summarizing and Evaluating the Essay Using Annotated Notes Format: MLA style Word Count: 300-400 words Value: 15 points Due Date: 5 September 2016 to turnitin by 11:30 pm Directions: Using your annotated notes, evaluate When Identity Politics are Rational using the criteria discussed below. Your paper should contain topic sentences and transitions, and should be 4-7 paragraphs in length. Introduction (179-191) Does the essay contain a strong introduction that contextualizes the topic? Assess this question by answering the following: Body (91-102) 1. What is the full title of the essay and the author s full name? 2. Is the title effective? 3. Do the opening paragraphs reveal Fish s purpose? 4. What is Fish s claim/thesis? Where is it located? Is it clear? Is it plausible? Identify and evaluate the following elements: 5. Writer s (Fish s) persona/ethos is he credible? Does he make any assumptions about the topic or his/her audience? 6. Evidence offered what kind is offered? Is it clear how it is being used? Does it relate to and support the claim/thesis? Does it seem reliable? Concluding Thoughts (Yours) 7. Do you agree with Fish s position? Why, why not? 8. What is the clearest aspect of the argument? Explain. 9. What is the least clear aspect? Explain.