Introduction to Argumentative Writing

Tuesday, March 13, Day 17

Today I'll introduce our next paper, a source-based argumentative essay.We look again at the kinds of supporting evidence you can use and the structure of an essay. We'll talk about what it means to write a debatable thesis statement.

The assignment is as follows:

• You should use at least 5 sources in your essay. This means that you have to do extensive research on your topic. We will spend some class time to decide on your topics for the argumentative essays, but please begin to think now about what you would like to write about. You may change your topic but before doing this, please discuss your new topic with me. I suggest that you choose a topic that relates directly to your current course work in your major field, but with a few constraints:
• You will be writing for a general, educated audience, not for professional peers.
• You may NOT revise a paper you have already written. It is vital that you go through the entire writing process in this class in order to practice what you are learning.
• You may NOT use a paper that you are writing for another class (see Student Code, §I-402(a)).

Debatable and non-debatable thesis statements

Topics due Tuesday (3/27) after Spring Break. Have your debatable thesis statement prepared and think about your three (or more!) topic sentences (arguments).

Also, consider: what is a reasonable counter argument someone could make against my thesis?


REFLECTION 2 due Tuesday 3/27 by midnight
Our second reflective essay is about plagiarism. Consider the following questions when you answer, but you don't have to answer them all. This is your essay--write about whatever you like as long as it is related to the class (and in this case, with at least some of the focus on plagiarism). I recommend finishing this over spring break while you have plenty of time!

Prompt:
We have spent a good amount of time discussing plagiarism in class. What is plagiarism? Why is it important to avoid it? How can you avoid plagiarism? Explain the difference between quoting, paraphrasing. and summarizing. What is the difference between quoting and citing? Do you think that learning about plagiarism and how to avoid it was useful? Why or why not? What are the plagiarism policies in your home country? Are they similar or different from the ones you have learned in this class? Is there anything about plagiarism that you would like to discuss more in class? What?

Write at least 300 words. If you use any sources to answer any of these questions, give them proper credit.