Project 4: Researched Argument Essay
Assignment: Using the sources that you listed on your Annotated Bibliography, as well as any additional academic sources, write a research-based argument essay of eight to ten pages.

Topic: Same as that for your Annotated Bibliography. No topic changes allowed!

Style: MLA style format and documentation

Length: 8 – 10 pages, up to one page of which may consist of ancillary graphics and images. PLUS a “Works Cited” page. This means minimum seven pages of text (2100 words).

Audience: UNLV students who are uninformed and neutral about your argument/position

Purpose: 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.

Sources: At least six good quality, academic level research sources. At least three of your sources must be scholarly! The other sources may be substantive news sources, government sources or additional scholarly sources. Newspaper articles, magazine articles, non-academic websites, etc., may be cited in addition to, but may not replace, the six academic level sources. You may also make use of interviews, surveys, and so on. Note that you may use sources that were not included on your annotated bibliography.

A Graphic OR an Image: One or the other is required –

Graphics: One form of ancillary graphic such as a table, chart, graph, or diagram

Up to one page of the length requirement may be met by graphics.

You may include more than one page of graphics, BUT the amount in excess of one page cannot substitute for text in the length requirement

Font used in graphics must not exceed 12-point font.

Tables, charts, and graphs are most commonly used to show numerical data or statistics.

If you conducted a survey, you can use a graphic to show your results

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.

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 either download it or you can copy and paste it into your document. Don’t forget to cite the source.

You may compose the graphic(s) yourself, or you may use one(s) that you found in your research materials

OR

Images: One image such as artwork, an advertisement, a cartoon, or a news photo that communicates information or an idea about your topic.

Visuals can relay opinion, inspire reaction, or influence emotion.

Images may account for up to ½ page of the length requirement.

You may include more than ½ page of images, BUT the amount in excess of ½ page cannot substitute for text in the length requirement.

Tip: You can use Google’s Image Search feature to find images related to your topic. On the Google home page, click on Images.

Don’t forget to keep the source information so you can write your citation! Graphics must be cited when you use them. If you develop your own table, chart, or graph, you need to cite the source of the information that you use.
Whether you develop one yourself or find one to use from the web, an article, or journal, at least one graphic or one image is required.

Grading Checklist: Researched Argument Essay

1. Audience: Addresses uninformed/neutral readers at university level – your role is the conveyor of knowledge; to fill in the background, to define terms if necessary, to present a balanced picture by presenting multiple perspectives, to demonstrate how the issue affects them personally or to establish why the issue is significant (why it matters; why they should care)

2. Purpose: Explains your position or conclusion and convinces readers of its logic by presenting your reasons and supporting them with convincing evidence (facts, statistics, expert opinion, personal experience)

3. Thesis (claim & primary reasons): States central idea; establishes boundary; gives reader idea of what to expect; is clear, comprehensible and direct; commits to an unmistakable argument or point of view

4. Incorporation of Research Material and Documentation of Sources: Blends quotations, paraphrase, and summary logically into surrounding sentences; avoids overuse of quotes; uses correct punctuation. Introduces paraphrase and summary with authority’s name; presents name correctly; identifies what makes source important; integrates title of source smoothly; provides correct parenthetical material; attributes multiple authors correctly; uses variety in introducing in-text citations

5. Unity, Coherence, & Emphasis: Avoids rambling; organizes ideas in logical pattern; uses precise word references, parallel structure, and transitional markers; clear introduction; effective conclusion

6. Style: Concise; no redundancies, meaningless words and phrases, or snobbish diction; accurate word choices; varied sentences; active voice; nonsexist references Title: Is clear, specific, and informative

7. Sources, Quality: Credibility of the author, reliability of the material, and currency of information are as needed for the topic; level of content is appropriate

8. Sources, Variety & Scope: Taken together, they provide a balanced view of the issue by providing alternate perspectives (opposing views), different approaches to the topic and evidence (facts, statistics, interpretive), and diversity in type of source (books, journal articles, Internet, interviews, surveys, etc.)

9. Use of Images & Graphics: Are cited if not original; images communicate information or idea about the topic; graphics are uncluttered and are labeled, titled, and are specifically referred to in the text.

10. Mechanics: No typos or errors in spelling, grammar, usage, and punctuation

11. Revision: substantial revisions between rough draft and final draft that address all suggestions and feedback offered on the rough draft essay and/ or the class notes with revision tips.