The Whole Enchilada
Essay 3 is a classical argument. You choose your topic from some issue in pop culture you find interesting. You will develop an argument to prove and use quotes from our text (or any outside sources you find (read: the interwebs) to help back up your point.
Possible Topics: How are Men/Women/Hispanics/African Americans/Ethnicity of your choice represented in the media of your choice (television/movies/news/magazines/video games) and is that fair/accurate? Are Caucasian Americans culturally bankrupt? Is (insert depiction here) responsible for ( insert social calamity here) [such as, magazine photoshopping responbile for eating disorders in young adolescent girls]. Are social networks (or smart phones) ruining our ability to relate in real life? Is it possible to be ethnically ambiguous and is that positive or negative for the person, and/or our society? Does violence in TV/movies/video games beget violence (such as Sandy Hook), or is it cathartic? Etc.
Classical Argument Format:
Introduction: Stylized and Dazzling
Background: Background information, historical information, groundwork (What is the basis of this argument?)
Argument: Probably 2 solid paragraphs
Counter-Argument: A nod to the other side, usually a brief paragraph
Rebuttal: Countering-the counter argument "They have good points, but I'm still right because..." your best arguments should go here.
Conclusion: Stylized and Dazzling
Works Cited Page: MLA format (and the last page of the paper, not a separate document!)
You are required to incorporate 1-2 quotes per body paragraph, and have at least 3 different sources.
Norming Session Essays:
Example 1
Example 2
Classical Argument Evaluation:
Evaluation of Essay 3 (Classical Argument)
Essayist:__________________________
Title: Does your title forecast the issue or problem your essay e amines and make readers want to read on?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Introduction: Engaging and compelling?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Background? Is this background clear and complete? Does it set up the reason for the argument?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Argument:
Did the author include a clear point and argument supporting that point?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Are there 2-3 quotes per paragraph that support the author’s argument?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Counter-argument: Does the author include a counter-argument that acts as a “nod” to the other side of the argument?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Rebuttal: Does the author then rebut (or counter the counterargument) with strong, convincing argument?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Conclusion: Is it stylized? Does it end profoundly?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Mechanics and Style:
Does the author provide enough transitions to help the reader see how points are connected?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Are there enough Level #1 examples to illustrate and support your ideas (facts, quotations, statistics, anecdotes from your own experiences. . .).
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Style: Is there a sense of voice in this writing? Is there a personality behind the writer, or, does this read like textbook writing?
Exceptional_______ Proficient__ _____ Needs Work__ ____
The author's writing demonstrates careful editing with attention to stylistic choices such as use of strong verbs, use of attributive tags, strategic use of punctuation and unified paragraphs. Writer uses logos, pathos, and ethos to give their writing depth.
Exceptional_______ Proficient___ _____ Needs Work_
Careful use of attributive tags and in-text citations:
Does the author introduce borrowed words or ideas by using attributive tags? Are all borrowed words and facts noted with in-text citations with the page number?
Exceptional__ _____ Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
Works Cited:
a. Is it in proper format?
Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
b. Is the text hanging?
Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
c. Is it in alphabetical order?
Proficient__ ______ Needs Work__ ____
