Final Project Instructions

Final Argumentative Paper Assignment

First Draft Due: May 2nd (in Discussion thread)

Final Draft Due: May 10 (in Assignment box)

Write a 1000-1200 word documented argument (excluding title and References pages) on one of the following topics:

Artificial Intelligence
Justice
Censorship
Men and Women
Free Will

Essay must include:

A FOCUSED AND CLEAR THESIS statement that follows from a series of statements that make up the INTRODUCTION. Narrow one of the broad topics above down so that you can adequately address it in a paper of this length. Be clear in your mind what you are arguing. The Introduction may need to be rewritten several times and then revised after you complete your paper.
A BODY where you unpack each of the statements in the Introduction and show why they are true and how they lead to your conclusion.
Demonstrate why the opposition is incorrect in their assessment of the topic. This can be done in the Body or the Conclusion or both.
A CONCLUSION where you restate your argument as competed and make a final appeal on what your solution will accomplish OR what will happen if it is ignored. In other words, what is the CONSEQUENCE of your argument?
Use of relevant quotes and paraphrases FROM THE READINGS WE HAVE STUDIED THIS SEMESTER. Outside evidence is acceptable ONLY IF the REQUIRED number of in-text citations are from class readings (see below).
Correct in-text citations and references (at least FOUR in-text citations that take up approximately 20% of the paper.) APA or MLA.

Documented Argument Rubric

	Excellent	Good	Fair	Below Standard
Thesis	Essay has a strong, well-written thesis clearly identifying the unifying position of this side of the paper. The body of the essay clearly and directly supports the thesis.	Essay has a strong thesis that includes all necessary components. The body of the essay clearly and directly supports the thesis, though perhaps without as much subtlety as the excellent one.	Essay has a general and stated thesis, but it does not do more than list the topics or is incomplete, inaccurate, or poorly written. The body of the essay mostly supports the thesis, though there may be pieces that don’t appear to fit.	Essay has a general or vague thesis or is missing a thesis; paragraphs are scattered and unconnected. Essay does not follow assignment.
Content	The essay uses more than the minimum number of credible academic sources effectively. Evidence is effectively explained.	The essay uses at least the minimum number of credible academic sources. Evidence is explained well.	The essay incorporates the minimum number of credible sources. The writer may not use sources as effectively as possible, and/or the evidence may not be effective in supporting the writer’s points	The essay does not utilize the minimum number of sources, may not incorporate source material effectively, or may not have sufficient evidence.
Essay Organization	The essay is organized coherently and creatively, with one paragraph idea leading logically and fluidly to the next with effective transitions. The introduction and conclusion are creative and engaging.	The essay follows a logical organization with transitions. The introduction and conclusion are competently written.	The essay attempts to follow a logical organization, but sometimes it jumps from one point to the next without apparent reason or the writer relies too heavily on headings. The essay has a basic introduction and conclusion.	The essay does not follow a logical organization. The essay has minimal introduction/ conclusion.
Paragraph Organization	Body paragraphs are organized coherently and creatively, with a strong topic sentence, context, supporting evidence, analysis, and conclusion.	Body paragraphs follow the formula with a strong topic sentence, context, supporting evidence, analysis, and conclusion.	Body paragraphs follow the basics with a general topic sentence, context, supporting evidence, analysis, and conclusion.	Body paragraphs do not meet one or more of the basic requirements.
Documentation	Essay brilliantly incorporates source material, both paraphrases and quotes, and documents the use of that evidence accurately in APA/MLA format. References page is flawless.	Essay incorporates source material, both paraphrases and quotes, and documents the use of that evidence following APA/MLA format, although there may be some minor formatting errors. References page may have minor formatting errors.	The essay attempts to follow APA/MLA format, but there may be some problems with citation, either in quoting or paraphrasing properly, or in documenting all material. References page attempts to follow APA/MLA format, but there may be missing content from citations as well as formatting errors.	The essay has significant problems with citation and/or documentation. There may be missing citations, missing references, or other serious errors. References page may be missing.
Expression	Essay utilizes clear and appropriate diction as well as clear and effective sentence construction. The concepts are explained in the writer’s own voice with a clear design to inform the reader about this issue.	Overall, the essay is very “readable.” The ideas come across clearly, though there may be some awkward word choices or sentences. The document is written in a professional voice to inform the reader about this issue.	Awkward word choices and sentence structures are found throughout the essay, but the reader can still follow the writer’s ideas. Parts of the essay may include too much of other source “voices.” The voice of the essay may be too informal for the reader to take the proposal seriously.	Awkward word choices and sentence structure distract the reader from following the writer’s ideas. Too much of the essay is in the words of the sources; the essay doesn’t have enough of the writer’s original voice. The voice of the essay may be too informal for the reader to take the proposal seriously.
Mechanics	Essay is free of spelling, usage, and sentence level errors.	Essay is mostly free of spelling, usage, and sentence level errors.	Spelling, usage, or sentence level errors (particularly comma splices, fragments, or run-ons) are found frequently in the essay.	Serious errors in spelling, usage, and/or sentence construction distract the reader and prevent him/her from following the writer’s ideas.