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BRITISH LITERATURE

AND EXPOSITORY WRITING II(HONORS) 2015-16

Dr. Jamir

ESSAY 4: PERSUASIVE RESEARCH ESSAY FIRST DRAFT

(2 QUIZ GRADES)

Due April 21

Using one of the prompts below, please write a researched persuasive essay. This essay should be thesis-driven and be at least 1500 words. Use logic and evidence to support your thesis.

Writing prompts (pre-approved)

The prompts are in bold font. What is below each prompt is there to help. You are not required to cover all of those points in your essay.

  1. Argue for your own position on a medical issue.

-You may address a larger issue or a specific issue. A specific issue could be, for example, a particular medical disease or disorder. A larger issue could be, for example, your position on a proposed course of medical research or health care in the U.S.

-Consider why and how long your chosen medical issue has been an issue.

-How does the science (biology) factor in?

-Consider the public’s view of or response to the medical issue that you’re discussing.

  1. Argue for your own position on the media’s impact on children and youth.

-Consider the age-old argument of nature vs. nurture. Are violent tendencies genetic/inherited, or are they acquired through media influence?

-Consider the reasons that media may be beneficial to children and youth.

-Consider the different types of media—such as music, t.v., news, etc.—and consider focusing on just one.

-While smartphones and computers, for example, are not media, they are the vessels for media. Does it matter what device children and youth use to engage with media?

  1. Argue for some aspect of education that you believe should be changed. Make sure to use specific examples.

-What have you struggled with in school—and why? What solution did you find, if any? Then, what solution can you offer to/for others?

-Which factors are the most important? For example, what role do parents play in education? Teachers? The government? The media?

-Are students expected to do too much? For example, do extracurricular activities get in the way of learning?

  1. Approved individual topic. Topics that require approval must be submitted by March 28.

Persuasion

Persuasion relies upon a thesis-driven interpretation of an issue. For this assignment, your essay will rely upon persuasion.

(You should not merely summarize a text or a group of texts.)

Sources

When we use the term source in relation to essay-writing, we mean using another person’s words and ideas as found in a number of different mediums. For the research essay, you are required to use sources. These sources will aid you in interpreting and analyzing the topic you have chosen. All sources should be legitimate. We will discuss vetting sources in class. You will need a total of five sources for this research essay (though you may certainly use more):

-Your sources should consist of at least one peer-reviewed scholarly article.

-Additionally, you are required to use at least one news article or magazine article.

Format

You should use MLA style for formatting and citation. Citation is crucial within a research essay, and a substantial part of your grade will be determined based on your use of MLA style.

Writing Requirements

You should have the basics of essay-writing mastered. You are also expected to use proper language/grammar. Flaws in these areas will severely affect your grade in a negative way. If you need help, I’m happy to help outside of class.

Due dates

  • March 28- topic for approval (if necessary) (*no grade)
  • April 7- Introduction and annotated bibliography (1 quiz grade)
  • April 21- The first draft is due as a printed copy in class AND as an upload to Turnitin.com. You should also re-submit your introduction and annotated bibliography. You should submit copies of all of your sources as well.

*Please review the course policy sheet for penalties due to lateness.