Government Essay

Description

ESSAY ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY: Write an argumentative essay of approximately 4-5 PAGES, 1500 words minim, which demonstrates classical argument form (introduction, arguments, opposing views, refutations, and conclusion) concerning a debatable topic relating to the government—any actual government, past or present. Essays must utilize 5 research sources (from 5 different websites) which must be documented in MLA 8^TH EDITION format (in-text citations and Works Cited page) . Students must find and use 5 of their own sources—not rely only on sources listed in course materials. Sources must be underlined in essay and Works Cited to ensure they are complete (See #27 and #28 in Checklist). (See paragraph model in course materials)

CHECKLIST

Format: (See guidelines in course materials)

_______ 1) Typed, double-space in 12 pt font, and was submitted as a Word Document

_______ 2) intentionally left blank

_______ 3) Two sentences (bare minimum) in each paragraph must not be quotes or paraphrases

_______ 4) Sufficient length (should be 1500 words minimum)

Structure and Focus :

________5)Introduction/Hook is effective

________6)Thesis clearly states argumentative position relating to government with sufficient clarity/focus

________7) Topic sentences in body paragraphs indicate specific arguments or opposing views

________8A) Conclusion is sufficient and effective – reiterates argumentative position, has final perspective

________8B) Classical Argument Form is utilized, effective, and LOGICAL

________8C) Sufficient Arguments utilized – typically 5-7, in separate paragraphs

________8D) Sufficient opposing views/refutations utilized – typically 2-3

>>Each OV and its related refutation/s are in a separate paragraph

________8E) Research Sources used when necessary (Essay doesn’t rely on unsupported statements)

Development:

________9) Specific paragraphs (each paragraph should be less than 2/3 of page max)

(Indent paragraphs, don’t skip lines between them)

_______ 10) Paragraphs are clear, distinct, and focused. Body paragraphs should support specific

arguments, or indicate a particular Opposing View, followed by its refutation

_______ 11A) Details/ Analyses/Supporting sentences are sufficient – support thesis & topic sentences

_______ 11B) Data is logically applied and analyzed to support mini-judgment

_______ 11C) Examples are used when necessary

_______ 11D) Definitions are used to clarify topic when necessary

_______ 12) Focus of Essay is appropriate and does not go off-track or contain unrelated/unnecessary material

_______ 13) Transitions effectively differentiate paragraphs and topics, including transitions to Opposing Views

Usage :

_______ 14) Tense is consistent/logical (should not switch back and forth in appropriately)

_______ 15) Direct Quotes are correctly punctuated (if used)

_______ 16) Dialog – punctuation/structure is clear/correct (if used).

_______ 17) Sentence Structure conforms to grammar of Standard Written English.

_______ 18) Grammar / / Usage / Punctuation is correct and effective

_______ 19) Sentences are clear and logical, well-paced, and avoid needless repetition

_______ 20) Diction (Word choice) is appropriate for subject matter

MLA FORMAT (******See guide in Course materials******)

________21) Sources are Sufficient – 5 SOURCES FROM 5 DIFFERENT WEBSITES

________22) Source Data is Adequate / Reliable / Current

________23) Correct In-Text Citations (Cite by Author if available, if not by title or short form, etc)

________24) Correct Works Cited List (Hanging indent, article titles in quotes, alphabetical, etc)

_______ 25) Correct Long Quote Format (if more than 4 lines, indent 2 tabs/left justify, cite after period)

________26) Every in-text citation has a corresponding Works Cited entry and vice versa

________27)* Each in-text citation is underlined to prove it has been corresponding Works Cited entry

________28)* Each Works Cited entry is underlined to prove it has a corresponding In-text citation

* Okay to underline #27 and #28 by hand

I certify that I have carefully checked the essay and accurately completed this checklist accordingly.

GOVERNMENT ARGUMENT OUTLINE FORM:

Name _______________________________________________

I. (Be sure to keep track of any sources for citations. 5 sources req)

Hook __________________________________________________________________________________________

Thesis – Should clearly state your position about a debatable topic:

Background/Definitions, if required ____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Argument 1 with Details, Evidence, and Analyses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Argument 2 with Details, Evidence and Analyses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Argument 3 with Details, Evidence, and Analyses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Argument 4 with Details, Evidence, and Analyses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Argument 5 with Details, Evidence, and Analyses

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Opposing View 1 with Details and Refutation of O.V. 1

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Opposing View 2 with Details and Refutation of O.V. 2

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Opposing View 3 with Details and Refutation of O.V. 3

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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CONCLUSION (Restate your position and give final perspective

__________________________________________________________________________________________