Day 18: Introduction to Argumentative Final Paper

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

•         formulate argumentative thesis statements and evaluate their thesis statements based on whether it is debatable (appropriate) or non-debatable (inappropriate)
•       identify and discuss different types of evidence

Part I: Thesis Statements Review [9:30-9:50 (20 min)]

In this first part of today's class, I will be reviewing thesis writing via PowerPoint. We will also be looking at the thesis statement that you have written for this last paper and analyzing them in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. Please click here to access the PowerPoint for this activity.

Part II: Discussion Argumentative Writing [9:50-9:55 (5min)]

Before we take a look at today’s handout, please discuss the following question in group

1. What is purpose of publishing/writing research papers?
2. Why is it important for thesis statements in research papers to be debatable?

Part III: Introduction to Argumentative Writing [9:55-10:15 (20 min)]

1.      Please look to the handout titled, Introduction to Argumentative Writing, part 1. This activity will discuss the concept of debatable vs. non-debatable thesis statements. Then, you will write a debatable and a non-debatable thesis statement about “carpooling” (exercise 1). I will select two or three groups to read out their thesis statements and discuss answers as a class.

2.      What would be the next important step in writing argumentative essays? When writing an argumentative essay, the writer aims to convince his reader that his premises (as expressed in the thesis statement) are true. Complete the Exercise under section 2. Be prepared to share with the class.

Part IV: Supporting Evidence [10:15-10:35 (20 min)]

3.     Please look at p.2 of Handout 1 and go over the different steps involved in completing exercise 3. Here I will introduce there different types of evidence. You may do the first row as a class to illustrate how it works. Then students will complete the exercise individually. After completion, discuss answers in pairs. Distribute Handout 2 Types of evidence and discuss answers as a class using the handout.

 Part V: Discussion on Source-based Argumentative Assignment [10:35-10:50 (15 min)]

Please click on Final Argumentative Paper under Major Course Assignments and we will go over the particulars of the assignment together. In brief: 

You should use at least 5 sources in your essay. This means that you have to do extensive research on your topic. We will spend some class time to decide on your topics for the argumentative essays, but please begin to think now about what you would like to write about. You may change your topic but before doing this, please discuss your new topic with the instructor. I suggest that you choose a topic that relates directly to your current course work in your major field, but with a few constraints:

• You will be writing for a general, educated audience, not for professional peers.
• You may NOT revise a paper you have already written. It is vital that you go through the entire writing process in this class in order to practice what you are learning.
• You may NOT use a paper that you are writing for another class (see Student Code, §I-402(a))

To keep track of, approve, and make recommendations regarding your topics, I will have everyone communicate through this shared class googledoc. Please go here now as I explain how this will work for our class.

Homework/Announcements:

1. Your Final Source Synthesis Summary is due on Tuesday, Oct 30th (there is an option for rewrite).
2. We will be meeting in class like normal and then going to the library November 1st (Next Thursday)! Please don't be late or you won't be able to find us!
3. Your Research Topic for your final paper needs to be approved by Nov 1st.