Purpose:The purpose of this research paper is to show that you can read and research multiple sources and integrate them into one cohesive argument designed to reach a specific audience of college students.
Skills:
Use MLA format throughout the essay including citing direct quotes and paraphrases in in- text citations and the Works Cited page
- introduce quotes with author's credibility and follow up with analysis and connection to your topic
- state your thesis in the introduction and support it in the body paragraphs
- organize and synthesize the information from your research from multiple sources into a logical structure that is easy for your reader to follow
Knowledge:
After finishing this assignment you will have a better understanding of the following concepts.
- researching an issue with credible sources
- sharing your thoughts, supported by experts in a logical format
- persuading instead of informing
- using your reading and writing skills to bring attention to a worthy cause or injustice
Task:
Your assignment is to write 4-5 typewritten pages, in MLA format, persuading college students to act on behalf of an animal that needs help. Choose a theme regarding a specific aspect of animal rights or compassion: endangered species, trophy hunting, puppy mills, using animals for entertainment and profit including dog fighting and Shamu, the philosophy of treating all animals including humans with respect, or law enforcement and the fact that people who hurt animals often go on to hurt people. Think of your major or what interests you, and that should lead to a topic that you will want to write about. Research the topic and argue/persuade that college students should do something to help animals related to this specific reason
Criteria for Success:
5 sources cited (4 from your research, 1 from thePatternsanthology ) four outside sources preferably from library databases (no blogs allowed)
Thesis statement is clearly argumentative, not informative.
Written in third person only.
MLA format and grammatically sound, avoiding slang and cliches
Argue, don’t give advice.
Ask yourself:
- Does the paper accurately and thoroughly address all aspects of the prompt?
- Does the paper employ an effective introduction? Does the introduction offer sufficient background context to define the conversation? Does the paper assert a clear, specific thesis? Does the introduction interest the reader?
- Does the paper employ effective body paragraphs? Do the body paragraphs offer clear, focused topic sentences? Do the body paragraphs offer textual examples, either in direct quotation or paraphrase form?
- Does the paper employ proper MLA in-text citations? Are the sources fluidly integrated into the body of the paper? Are the sources introduced and contextualized? Are the sources properly cited in MLA style?
5. Did you address and overcome the readers' opposition/obstacle?
6. Is the paper free of grammatical and punctuation errors?
7. Does the conclusion sum up the argument and avoid giving advice?