Argument Essay

Instructor: Vaught

English 101

Spring 2016

Essay # 1: Understanding the Argument

Due Date:

• Thursday, February 18 at the beginning of class

Essay Requirements:

• 2-2.5 pages in length (900-1100 words)
• 12 pt. Times New Roman font
• 1 inch margins all around, double-spaced, single sided printing
• MLA documentation (Works Cited page and in text citations)

Assignment:        Thus far, the essays we have covered present arguments about education and literacy. However, not all of the essays approach these subjects in the same manner. For this assignment, you will write a focused, organized, thesis-driven explanation of and response to one of the following essays: Mike Rose's "I Just Wanna Be Average" or Fredrick Douglass' “Learning to Read and Write.”

Incorporating a variety of textual evidence, including quotes, summaries and paraphrases, you will identify the author’s argument, establishing how the author views literacy and/or education. After you have fully explained the author's argument and established his position on education and/or literacy, you will respond with an analysis of how his use of rhetorical devices affects your perspective and understanding as the reader. Pay close attention to the author's tone, diction, and use of rhetorical devices (repetitions, comparisons, metaphors, allusions, etc.) to gather relevant textual support for your claims. Also, consider the essay’s audience and purpose when establishing the argument.

Your purpose in this essay, then, is to carefully read and synthesize a text, exhibiting your understanding of proper citation methods and your comprehension of the overall argument that the author wishes to convey, as well as the effects of the rhetorical devices he employs.

The successful paper will do the following:

• Thoughtfully incorporate quotes, paraphrase and summary of the chosen text into clear and concise original prose.
• Identify and engage with the author’s argument.
• Effectively synthesize textual material and utilize relevant passages as evidence.
• Present a clear, focused thesis statement in the introduction paragraph.
• Support the thesis statement and other claims with textual evidence.
• Effectively use transitions between paragraphs and ideas.
• Present ideas in a clear and logical order.
• Properly accredit the chosen source using MLA format.