WP2 Phase 1: Plan Report If we reduce the WP2 directions to its bare bone, we can get the following requirements: –It is a research paper. (Research skills needed. Use at least 5 outside sources) –It is an argumentation paper. (Current arguments and counter-arguments on the topic of your choice? What do YOU say about the topic? Use Ethos, logos, pathos proofs, Jacobus’s 6 methods of development?) –It an academic paper. (Critical readers! Recall the 5 conventions by Alexander and Barber?) –It needs a clear thesis statement. (Remember the Thesis Statement Exercise?) –It needs good language. (Remember the Clear Writing Exercise?) Following the “Suggested (i.e., not prescribed) Steps to Take” should help you write both this plan report and the paper itself. Action 1: Publish your plan with all the following in one post: What is the topic you plan to write on? What are some of the current arguments and counter-arguments? What is YOUR position or argument on it?
Then, write a thesis statement. Explain briefly how you will structure or organize your paper. Explain briefly the difficulties you might have Steps to Take: Choose your topic: you may choose any topic we have discussed in this class, or another interesting topic discussed in another class that you are taking or have taken, or a topic that is important to your current or future profession. Topics discussed in this class include science, government, wealth, and gender. You need to narrow down your topic to the extent that you can form your own position or argument, and you have adequate supports. Your argument should be arguable and supportable. Take your position: You need to know what other thinkers have said about this topic and decide what YOU want to say about this topic. Writing a clear thesis statement to express your position is crucial (see Jacobus on “creating a thesis statement” in our textbook). Your thesis should be one good sentence that expresses your most important idea (i.e., you argument) and your major reasons. You need to modify your thesis till you can fully support it with your reasons, textual evidence, examples, observations, personal experiences, and so forth. Using what you have gained from doing the “Thesis Writing Exercise” should be useful. Use outside sources: any idea, concept, example, data, etc. that is NOT your own is considered an “outside” source. You may conduct research, personal interviews, etc. to collect outside sources. Your paper should have at least 5 outside sources. Using credible outside sources is crucial. Do not use articles that do not have author names.
Using scholarly or scientific articles is expected. You can certainly also use relevant personal experiences, observations, and personal interviews to support your position. You must follow MLA conventions to do in-text citations and a Works Cited section near the end of your paper. Use formal language: As your audience of this paper would be professionals or thinkers with ample knowledge about the topic, using your language with clarity and precision is important. You may use what you have gained from the Clear Writing Exercise. You may use “I,” but should avoid using the empty “you,” which may sound condescending to your audience in a formal essay like this. Prior to submitting your paper, please check if your paper is mechanically correct (in spelling, grammar, punctuation, organization, etc.). Organize your paper: a. Give your paper an appropriate title: a good title should indicate your topic and your position. b. Write the opening paragraph: You may employ Jacobus’ any one of the six “methods of development” to engage your audience and present your position. c. Write the body of your paper: This should be in a few paragraphs. Each paragraph should have a Topic Sentence, usually at the beginning of each paragraph. A good topic sentence has two functions: to give the paragraph a center and to connect the paragraph to your main argument. Each paragraph should present ONE of your reasons or ideas that support your argument, followed by examples and details.
You may include important data, examples, and reasons other authors have presented; you may use your knowledge, expertise, personal experiences, examples, or any other means to support your thesis statement. You should always keep in mind: this is your essay, and your readers expect to hear what YOU have to say about this topic. All things should be used for the sole purpose of supporting your position. d. You need to follow closely the MLA conventions to do in-text citations (adding quotation marks and page numbers), and to add a Works Cited section near the end of your paper to list alphabetically all the outside sources you have cited. Revise your paper: After you have completed your draft, read it aloud, or better, ask someone else to proofread and critique it according to the 5 academic writing conventions, and specific requirements set in this direction. You can also use the free tutoring service at any of the UC Learning Centers. There will be a part 2 to this assignment, so ill try to pick the same person again.
