Classical Argument Checklist

Chapter 14
Writing a Classical Argument Essay

Write a position paper that takes a stand on a controversial issue. Your introduction should present your issue, provide background, and state the claim you intend to support [thesis]. The body of your argument will present reasons and evidence in support of your own position as well as summarize and respond to opposing views. You need to choose whether you want to summarize and refute opposing views before or after you have made your own case. End the essay with your strongest argument.

Chapter 14: Writing a Classical Argument discusses the following items that you need to include:
• Creating an Argument Frame: A Claim with Reasons
• Articulating Reasons
• Articulating Unstated Assumptions
• Using Evidence Effectively
• Addressing Objections and Counterarguments
• Responding to Objections, counterarguments, and Alternative Views
Length and Technical Issues: 7-10 pages double-spaced with one-inch margins—the works cited does NOT count as a page. Word-processed in Times New Roman and size 12.

Format:
Introduction
Attention Getter
Presentation of Issue
Background Information
Claim—Thesis Statement
Body
Para 1-
Position
Opposition
Rebuttal
Para 2- Etc
Para 3-Etc
Conclusion
Summarize all the reasons (points) for the position
Bring essay to closure
May relate topic to larger body of issues

Document Design
Use headings to separate sections of argument
Source Guidelines
• All sources used within the text of the paper must be cited on the Works Cited page according to MLA
• Sources must be used and formatted correctly—parenthetical or in-text references (attributive phrases used in order to differentiate between student voice and those of the referenced sources i.e. According to Author.
• A minimum of 8 sources must be cited in the text of your paper.
• You must have a variety of sources—both print and non (EBSCO, LexisNexis, Proquest, newspapers, books, periodicals, interviews, etc.)
• Your sources should include the journal articles you analyzed for the Strong Response and Comparison of Sources papers.
• ONE of your sources may be from a search engine other than databases from HCC

Topic:
Remember, you will be using the same topic that you had for your Strong Response and Comparison of Sources papers.

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Evaluation Checklist for an A
Format (50_pts)
Introduction
- Attention getter
- Presentation of Issue
- Background Information
- Thesis Statement—Position and Forecast of Argument Frame
Body Content
- Creates an Argument Frame: A Claim with Reasons
- Articulates reasons
- Uses evidence effectively
- Addresses objections and counterarguments
- Responds to objections, counterarguments, and alternative views (rebuttal)
- Remains focused on thesis
- Is clearly intended for a specific audience
- Uses an appropriate balance of ethos, pathos, and logos appeals
Body Organization—Writer’s Choice*
- Summary of student writer’s position
- Summary of opposing view
- Presentation of Writer’s Position
- Reasons of evidence in support of position*
o All supporting reasons/evidence in separate sections (use HEADINGS to indicate this
o Opposing reasons and evidence followed by evidence in its own section (match organization to support sections)
Cites credentials of sources when appropriate
- Uses HEADINGS to separate sections
- Organization is consistent throughout
Conclusion
- Summarizes all the reasons (points) for the position
- Brings essay to closure
- May relate topic to larger body of issues
Source Guidelines (30 pts)
- A minimum of eight sources are cited
- All sources used within the text of the paper are cited on the Works Cited page according to MLA
- Sources are formatted correctly—parenthetical or in-text references (attributive phrases used in order to differentiate between student voice and those of the referenced sources i.e. According to Author)
- There is a variety of sources (EBSCOhost, Lexis Nexis, Proquest, NewsBank, newspapers, books, periodicals, interview, etc.)
- Annotations are thoughtful and clearly written in complete sentences
Length and Technical Issues (5 pts)
- 7-10 pages double-spaced with one-inch margins
- Headings and subheadings are correctly formatted
Style Issues (15 pts)
- Is free of excess words
- Uses transitions effectively
- Is free of serious G.U.M.P. errors—less than two per typed page

GRADE: ___________/