Prework for Argumentative Essay

For this assignment, you will begin the process of writing an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay takes a position on a debatable, controversial topic and provides evidence to support the position.

In Unit 6, you will submit the full draft of this essay; for this week, you will simply warm up by completing some prewriting and preliminary research on the topic you pick. In this assignment, you will practice prewriting strategies, researching, and APA in-text citations.

Think about a heated conversation that you have recently had or heard regarding a current event or controversial issue. (Do not write about a personal argument.) Consider the issue and your position on it. Come up with 3 different reasons why you think your position on the topic is correct. You can select any topic you like—just make sure the topic is appropriate for an argumentative essay and related to an issue that will hold your interest when you return to this essay in the coming weeks.

If you are looking for a place to get started, access the Opposing Viewpoints database in the Library. For additional information on accessing the library please watch this Library Tutorial Video. This database lists many potential controversial issues you can pick from. It is also a great place to find sources that contain data or other useful information that will support your claims. You will use 1 source from this search in your paper to practice quoting and citing this source in APA style.

NOTE: When submitting your paper for grading, do not submit the worksheet; only use it to help build your paper.

Submit the following for this assignment:

· Evidence of prewriting and invention strategies (such as a file that contains your brainstorming, freewriting, clustering, mind mapping, or listing)

· A 1–2-sentence thesis statement that clearly states your position on the topic and 3 reasons that support the position

· An outline that provides one main aspect or idea related to the selected issue for each of the 3 body paragraphs of the essay

· Note: The article you select should contain evidence that will support 1 or more of these body-paragraph points.

· A 1-sentence quoted passage from your article, cited with a proper APA in-text citation.

· Note: This passage should contain ideas or information that would support one of your body paragraph points.

Evidence of prewriting strategy:
Thesis statement
Outline of topics for body paragraph 1
Outline of topics for body paragraph 2
Outline of topics for body paragraph 3
Quoted passage:

Assignment Criteria	Proficient Descriptor	Points
Issue Selection & Brainstorming	• Identifies and selects an issue that is interesting and debatable • Uses appropriate brainstorming strategies (freewriting, clustering, mind mapping, listing, etc.) to research selected topic and organize information meaningfully. • Provides evidence of brainstorming as directed.	/5 pts.
Thesis Statement	• Thesis statement explicitly reflects writer’s position on the issue, and sets the scope for the essay as per the assignment guidelines	/10 pts.
Paragraph Outlines	• Each of the three paragraph outlines provides one main aspect/idea related to the selected issue. • Main paragraph ideas are logically aligned to the thesis statement. • Each paragraph outline includes points of evidential support (logical/anecdotal/textual, etc.) of the main idea emphasized in that paragraph. • Considers multiple points of view as thesis is developed across the three paragraphs outlines.	/25 pts.
Quoted Passage	Locates and provides a relevant quoted passage with accurate in-text citation in APA Style to support one of the body paragraphs.	/5 pts.
Grammar & Mechanics	Sentences are clear, well-articulated within the specified assignment requirements, and free from grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors	/5 pts.
Total		/50 pts.