Overview of Unit 3 Essay: Editorial (100 points)

_________________________________________________ min. 1200 words

Essay Description:

Write a claim-driven researched argument in which you present an issue, the reasons the issue is a problem for our society or culture, while addressing multiple perspectives including an opposing viewpoint.

Length: Your essay should be at least 1200 words, around 5 pages, double-spaced.

Style: Observe the conventions of MLA style for paper formatting, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page.

Sources: You must have at least 6 quoted or paraphrased sources from credible publications:

• one for a compelling story or anecdote to create the real-life implications of your issue,
• four to support your paragraph claims and at least one opposing viewpoint
• Each claim must draw from at least two sources.
• You may not use any quotes longer than 3 lines. You must introduce each source the first time you use it.

___________________________________________

Essay Organization

Introduction: Begin with a hook to grab your classmate’s attention. End with your main claim, one sentence stating the overall effectiveness of the article, plus your reasons. Use dependent and independent clauses.

Background of Issue: What is motivating this conversation? Why is this a pressing issue? How is it evolving? Do NOT go back to the beginning of time; instead, make it highly-relevant to your issue question and main claim.

Lines of Argument: Use the CREAC model of paragraph development. Introduce and cite your evidence. Use both paraphrase and direct quotations to support your main claim.

1. Opposing View: Lay out a fair, balanced paragraph explaining they claim.
2. Response: Respond to each claim with your own claim.
3. Concession and Refutation: What arguments do you agree with? Which do you disagree with?
4. New Claims + Reasons: Move on to your new claims that the opposing view have ignored, using CREAC to craft your argument.
   

Conclusion: What implications are there for this article? Is it convincing and how does it fit into the larger conversation on this topic in America? End with the So What? factor. Why should we care? What will happen in the future if this issue isn’t solved.

_________________________________________________________

Writing Process Steps

1. Develop a thesis statement (main claim) that clearly states your position on the issue.
2. Free write on your topic to discover all the many facets of this issue.
3. Combine similar ideas into paragraphs.
4. Use the sources from your annotated bibliography to support and contradict your main claim in your paragraphs.
5. Cite each quote/paraphrase in MLA format. Include a works cited page.

Revision Questions:

• Did I proofread out loud to find errors?
• Did you visit the Pier Tutoring Center on the third floor of the Seefeldt building? (Visit at any time during your writing process.)

Rubric

Editorial