Week 6: Assignment – Persuasive Research Paper*

Due Feb 13 by 11:59pm

 

Points 100

 

Submitting a text entry box or a file upload

 

Available Jan 3 at 12am – Feb 20 at 11:59pm about 2 months

This assignment was locked Feb 20 at 11:59pm.

YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS TO PASS THIS CLASS.

Assignment Instructions

This week, you will write a persuasive research paper. A persuasive paper is an essay used to convince a reader about a particular idea or focus, usually one that you believe in.

Your persuasive essay could be based on anything about which you have an opinion. Whether you’re arguing against junk food at school or petitioning for a raise from your boss, the persuasive essay is a skill that everyone should know. Here is a great article if you need some ideas to get started: https://www.time4writing.com/writing-resources/writing-resourcespersuasive-essay/ (Links to an external site.).

To write a persuasive essay, you can follow this outline:

Introductory Paragraph

Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.”

Give an overview of the argument.

Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.

“Body” Paragraphs That Provide Support For Your Argument (while three “points” are listed here, you’ll need more paragraphs than that in order to meet your page count)

Side A – All the facts and reasoning that supports your paper’s argument

Side B – What is the counterargument, and why is it incorrect or why does it not discredit your argument

Remember not to “speak” in your paper with personal pronouns (like “I” or “my”,) as you want your paper to speak to the reader, not you personally

Each body paragraph should focus on one piece of evidence.

Within each paragraph, provide sufficient supporting detail.

Concluding Paragraph

Restate and reinforce the thesis and supporting evidence.

 

Here’s an example of the structure for this essay: 

Introductory Paragraph

“There are many types of pets a human can choose, but is there a better choice? Cats and dogs both have their benefits, but Cats are better because they are easier to care for.”

Supporting “Body” Paragraphs

Side A – Cats are better, and why.

Side B – Why some people say Dogs are better, and why this is incorrect.

Concluding Paragraph

“After reviewing all the evidence, it is clear that Cats are better because…”

 

Here is a sample of a topic you might choose to write about (though you can choose another medical topic, if you prefer): “Nursing is a Woman’s Job”

You can use the LIRN to find sources which support your paper (remember, you can choose your own topic or use the above example.)

To get to the LIRN database search engine, click on the “Library” link in your Canvas Course Page, and then click “Go to the course.”

From the left-side list of links, click “LIRN Library.” Now you have a page from which you can search all the LIRN databases.

This essay has the following requirements. 

12 pt, Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1 inch margins 

Avoid personal language/references (see the Week 6 reading for tips) 

The title page on this student sample paper is how yours should look: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_sample_paper.html (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) 

2 outside sources, cited in APA format in the body of your paper, and fully cited at the end. 

This resource can help you format your citations: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) 

A cover page and a reference page is required. 

The length of your submission should be 7 pages INCLUDING the cover and reference pages. 

Rubric

GE Written Assignments_APA_ENG310

GE Written Assignments_APA_ENG310

Criteria Ratings Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA (15%)

Assigned number of sources are included in the submission. Research cited is credible, scholarly, recent, and relevant. Citations (both full and in-text) are in standard APA formatting, both within the body of the paper, and in a clear and corresponding full-citation on the references page. 15 to >12.0 pts

Exemplary (15%)

Meets all guidelines with no errors. 12 to >8.0 pts

Accomplished (12%)

Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors. 8 to >2.0 pts

Acceptable (8%)

Meets most guidelines; contains some major errors. 2 to >0.0 pts

Inadequate (2%)

Does not meet the guidelines 0 pts

No Submission

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics (20%)

Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct. Both sentence and paragraph structures conform to current conventions. 20 to >17.0 pts

Exemplary (20%)

Meets all guidelines with no errors. 17 to >13.0 pts

Accomplished (17%)

Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors. 13 to >5.0 pts

Acceptable (13%)

Meets most guidelines; contains some major errors. 5 to >0.0 pts

Inadequate (5%)

Does not meet the guidelines 0 pts

No Submission

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStructure and Organization (15%)

Essay meets minimum length as assigned. Learner utilizes each topic point as a new paragraph and includes support. Work shows logical flow from one topic to the next; transitions are used. 15 to >12.0 pts

Exemplary (15%)

Meets all guidelines with no errors. 12 to >8.0 pts

Accomplished (12%)

Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors. 8 to >2.0 pts

Acceptable (8%)

Meets most guidelines; contains some major errors. 2 to >0.0 pts

Inadequate (2%)

Does not meet the guidelines 0 pts

No Submission

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction and Conclusion (15%)

The introduction “hooks” the reader, orients the reader to the purpose of the essay, states a thesis, and provides an overview of the main points to be covered. The conclusion reiterates the purpose of the essay, restates the thesis, recaps the main points covered in the essay, and concludes without presenting new information. 15 to >12.0 pts

Exemplary (15%)

Meets all guidelines with no errors. 12 to >8.0 pts

Accomplished (12%)

Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors. 8 to >2.0 pts

Acceptable (8%)

Meets most guidelines; contains some major errors. 2 to >0.0 pts

Inadequate (2%)

Does not meet the guidelines 0 pts

No Submission

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody (25%)

The essay has the assigned amount of main points, presented as complete paragraphs. Paragraphs present a topic, provide an explanation of the topic, present credible evidence (through case studies, statistics, documentary evidence, academic books or journal articles, etc.) and considers the strengths and weaknesses of that evidence. Paragraphs provide a direct link to the purpose of the essay, and make clear how the main point relates to the overall thesis. 25 to >20.0 pts

Exemplary (25%)

Meets all guidelines with no errors. 20 to >15.0 pts

Accomplished (20%)

Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors. 15 to >7.0 pts

Acceptable (15%)

Meets most guidelines; contains some major errors. 7 to >0.0 pts

Inadequate (7%)

Does not meet the guidelines 0 pts

No Submission

25 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormatting (10%)

Submission is in standard APA formatting (Times New Roman, 12 pt font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins). Any special formatting required as outlined in the assignment prompt and instructor’s notes are followed. 10 to >8.0 pts

Exemplary (10%)

Meets all guidelines with no errors. 8 to >6.0 pts

Accomplished (8%)

Meets all guidelines; contains minor errors. 6 to >2.0 pts

Acceptable (6%)

Meets most guidelines; contains some major errors. 2 to >0.0 pts

Inadequate (2%)

Does not meet the guidelines 0 pts

No Submission

10 pts

Total Points: 100

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