English Question

Page Count: 6-8 pages (1500-1800 words) with 6 FULL pages or 1,500 words written minimum. Abstract, title page, and reference page do NOT count in the page or word count.

NOTE: As you put this together, are you following the critical analysis process that we emphasize in critical reasoning? That is, fairly considering all research before reaching a conclusion.

• Introduction: Includes background information on your topic. Define key terms that are part of this topic. Give background information on why this topic is how something has changed or developed from an earlier time to its current form.
• Arguments that support one position (2-3 paragraphs)
• Rebuttals (What are the best arguments on the other side of your issue? (2-3 paragraphs)
• Applicable rhetorical devices or fallacies commonly used in debating this topic.
• A statement of your conclusion (as the researcher) on the issue (What are your conclusions based on the research you did and the most convincing arguments.
• Minimum 5 research references in APA format, and in-text citations in your paragraphs.

The Purpose of this Essay: The goal of this paper is to construct a fair-minded, unbiased, analytical analysis of a topic in a comprehensive essay.

• This is NOT an opinion piece NOR is it a persuasive essay that simply aims to prove or reinforce what you already believe; this would be Confirmation Bias, and bias is to be avoided in this project.
• This project needs to avoid harsh rhetoric or language that is harmful and hurtful in nature; the point to be object and unemotional in your approach.
• This essay SHOULD be written in fair, academic, respectful, and most importantly analytical manner regardless of any of your opinions, feelings, or preconceived notions about the topic.
• Both sides of your topic must be treated with equal attention both in terms of the number and quality of sources and in terms of the depth and breadth of their presentation in your essay. Both sides should have about the same number of quality source and about the same number of equally sized paragraphs addressing the details of their argument in roughly equivalent detail.
• There MUST be 2 paragraphs in this project that identify and define rhetorical devices and logical fallacies on both sides of the argument; be sure to indicate which specific rhetorical device and fallacy you have found, and that there is evidence in your sources of these course concepts in practice that is cited in your paper.
• You will present statements and claims for and analyzing BOTH sides of the topic; only then should you state you own conclusion as an objective, critical thinker given the information presented

Required Sections:

• 1) A Properly Formatted APA Title Page
• 2) A Properly Formatted APA Abstract
• 3) Intro paragraph
  • For example, you may choose any of the following:
    • State the topic directly.
    • Define the Problem.
    • Ask one Question and provide an answer.
    • Tell a short, brief story related to the topic.
    • Use a brief quote and explain its meaning.
  • 4) Side A Paragraph
    • Expand on the major sources and support with supplemental sources and evidence
  • 5) Side B Paragraph
    • Expand on the major sources and support with supplemental sources
  • 6) Rhetoric and Fallacies (One paragraph for side)
    • Be specific. Cite Rhetorical Devices and Fallacies used in sources and research; do NOT be general.
    • Present evidence from your sources that show the Rhetorical Devices and Fallacies being used
  • 7) Concluding Paragraph
    • If the reader is to look at both sides equally and analyze both sides fairly, what conclusion should the reader reach?
    • The answer does not have to be absolute, but it should not be equivocal. If both sides have good arguments, which is better, even if only slightly better, and what is the argument that tips the scales in the sides favor? Why does that point tip the scales?
  • 8) A Properly Formatted APA Reference Page
    • The Sources should appear in Alphabetical Order according to the last name of the first author listed on the source.
    • If there is no Author(s), then the source should be cited by Title or Organization.

Rubric

PHIL_341_BL – Signature Assignment