Write a documented argument essay in favor of or against the Great Wall of America between Mexico and the United States.
For the best results for your formal module essays, follow this procedure:
Narrow your topic (located in the folder below) and think about your approach.
Do some research – take notes and save necessary source information for your works cited list (Bedford Bibliographer is a great help).
Get organized before you write (thesis, topic sentences, supporting details).
Look at sample papers (if provided).
Draft your essay and a working bibliography (see page 169 Quick Access).
Use the checklist provided.
Proofread. Optional: Use Criterion to help with proofreading, keeping in mind that Criterion is not perfect and YOU are the proofreader.
Check for unintentional plagiarism in the Check Module One Essay for Unintentional Plagiarism dropbox below and revise and resubmit if necessary. For more information use this tutorial: (Understanding Your Originality Report)
Revise, edit, and proofread again in Criterion (see Chapter 10 Quick Access)
Submit final draft in Turnitin and the Submit Module One Essay to be Graded drop box below.
Submission has two steps: 1. Submit to the Check for Unintentional Plagiarism drop box (also known as Turnitin); Correct any unintentional plagiarism issues and resubmit. 2. Submit your final draft for a grade to the Submit Module Essay to be Graded dropbox.
Requirements for your argument essay
Your argument essay (mini research paper) must be 750 -1000 words, typed, double spaced.
Your essay must have an introduction, at least body three paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Get organized before you begin to write.
You must include correctly documented quotes and correctly documented paraphrases or summaries from four good outside sources. Note: Remember to enclose the exact words of your sources in “quotation marks.”
Use MLA rules for documenting your sources and formatting your paper.
You must use in-text citations each time you use the words or ideas of your sources in the essay.
You must include your works cited list at the end of your essay (for help, use the Bedford Bibliographer). Include the URL for online sources. Scan and attach pages from print sources.
Use sources to support your own ideas. Of course, you are expected to use expert opinion, facts, statistics, and other information you find in your research.
Do not create a Frankenstein Essay by copying and pasting. Write!
Select one topic only:
Write a documented argument essay for or against illegal immigrants receiving social services, for example, food stamps, welfare, and medical care.
Write a documented argument essay in favor of or against the Great Wall of America between Mexico and the United States.
Write a documented argument essay supporting or opposing Arizona’s new stringent immigration law. (Read more – At least fiteen additional states are taking steps to implement this law.)
Write a documented argument essay for or against the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors).
In addition to proofreading for spelling, grammar, and usage and making sure you use clear and simple language, ask yourself the following:
Have I included the correct MLA Identifying information? (Sample image)
Have I included my last name and page number on the top right side of each page?
Is the title of my essay moderately informative?
Do I have an interesting introduction?
Is my thesis statement clearly stated at the end of the introduction?
Does each body paragraph begin with a topic sentence that directly relates to the thesis statement?
Does each body paragraph have specific supporting details?
Are all generalizations supported by specific details?
When I have used source material, have I introduced the quotations I am using – that is, will the reader know why the quote is significant?
Have I enclosed the exact words of my source in “quotation marks”?
Have I included an in-text citation each time I use a source?
Does my in-text citation lead the reader directly to the first few words of the complete work cited entry on my list?
Are my quotations too long; am I including irrelevant information? (Don’t do this!)
Have I checked my originality report on Turnitin (located in the essay folder – Check for Unintentional Plagiarism) and corrected any instances of unintentional plagiarism?
Is my conclusion redundant? (Don’t simply repeat your thesis; that’s boring!)
Have I included a correctly documented Works Cited list (image) for all the sources cited in my paper?
Have I created a Frankenstein paper? (See Cutting and Pasting – paragraph 5)
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