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Essay 2: Notes for Clear, Well-Written Position Paper
In Essay 2 , you will be asked to pick any story, poem, or play from the required text and write a well-researched, interesting and scholarly paper that reflects a "close reading" of the text. I will be looking for evidence of your grasp of literary elements as you discuss your argument.
You will also be required to cite three outside sources in your essay and include a works cited page.
These sources must come from refereed scholarly journals.
Follow the suggestions below:
- Develop a well-focused thesis that is broad enough for a complete discussion of your argument, but not too general.
- Try to focus on a particular aspect or argument in the story, then back up your argument with observations and quotes from the text, ideas and quotes from outside critics and your own thoughtful analysis of the text.
- Write succinct, active-voiced sentences.
- Organize the essay logically and end with a strong conclusion.
- Read the Essay Grading Criteria sheet.
- Do not hand in your first draft! Revise several times before the final version.
I will expect a clear, well-defined thesis outlined in the essay. However, do not begin the essay with the thesis. First,
introduce the subject, and give the reader any background
information they may need to better understand your argument. This may take the form of several paragraphs (for example,
it may take one or two paragraphs to introduce the subject,
and an additional paragraph to give us the background info before you follow with the thesis statement). Or, you may be able to write the
introduction, background info and thesis in one paragraph.
The point is to:
- First catch the reader's attention
- Second, to let us know where
the issue currently stands (what is the debate and how did
we get there)
- And finally, give us your assertion (thesis—the point
of your essay).
Remember: What's
the point? A thesis statement must answer that
question.
Thesis:
A well-defined thesis. A thesis statement contains a single
idea, clearly focused and specifically stated that grows out
of your exploration of a subject. A thesis statement can be
thought of as a central idea phrased in the form of an assertion.
It is a claim-that is, it indicates what you claim to be true,
interesting, or valuable about your subject-followed by further
claims which support that view.
HOW TO ORGANIZE THE CLASSIC RHETORICAL ARGUMENT (follow
this outline)
- Introduction: Introduce your issue and capture the attention
of your audience. Try using a short narrative or a strong
example.
- Background information: Provide your audience with a history
of the situation-state how things currently stand. Define
any key terms. Even if you think the facts speak
for themselves, draw the attention of your audience to those
points that are especially important and explain why they
are meaningful.
- Proposition: Introduce the position you are taking. Frame
it as a thesis statement or claim.
- Proof: Discuss the reasons why you have taken your position.
Provide facts, expert
testimony, and any other
evidence that supports your claim.
- Refutation: Show why you are not persuaded by the arguments
of people who hold a different position. Concede any point
that has merit but show why this concession does not damage
your own case.
- Conclusion: Summarize your most important points and appeal
to your audience's feelings.
Remember: Good Title
something that catches the reader's attention
and sets the tone for your paper.
The outline of your paper should look something like the
following:
- Introduction
- Background
- Thesis: Use a "because" phrase to set up your
three proofs. For example: Marijuana should (should not)
be legalized for adults, eighteen and older because
support (proof)1, support (proof)2 and support
(proof)3. Then, organize the body of the argument
following the same order. See below.
- Body of Argument (3+ paragraphs)
- Support (proof)1
- Sub-support 1
- Sub-support 2 (or more if needed)
- Support (proof)2
- Sub-support 1
- Sub-support 2 (or more if needed)
- Support (proof)3
- Sub-support 1
- Sub-support 2 (or more if needed)
- Refutation
- Conclusion
Organization and format are important for this essay. Be
sure to strictly follow the MLA example in your handbook Finally, follow all of grammar, punctuation, and stylistic
rules. The essay must be free of run-on sentences and sentence
splices. Use active voice.
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