ENG 105 - Annotated Bibliography

After completing your Exploratory Essays, your next assignment is to produce an Annotated Bibliography for your final project. An Annotated Bibliography is much like a Works Cited page with your comments and evaluation of each citation. Have a look at this website and its explanations and examples.

See the link list for the OWL's annotated bibliography guide.
More links: University of Toronto Writing Lab
Southern Illinois University Writing Lab

ENG 105 - Exploratory Essay

Please see the following guidelines for creating an Exploratory Essay. Also see the resources provided by The OWL at Purdue here.


Outline


Paragraph 1 A brief, GENERAL, introduction of the topic. Explain why there is a debate or controversy.


Paragraph 2 The RHETORICAL SITUATION – who is interested in the issue, exigence and constraints.


Paragraph 3 One point of view you have discovered in your readings….. explain this point of view in Your own words. Give credit to the source where you found the perspective.


Paragraph 4 Another, DIFFERENT point of view on the issue. explain this point of view in your own words. Give credit to the source where you found the perspective.


Paragraph 5 Yet, another, 3rd point of view on the issue. explain this point of view in your own words. Give credit to the source where you found the perspective.


Paragraph 6 *Tell why you are interested in the issue/topic. *State your personal exigence. *State your claim (working thesis) for the final project. ***** this is the ONLY part of the essay where your opinion should be expressed!


Guidelines


Step 1 Find 3 sources that have at least 3 DIFFERENT perspectives/points of view on your topic. Do this first so that you are educated and informed about the different points of view relating to your topic.


Step 2 Write a short, 1 paragraph summary for each source; in your own words). If you can write a summary for each point of view, then it means you understand them. And there is no need to quote in this essay. Use your own writing style to express the 3 points of view.


Step 2a Edit/revise your summaries…. These are the body paragraphs of this essay. There should be at least 1 paragraph for each perspective; more if needed. Each body paragraph should explain a new point of view only (DON’T state your opinion).


Step 3 Write the second section of your essay: The Rhetorical Situation. Remember this is the part that shows the reader WHY there is a debatable issue in the world, community, etc….. Also remember for this essay not all 5 parts of rhetorical situation are used. Only 3 parts: Interested parties, constraints and exigence.


Step 4 Write your introduction paragraph. It should be a very general explanation of the issue being discussed. NO CLAIM or OPINION should be stated here; only a general description.


Step 5 Write the last paragraph which includes * your personal exigence * your claim/thesis for final project (it is ONLY here that you can show your opinion on the final topic) Combine all parts for one, solid EXPLORATORY ESSAY

ENG 105 - Exploratory Essay

Your topic for the Exploratory essay MUST BE YOUR FINAL RESEARCH TOPIC.
You must have:
at least 3 sources (one for each perspective - more recommended);
at least 3 CLEAR perspectives or points of view on the issue;
compliance with MLA guidelines (in text citations and a Works Cited page);
compliance with the Outline.

Use the following links as aids in your preparations
Exploratory Guidelines
Exploratory Essay Step by Step on Youtube
How To Write an Exploratory Essay on HubPages
Organizing the Exploratory Essay

On Monday March 18th (105 C) and Tuesday March 19th (105 B), your Exploratory Outlines are due in class. NO EXCEPTIONS.
The Final Exploratory Essays are due Wednesday March 20th (105 C) and Thursday March 21st (105 B). NO EXCEPTIONS.

ENG 105 - Invented Arguments

Now that we have completed Rogerian arguments, the next skill for us to learn is how to develop an argument based on a Background or Exigence. This exercise is different in that I am not providing you a clear prompt or position to argue, but rather a situation from which you must develop your OWN argument.

The following are stories from today's news on online news sites. Choose one of the following on which to base a Toulminian Argument. See Invented Arguments and Hegelian Logic in the Inventing Argument text.

The Benefits of Positive Parenting

Sheryl Sandberg's Radically Realistic 'And' Solution for Working Mothers
Cruise Arrivals No Longer Look Bleak - Works Minister 
Residents Told To Return to Old Methods; Use Cisterns

The End of Cheap Airfare

After researching these issues to establish your Background and Exigence, use Invention and Hegelian Logic to construct a Toulminian argument. Be sure to cite sources for support.

This outline is due before our first class next week for my review and comments. The essay will follow MLA standards (see the links to the MLA guide on this blog): MLA formatting, including a Works Cited page, and in-text citations. This essay is expected to be at least 1,000 words. The drafts will be due Wednesday 27th February for 105 C and Thursday 28th February for 105 B. After comments are made students will have one class session to make their revisions.

ENG 105 - Rogerian Argument Prompts and Research Topic Exercise

Use the following prompts for your writing. It is completely fine to come up with your own topic, or to use one of these prompts as a starting point.

1. An argument for the continuation or removal of the Tuition Assistance Programme.
2. An argument for or against the construction of dormitories on the HLSCC campus.
3. The BVI should consider granting scholarships to young people who are not born or naturalized BVIslanders.

Secondly, we need to start thinking about our Final Projects. Start brainstorming your topics and feel free to email me for my input.

ENG 105 - Rogerian Outline

ROGERIAN STYLE OUTLINE: (may vary due to the length of your essay… each section shown here can include many more points and supporting details/evidence)


I. Introduction: This should be a detailed definition of the exigence and rhetorical situation.

II. The body of the paper begins with a classification and division of Pro and Con.

A. This introduces the con position of the debate. (OPPOSITION)

1. This should be the first major issue to support the ‘opposing side’
a. This is a minor detail supporting number '1'.
b. This is a second minor detail supporting number '1'.

2. This is the second major detail to support the ‘opposing side’
a. This is a minor detail supporting number '2'.
b. This is a second minor detail supporting number '2'.

etc.

B. This introduces the ‘proposition’ of the debate. (YOUR SIDE)


1. This should be the first major issue to support the ‘pro side’
a. This is a minor detail supporting number '1'.
b. This is a second minor detail supporting number '1'.

2. This is the second major detail to support the ‘pro side’
c. This is a minor detail supporting number '2'.
d. This is a second minor detail supporting number '2'.

etc.

C. This particular section compares and contrasts the issues in order
to highlight the differences between the pro and opposing position (can use the
information from the PRO and CON section above)

1. This might begin with a sentence stating a pro position.
2. The following might point out a con position.
3. The next point might refute a previous claim.
4. The next point might restate a position.


III. Drawing a conclusion.
It should recount the highlights of the argument, but it draws a logical conclusion or compromise. See the example essay you read in your text – Obesity Lawsuits by Nancy Hall.

ENG 105 - Definition Essay

Write a 500 word essay attempting to define one of the following terms. You MUST adhere to MLA Conventions (PLEASE SEE THE OWL MLA GUIDE).

Write an extended definition of one of the following: Honor; Humility; Maturity; Integrity; True Friendship;  Self-Respect; Ambition; or Progress. Remember that an effective definition encompasses techniques used in other styles of Composition.

See the Course Schedule for deadlines.