Monday, October 7, 2013

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

Your Exploratory Outlines are due via email on Tuesday 15th October.
The Exploratory Essays are due Tuesday 22nd October.

Friday, September 27, 2013

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.

Using Christianity to Fight Crime
Toward a More Productive Conversation About Homework
Are Tenured Professors Really Worse Teachers? 
Marraige Policy Encourages One Spouse to Stay Home and the Other to Work

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. I am looking for your Stasis Theory and Hegelian Logic work on Tuesday and your Outlines on Thursday.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

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

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

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.

ENG 105 - Definition (Essential and Extended)

Remember - Essential definitions demand a few things of us: an item (the term to be defined); a broad category (that the term can be classified under); and distinguishing features or characteristics (what separates this term from other members of the broad category).

Be sure to avoid the following common errors in essential definitions:
Circular definition - We cannot use the word we are defining in the definition.
Overly broad definition - Avoid leaving out characteristics that separate the item from others.
Overly narrow definition - Avoid adding so many characteristics that items that apply no longer fit using your final definition.
Omission of broad category - Avoid saying: The term 'is when/is where'. Without the broad category, the reader has no reference for your definition.

When writing extended definitions, remember to illustrate. Give examples that show how the item or term you are defining is different from other members of the broad category. Think (if applicable) about the etymology or origin of your term/item - discuss. A useful tactic sometimes is to use antonymy or negation. Spend some time showing your reader what your term/item is NOT rather than what it IS.

Check out this resource for some more info:
http://ksdl.ksbe.edu/writingresource/definition.html