The End is Near!

Final Portfolio Requirements

Copies of each graded essay – (5 pts total)

1.   Descriptive

2.     Process Analysis

3.     Definition

4.     Cause and Effect

5.     Argumentative

If you’ve misplaced the copy I gave you with comments, simply write a ½ page discussion explaining in detail the revisions you’ve made.

Revised Copies of your essays – make suggested changes and any other you feel necessary (5 pts total)

1.     Descriptive

2.     Process Analysis

3.     Definition

4.     Cause and Effect

5.     Argumentative

Include a one page reflection on the course. Here are some questions you may choose to address in your response (5 pts).

• What did you discover this semester about writing and the writing process?
• How will you use this information in future coursework and your career?
• Do you think the course was successful? What worked, and what didn’t? What could I have done better?

This will be due on Wednesday, May 1st. NO LATE WORK!

Note: We will have class on Wednesday, April 24th. We are primarily meeting just to hand back and discuss the argumentative essays, in addition to filling out evaluations. This will also be your last opportunity to turn in any missed essays (for half credit) and ask any last minute questions. 

Argumentative Essay Peer Review

Today we're doing peer review for our argumentative papers. Use this time to get feedback! These are the main things to focus your discussions on:

Introduction:
 1. Is the issue indicated? Are there at least two sides?
2. What is the author's claim? Is it included?
3. Reasons -- are they outlined in the introduction?
4. Call to action -- what is it? Can be present here, but if not, should be included in the conclusion
5. Is there enough background information given? If not, suggest where they might elaborate.

Body Paragraphs
6. What pattern of organization to the body paragraphs follow?
7. Does each body paragraph have a topic sentence that includes a REASON?
8. Does each body paragraph have EVIDENCE?
9. How is the opposing viewpoint addressed? Does the author acknowledge, accommodate, or refute? Does he/she include EVIDENCE?

Conclusion
10. What is the paraphrased thesis?
11. How does the essay end? On a positive note? With a call to action?

Works Cited
12. Does the author include at least three sources? Each source here should be included, also, in the body of the paper.
13. Check for MLA formatting.

Overall Impression:
14. What are the essay's strengths?
15. What are the essay's areas for improvement?

If time permits -- Address MLA formatting issues and grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Organizing Your Argumentative Paper

Argumentative Essay Outline Format

I.                    Introduction

a.       Issue:

b.      Claim:

c.       Call to Action:

d.      Reasons:

Thesis statement: 

II.                  Reason 1:

a.       Evidence:

b.      Evidence:

c.       Evidence:

III.                Reason 2:

a.       Evidence:

b.      Evidence:

c.       Evidence:

IV.                Reason 3:

a.       Evidence:

b.      Evidence:

c.       Evidence:

V.                  Opposing Viewpoint

a.     Acknowledge, accommodate, or refute the counter-argument here.

b.      Evidence: 

VI. Conclusion -- 

Research?

This week, we'll be finding out just how true this is :-)

Students:

This is a reminder that we'll be meeting in the library on Thursday, April 3rd, classroom 220 on the second floor. The librarians will be going over research skills with us, and you will also have an opportunity to work on your annotated Works Cited page, which is due April 10th. Attendance is mandatory and for a grade this day, so you don't want to miss out!


Need an example of an annotated works cited page? Here's what one may look like:

See how it has the usual MLA formatted citation, then a brief summary of the source? That's what you'll be creating.

You need between 3-5 sources for this assignment.

We also will not formally have class on Monday, April 8th. I am giving you that time a work day to complete your annotated works cited page. Please use this time wisely. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.


See you in the library!