Argumentative Writing

Purpose – You have the choice to write on either of the following two options:

1.) Your decision to go to college or pursue some other future (trade school, military, going directly into a career, etc.)

a. Research the economical, psychological, and emotional benefits of attending college, trade school, military, and other career options. Write an argument based on the facts you learned from the research on which you believe is the best option

2.) Your decision on attending a particular college or university

a. Research colleges or universities that you are considering attending. Write an argument based on the facts you learned from the research on which you believe is the best option

3.) Your decision to choose a certain major in college

a. Research majors that you are considering choosing. Write an argument based on the facts you learned from the research on which you believe is the best option

Research – Use the websites provided under www.mrbaker.org, Leadership, Leadership Websites

Format – Should be 200-250 words (1 page) typed in a Word Document with regular 1.25” margins and 12 pt font.

I.) Introductory paragraph

a. Should contain your thesis (what you are arguing)

II.) First body paragraph

a. Your arguments for your option based on your research

III.) Second body paragraph

a. Your counterpoints to your arguments (what are your doubts or the cons of what you are choosing)

IV.) Third body paragraph

a. Your rebuttal to the counterpoint (why is your choice ultimately the best option)

V.) Conclusion

a. Summarization of your paper

VI.) Bibliography

Rubric –

CATEGORY	10 - Above Standards	9-8 - Meets Standards	7-6 - Approaching Standards	5-0 - Below Standards	Score
Focus or Thesis Statement	The thesis statement names the topic of the essay and outlines the main points to be discussed.	The thesis statement names the topic of the essay.	The thesis statement outlines some or all of the main points to be discussed but does not name the topic.	The thesis statement does not name the topic AND does not preview what will be discussed.
Support for Position	Includes 4 or more pieces of evidence (facts & statistics) that support the position statement	Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence (facts & statistics) that support the position statement.	Includes 2 pieces of evidence (facts and statistics) that support the position statement.	Includes 1 or fewer pieces of evidence (facts and statistics).
Counterpoint and Rebuttal	Includes valid and accurate counterpoints in the 2nd paragraph and a well thought out rebuttal in the 3rd paragraph. All are backed by opinions supported by facts or statistics	Includes somewhat valid and accurate counterpoints in the 2nd paragraph and a rebuttal in the 3rd paragraph. All are backed by opinions supported by facts or statistics	Includes counterpoints in the 2nd paragraph and a rebuttal in the 3rd paragraph. They are backed by little, if any, facts or statistics	Counterpoint and rebuttal are confusing
Closing paragraph	The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer\'s position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing paragraph.	The conclusion is recognizable. The author\'s position is restated within the first two sentences of the closing paragraph.	The author\'s position is restated within the closing paragraph, but not near the beginning.	There is no conclusion - the paper just ends.
Grammar & Spelling	Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.	Author makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.	Author makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.	Author makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

TOTAL-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------_____/50

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