ENG 1113: Freshman Composition
Final Paper AND Preliminary Steps:
Prompt: Write a paper that makes a fair argument over a socially relevant topic. I advise you NOT to choose large, politically-charged topics because they require too much research for this paper, and many of the current, political topics are in flux at the moment. Remember “Burden of Proof” – the greater the claim, the more proof required.
Instead, choose a socially relevant topic that can be managed fairly in 5 -9 pages of text, using a minimum of two, library-based sources. Choose a topic that your readers could reasonably disagree with, but one that you support through your reasoning with the assistance of credible sources. Make sure your topic is timely and relevant, not out-of-date. Your topic can be focused on a specific place, or issue on the local level, or it could have broader implications.
DUE DATES: You must turn in material in sequential order. You will NOT receive credit for the final paper if you do NOT turn in these preliminary steps as assigned in sequence!
If you are going to miss class, put a typed assignment in the box on my office door, and/or have a classmate put it in the box or bring it to class. You MUST follow the sequence, so that I can give you feedback as you move through your process. Do NOT email me your preliminary work.
You May Always turn in Preliminary Steps BEFORE the due date.
Topic: Identify, in typed, complete sentence form, the Topic you wish to investigate and propose a claim. Also, provide a paragraph that explains Why this topic is relevant to you and to your audience. Why is this topic worth claiming and defending?
Source #1: Identify the complete bibliographical information for one of the library-based sources you will use for your final paper. ALSO, explain in a paragraph, what the claim/s of the source is/are, and WHY this source is helpful for your argument. How will this source be utilized?
Source #2: Identify the complete bibliographical information for a second library-based source you will use for your final paper. ALSO, explain in a paragraph, what the claim/s of the source is/are, and WHY this source is helpful for your argument. How will this source be utilized?
Outline & Thesis: Provide, as specifically as possible, the Outline of your paper. How will your paper be organized?
Thesis: Provide in specific, concrete language, the thesis of your paper. That is, what exactly is the Main Claim that you will put forward, and support with reasoning and sources?
Final Paper: 5-9 pages text, with accurate and complete In-text documentation, and a Works Cited section at the end of the paper, is DUE December 5 – 100 points).
Remember:
* You must use at least two, library-based, secondary sources. You must use them more than one quote per source. USE the information they provide.
* You certainly may use more that two sources, if that helps you. I suspect you will want additional sources, but at least two must be library based. You may add to that any other sources of information that helps you make your case.
*Your librarians are willing to help you find appropriate sources. They can also help you with documentation.
*The Sample papers handed out to you (“File Sharing” and “Oklahoma Self-Defense Laws” and page 128 in your text book, may serve as samples for your final paper.
*Seek Help. Communicate. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your process started. If you have questions, ASK!
*DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. You WILL Fail the semester if you plagiarize, regardless other grades.
