Writing Homework Help

Argument Essay 1

Purpose: This shorter essay cycle focuses on categories of knowledge, the specific category of scientific knowledge and its criteria, and the relationship between scientific knowledge and other non-scientific (often humanistic and social) forms of knowledge. While science, for example, can measure the physical and biological changes that occur when one person is attracted to another, science may not have much to say about the nature of love as a human concept. In short, this essay cycle explores how scientific knowledge, like all knowledge, has its limits. The purpose of Essay 1 is to identify a significant question at issue within the Culture of Science themes we have been exploring and to write a persuasive argument essay that explores multiple viewpoints and provides sound reasoning and evidence in support of your thesis (written as an enthymeme).

Tasks: Write a formal argument essay of 5-7 pages in length (double spaced) that answers a specific question at issue that you generate in response to our readings and class discussion on the Culture of Science. This argument may support, refute, develop and/or challenge the ideas that you’ve encountered in the assigned readings. Regardless, you should contribute to the scholarly conversations you’ve encountered in the assigned articles in a meaningful way. Your logically sound thesis must be written in the form of an enthymeme (claim + best reason), it must be supported by specific evidence from The Culture of Science bibliography and supplemental research sources (see attached file, can use any resources at UNIT 1: from pseudo science to against method), and it should address at least one major counterargument.

Criteria for successful completion:

Argument criteria: Your essay must present an arguable enthymeme, acknowledge multiple points of view, analyze and synthesize source ideas, develop supporting evidence (i.e. logos, ethos, and pathos), and anticipate counterarguments. Your essay must accurately and fairly incorporate material from a minimum of three (3) readings from the Culture of Science bibliography. Up to a maximum of three (3) outside research articles are also allowed to help you develop your line of reasoning or counterargument. Overall, your claim and reasoning must develop from within the scope of ideas discussed in class and in the casebook.

Writing criteria: Your x.1 essay must be at least five (5) pages in length (excluding the Works Cited page); your x.2 essay must be substantially revised in response to feedback and no more than seven (7) pages in length. You must properly cite ALL information and ideas; accurately quote, paraphrase, and summarize sources without plagiarizing; and include a full and complete bibliography. In-text citations and bibliography page must follow one standard style (e.g. MLA, APA, Chicago). The organizational structure, language, tone, and writing style should be appropriate for the audience identified within the essay. The writing (paragraph structure, transitions, sentence mechanics, spelling, proofreading) should be clear and should not interfere with reader comprehension. Penalties for Incomplete, Late, Missing, or Ignored essays are higher for Essay 1 & 2 cycle essays (see grading contract for details), so check with me if you have questions.

Rubric for Reader Evaluation:

question at issue the essay identifies a significant question at issue that readers care about

enthymeme the enthymeme is in the correct form, is logically sound, and is placed effectively in the introduction

introduction the introduction draws in the reader and sets up the issue and perspectives involved

logical organization the essay is well organized with a logical structure and transitions between paragraphs that lead the reader through your chain of reasoning

synthesis the essay synthesizes multiple sources into an interesting, insightful discussion

voice your perspective and voice are clearly distinguished from the viewpoints of your sources, i.e. readers can tell who is speaking at any given point

analysis the essay evaluates the ideas and evidence presented by sources, e.g. strength of reasoning, logical fallacies, relevance of evidence, unwarranted assumptions, bias in thinking, etc.

counterargument the essay adequately addresses opposing views through concession and/or refutation

paragraphs develops thoughtful, in-depth paragraphs with sufficient and relevant evidence; uses topic sentences to focus the point and links points back to the main claim

conclusion conclusion does not simply summarize the essay, but makes a final point for further inquiry and continued observation

style prose style is appropriate for the audience with few patterns of preventable error

documentation uses consistent formatting and citation (MLA, APA, or Chicago) and includes a complete bibliography