Senior Composition

Essay of Argumentation

The Assignment

You are to choose an issue that you find intriguing or believe is important in your life and write an essay supporting that issue. Your essay should include evidence to support your position as well as counters to opposing view points. The essay is to be in MLA format, 2-5 pages in length, and all sources must be credited. This assignment is due Friday, November 3.

The Schedule:

Wednesday, October 18: Introduce assignment; brainstorm "debatable issues", choose a topic, and write a thesis statement. (Must be submitted Friday, October 20)

Friday, October 20: (College Application Essay Due) Find, summarize, and document support and opposition. You must include at least three outside sources (one must be print). (Must be submitted Tuesday, October 23)

Tuesday, October 24: Plan and organize the essay and write the introduction (outline and introduction due Thursday, October 25).

Thursday, October 26: Write the body/develop your arguments (due Monday, October 30).

Monday, October 30: Write the conclusion and Works Cited page (due Wednesday, November 1).

Wednesday, November 1: Edit and Revise. Final Draft is due Friday, November 3.

Write for College reference pages:

"Writing an Essay of Argument" 232

"Forming a Thesis Statement" 113

"Thinking Through and Argument" 244-246

"Planning and Organizing Your Essay" 114-116

"Shaping the Opening Paragraph" 117-118

"Developing Your Main Points" and Adding Support" 119

"Writing the Closing" 120

"Improving Your Writing" 121

During this unit we will have mini-lessons on elements of style. Your writing should reflect the skills covered during these lessons.