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Argumentative Essay “In the end, the American dream is not a sprint, or even a marathon, but a relay. Our families don't always cross the finish line in the span of one generation. But each generation passes on to the next the fruits of their labor.” Julian Castro“I have spent my life judging the distance between American reality and the American dream.” Bruce SpringsteenFor this assignment, you will write an argumentative essay answering the question:Is the American Dream attainable?Essay Requirements3-5 pages typed, double-spaced, TNR, 12 pt. fontMinimum of 3 “outside” sources – USE CITATIONS!MLA formatWorks Cited PageFollow the OutlineMinimum of 1 Literary sourceAvoid using pronouns – or “I believe”, “In my opinion” this discredits the essay making it an opinion pieceYou don’t always have to agree with the position you take in your essay. Sometimes it is easier to argue the other side.The Assignment: You are to research (at least 3 sources) and compose a 3-5 page argumentative essay on the existence/attainability of the American Dream. Argumentative essays enlighten your readers to the rationale behind your position on a debatable issue.OutlineIntroductory Paragraph Define the issue and your purpose to your readers. Why are you writing about this? Why should your audience be interested?Getting the reader’s attention – anecdote, startling statistic, interesting quote, significance of your concernsThe background/history of the issue (if significant)Establish the appropriate tone for your subject and your audienceDetermine your thesis statement – state your claim. Your thesis statement should answer/address the question – Is the American Dream attainable?Body Paragraphs (3 minimum) to support your claimStatement: reiterate what you’re specifically arguing in each paragraph with a clear, concise opening statement.Proof: incorporate sources/research (news articles, literary texts, etc.) to defend the argument you are making.Explanation: justify how your proof supports the stance you’ve taken in the argument, illuminating why your evidence is valid.Synthesis: create 1-2 sentences at the end of your paragraph that fuse your statement, proof, and explanation together in a creative way.Body Paragraph(s) (1 minimum)Addressing potential opposing argumentsYou may either: Concede the validity of an opposing argument by qualifying part or accepting all of it while explaining why your position is stronger, orRefute the opposing argument by stating why it is invalid or weakConclusion Restate your claim/thesisState the significance of your position. How does it affect the future?Make a final emotional appeal (ethos, pathos, logos)Rubric for Argumentative Essay25-2322-2019--1615Thesis StatementThe thesis statement gives the opinion/argument of the author or lets the reader know what the essay is going to be about.Score _____/25Thesis statement is sophisticated and clear. It unequivocally and succinctly expresses the author’s viewpoint. Thesis statement is clear. It unequivocally and succinctly expresses the author’s viewpoint. Sophistication may be lacking. Thesis statement expresses the author’s viewpoint, but may be overly verbose, leaving the reader confused. Thesis statement is unclear, or may use the first-person. Supporting EvidenceSupporting evidence is key in any argumentative or opinion paper/essay. Use examples or proof from the text or outside knowledge to make your points clear and prove that they are correct. Students should make sure that the paper is not mearly quotes or paraphrase from the novel or other sources, but that his/her own words dominate and evidece is used to prove what he/she is saying. Score _____/25All ideas are solidly supported with appropriate evidence from the text. The evidence is incorporated seamlessly into the piece, and is thoroughly analyzed. All ideas are solidly supported using appropriate evidence from the text. The evidence is almost always incorporated seamlessly into the piece, and is generally well analyzed. All ideas are solidly supported using appropriate evidence from the text. The evidence seems “tacked-on” to the piece, and may not be thoroughly analyzed. Some ideas are solidly supported using appropriate evidence from the text, but other ideas may require more evidence. The evidence seems “tacked-on” and is not analyzed. Clarity of WritingStudent communicates effectively in his/her writing. Thoughts are clear, examples are relevant, and ideas are easy to understand. Organization is important for this type of paper.Score _____/25Writing consistently connects back to thesis. The ideas are arranged logically to support the purpose or argument. They flow smoothly from one to another and are clearly linked to each other. The reader can easily follow the line of reasoning.Writing is connected back to thesis statement. The ideas are arranged logically to support the central purpose or argument. They are usually clearly linked to each other. For the most part, the reader can follow the line of reasoning.Writing may not be connected back to thesis statement throughout the piece. In general, the writing is arranged logically, although occasionally ideas fail to make sense together. The reader is fairly clear about what writer intends.Writing is not connected to the thesis statement. The writing is not logically organized. Frequently, ideas fail to make sense together. The reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and losesinterest.Requirements/Neatness/Spelling/Grammar/Final Draft FormatStudent communicates effectively by making sure that grammar and spelling is correct. Also, they have made sure that the requirements are met. Score _____/25All of the requirements were met. The work is neat, entirely free of spelling and grammar errors, and is in final draft format. All of the requirements were met. The work has a few spelling and grammar errors, but they do not interfere with meaning. The work is in final draft format. Most of the requirements were met. The work either has many spelling and grammar errors, or is not neat and in final draft format. Some of the requirements were met. The work has both many spelling and grammar errors, and is not in final draft format. 3200400227330Total Score: ________ = ________ 00Total Score: ________ = ________ ................
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