Coleman 06

English 1B Essay #3: Social Issue Researched Argument & Oral Presentation

Webster defines social as relating to human society; thus, a social issue can be any situation, problem, or outcome that affects society whether it be the small scale society such as family, college, or city or the large scale society such as the country or world. In brainstorming topics, you might browse through Hatchs essays as there are many with societal topics that could help you narrow your initial topic including such subjects as education, pets, euthanasia, consumerism, copy right law, violence, cheating, etc. Or you might choose a topic related to your major or personal interests. As a researched argumentative essay, this must have prevailing debatable claim/s with examples to prove the claim/s. This could include asserting the issue is a problem to be dealt with, providing a solution, or even changing current policy or laws. You MUST take an explicit stance in this essay. Another aspect of argumentation is oral presentation; as such, you will be required to present your paper in a short (6-8 minute) in-class presentation. A visual aid of some sort is required for this presentation. This visual aid could include a handout with relevant information, a power point presentation, a poster, an overhead transparency, or even information written on the board. Assignment Particulars The Essay: In a 5 to 6 page research essay make an argument about a social issue. Argument MUST include 5 academic sources. The essay MUST include appropriate argumentative essay structure, logical progression of claims and proof, correctly documented exemplification, academic vocabulary, correct grammar, and appropriate MLA format. Counterargument MUST be included.

Coleman 06

English 1B

You MUST submit a hard copy, soft copy, and oral presentation to receive full credit. The Oral Presentation: You MUST present your presentation in your assigned time slot to receive credit. Presentation MUST include a visual aid as well as spoken presentation. Presentations under or over required time limits will be result in lower grades. Assignment Steps and Due Dates 1. Choose a topic and formulate a working hypothesis or claim: DUE Tuesday 11/7 2. Based on your initial ideas, start researching your argument. Find minimum of 5 appropriate academic sources (7 maximum). CLASS MEETS AT LIBRARY THURSDAY 11/9 3. Complete annotative bibliography with 5 sources. DUE Tuesday 11/14 4. Thesis and Essay Outline. Due Thursday 11/16 5. Rough Draft Day: Class will be spent working on draft. I encourage you to attend and will be available to discuss your draft with you; however, class attendance is not mandatory this day. Draft Day Tuesday 11/21 Note: Thursday 11/23 is Thanksgiving Holiday- - NO CLASS. 6. Final Draft Hard Copy: Due Tuesday 11/28 7. Final Draft Soft Copy Due posted to blackboard or emailed by midnight 11/28. Late Soft Copies will adversely affect your grade. 8. Sign up for Presentation Time/Date. Tuesday 11/28 Students absent on this day will be assigned a day/time. 9. In-Class Presentations: Tuesday 12/5 & Thursday 12/7 Other Important Dates Final Essay: Revision of Essay # 2 or # 3 DUE last day of regular instruction: Thursday 12/7. Final Extra Credit homework: DUE last day of regular instruction: Thursday 12/7 FINAL EXAM: STARTS 10:15 AM, THURSDAY 12/14