Final Paper Writing: What Matters To You For The Past Three
Final Paperwriting What Matters To Youfor The Past Three Essays You
For your final essay, you will choose one of the three forms we have used—narrative, argument, or analysis—and write a new essay on a topic of your choice. You will first submit a proposal comprising a 500-word explanation that includes: which essay form you chose and why; your selected topic, your personal connection to it, and, if applicable, a brief description of related creative or social issues; your target audience and its relevance; and a tentative thesis statement. This proposal serves to guide your development and allows for feedback before the full essay. Due dates for peer review and final submission will be provided.
If you select the argumentation option, your essay should persuade a specific audience on a social issue meaningful to you, established by a personal connection such as your career goals or personal experience. The scope must be appropriate for a five-page paper, excluding broad topics like global warming or legalization debates, which require extensive research. Your argument must incorporate ethos, pathos, and logos, reference at least three credible external sources, and include at least two counterarguments with rebuttals. The essay must follow MLA formatting, include a works cited page, and avoid narrative style unless using personal examples sparingly. First-person pronouns are permissible but should be used judiciously; avoid the word “you” when referring to general individuals.
Paper For Above instruction
The final assignment invites you to draw upon your understanding of narrative, argument, and analysis by crafting a compelling essay on a topic you care about. The initial step is to develop a proposal outlining your chosen essay form, the subject matter, your connection to it, your intended audience, and a tentative thesis. This preparatory step ensures clarity and allows for constructive feedback, shaping your eventual final draft.
If you opt for an argumentative approach, your essay should aim to persuade a specific audience regarding a social issue that resonates with you personally. This connection adds credibility and sincerity to your argument, whether rooted in your career aspirations, personal experiences, or those of close contacts. The scope of your argument must be manageable within five pages, requiring precise focus and credible evidence. Incorporating ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) strengthens your persuasive power.
Your argument must be supported by at least three external sources that are credible, relevant, and properly cited within the text and on the works cited page. Including at least two counterarguments demonstrates a balanced perspective, and rebuttals provide your critical analysis against opposing views. The use of first-person pronouns can be appropriate but should be limited to personal examples that complement, not substitute, external evidence.
Additionally, the essay must adhere to MLA formatting standards, including a properly formatted works cited page. Care should be taken to avoid broad or overly ambitious topics that require extensive research beyond the scope of a five-page paper.
In sum, this final project asks you to synthesize your skills and interests into a focused, persuasive, and well-supported essay that expresses what matters most to you, effectively communicating with a chosen audience, and demonstrating your mastery of academic writing techniques.
References
- Aristotle. (2007). On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Oxford University Press.
- Cialdini, R. B. (2009). Influence: Science and Practice. Allyn & Bacon.
- Harris, R. (2010). Argumentation and Critical Decision Making. Pearson Education.
- McGee, M. C. (1990). The “Ideograph”: A Link Between Rhetoric and Ideology. The Quarterly Journal of Speech, 76(1), 1-16.
- Perelman, C., & Olbrechts-Tyteca, L. (2001). The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press.
- Plantinga, C. (1997). Rhetorical Education and Critical Thinking. Routledge.
- Toulmin, S. (2003). The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press.
- Walzer, M. (2004). Arguing About War. Yale University Press.
- Wilkinson, T. (2002). Argumentation and Critical Thought. Routledge.
- Zarefsky, D. (2014). Public Speaking: Strategies for Success. Pearson Education.