Chapter 8
What are the 3 things to consider in a position essay?
Audience, purpose, and rhetorical sensitivity
When writing the author's, write ___
last name, first name, initial
When conducting research, what is our first step?
Know the topic you want to research.
What is the meaning of reading a position essay?
Understand the scope of the issue as well as the response
When writing the second part of a source, write
The title of the article with quotation marks at the beginning and the end.
When conducting research, do we use Wikipedia?
No--nearly never.
Does a strong argument need to present reasons and support for the writer’s position on an issue?
Yes
The third part of the source is ___
Write the name of the site italicized.
What types of information do we use in our research?
scholarly only--peer reviewed
How can you reach out to readers?
By making a concession then going on to point out where you differ.
If there is not an author's name available, use ___
The title of the article with quotation marks.
Where do we search for our research?
Most often the library data base.
In what way should an issue be properly addressed?
An issue should be presented fairly and with credibility.
After the name of the site, write ___
The page numbers.
What is the page length of our research paper?
Five full pages, plus the Works Cited page.
What are some basic requirements of choosing an appropriate controversial topic?
The issue/topic must be controversial, arguable, researchable, and something the writer cares about.
If there is no page numbers available, write ___
N.p.
How long will we have to complete this essay / paper?
Less than four weeks.
When addressing an issue of national concern, what should the writer focus on?
The writer should focus on local or specific aspects.
As we review the MLA process, we will refer to ___
When addressing an issue of national concern, what should the writer focus on?
The writer should focus on local or specific aspects.
What are the 5 basic parts of a position argument?
1) Presentation of the issue 2) Thesis Statement 3) Your most plausible reasons and evidence 4) Concessions or refutation of opposing reasons or objections to your argument 5) A conclusion that reaffirms your position
What should you do when researching your issue
Enter keywords or phrases related to the issue or your position in the search box of an all-purpose database.
If you think your issue had been dealt with by a government agency, explore the state, local, or tribal sections of the government’s official website.
Bookmark or keep a record of the URLs of promising sites
How do you draft a working thesis?
Begin by describing the issue, possibly indicating where others stand on it or what’s at stake, and then saying what you think. p. 344
How do you present the issue?
Why are popular approaches inappropriate or inadequate? Ask yourself: “How can I present the issue effectively”
p. 345