project 2 : Article Counter-Argument
project 2 : Article Counter-Argument
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final draft Due in module 9
final draft Due in module 9
Assignment Overview:
In this essay project, students will be provided several options of articles to read, annotate, and analyze by the instructor. Once students choose their article, they will identify the main argument(s) of the text and develop a counter-argument in essay form. The writer will identify strong points made by the author and directly argue against those points. Students will support their own argument with outside sources and their own discussion of their point.
Writer’s essays should be between 1,200-1,500 words, include at least three quotes from the original text, and reference at least 2 outside sources as well. This essay must be submitted in proper MLA format with a works cited page listing the original article and any outside sources used/referenced to develop the counter-argument. Students must also submit the article they chose with thorough annotations.
Students will earn a complete on this assignment by:
Reading and annotating an article (options below)
Submit annotated article
Researching the topic
Developing a counter-argument (an argument against the author)
Identifying points made by the author and directly arguing against them
Writing an argumentative essay meeting the minimum requirements:
1,200-1,500 words
At least 3 quotes from the original article
Include at least 2 outside sources
Parenthetical citations
MLA format
Works Cited page with your sources in MLA format
If students earn an incomplete, I will provide feedback on what needs to be revised in order to earn a complete. The student will have one month from receiving instructor feedback to revise and resubmit as many times as needed to earn a complete.
Step 1: Choose an Article
Step 1: Choose an Article
Students may choose one of the following articles to read and annotate. Remember you are arguing against this article so you might prefer choosing an article that makes an argument you disagree with. If you're looking for a personal challenge, you might choose an article you do agree with and push yourself to develop the opposing argument!
Students may choose one of the following articles to read and annotate. Remember you are arguing against this article so you might prefer choosing an article that makes an argument you disagree with. If you're looking for a personal challenge, you might choose an article you do agree with and push yourself to develop the opposing argument!
(against the death penalty)
(against the death penalty)
**Note: This is a TED talk but you can pull up the transcript and annotate that.
Step 2: Annotate your article
Step 2: Annotate your article
The second part of this assignment requires you to annotate your text. You are analyzing the text to identify the main argument and supporting points the author uses to persuade their audience. Pay attention to weaknesses in the article's arguments - remember you will be identifying their points and aruging against them.
Your annotations should identify:
Who is making the argument? Is it the author speaking (first person) or in third person?
Who is the intended audience for this text?
What is the argument the text is making?
What points does the author use to support their argument? Indentify those by highlighting or underlining and labeling as "main ideas."
Identify and label examples of evidence the author uses to persuade their audience.
Does the author identify counter-arguments (points that someone who disagrees with them might make)? If so, identify those as well.
You can highlight/underline terms, phrases, or sentences but try not to cover too much of the text, only the most important points.
Use a pen or pencil to annotate in the margins. This is where you can write your own thoughts/reactions/observations to what is being discussed in the article, ask questions, identify key terms, etc.
step 3: essay Outline
step 3: essay Outline
Once you have identified various arguments within the text, start planning the counter-argument. How will you argue against the authors point?
The next step is to begin outlining your essay. I’ll be looking to see if you are making a clear argument against the article and supporting it. Choose three points the author makes in their argument and directly argue against those. Even if the author makes more than three points, due to the limited word count, I recommend you choose just three to address.
Below is a sample outline for you to follow. You can copy and paste this outline and fill it in based on your content. Remember that your outline should be in bullet points only, it should not be a full draft of your essay.
I will specifically be looking for your thesis, quotes from the article, and main ideas. The required elements of your outlined are highlighted. You are encouraged to also bullet point your discussion but I do need to at least see the thesis, main ideas, and quotes.
Sample Outline:
- Intro
- summarize article and main argument
- guide reader to the 'other side' of the argument
- thesis (your counter-argument to the article)
- Body paragraph 1:
- Main idea from the article (with citation - can be directly quoted or paraphrased):
- Your main idea (arguing against it):
- multiple supporting points to help your argument
- Body paragraph 2:
- Main idea from the article (with citation - can be directly quoted or paraphrased):
- Your main idea (arguing against it):
- multiple supporting points to help your argument
- Body paragraph 3:
- Main idea from the article (with citation - can be directly quoted or paraphrased):
- Your main idea (arguing against it):
- multiple supporting points to help your argument
- Conclusion
- Restate your thesis
- Summarize your main points
- Concluding statement
Instructor Example of Partially Completed Outline:
Thesis: In the article, "6 Reasons Why You Should Attend a 4-Year University" by Bob Smith, the author argues that a 4-year university is the best option after high school. However, I believe attending community college is a much wiser decision.
- Main idea from the article (with citation - can be directly quoted or paraphrased):
- Smith states, "Going to a 4-year university gives students the opportunity to make friends and connections for their future."
- Your main idea (arguing against it):
- However, I believe college aged students can make friends in many different environments, not just in college.
- Main idea from the article (with citation - can be directly quoted or paraphrased):
- The article goes on to say, "Attending a university is a wise financial decision."
- Your main idea (arguing against it):
- A 4-year university can result in thousands of dollars in student loans, which can be crippling to many citizens after so many years. Community college is a much more affordable option for an equal or better education.
- Main idea from the article (with citation - can be directly quoted or paraphrased):
- Your main idea (arguing against it):
Step 4 - Rough Draft
Step 4 - Rough Draft
The outlining part of your essay takes the most work. Once you’ve completed your outline and received instructor feedback on it, you will take each section and develop them into full paragraphs. You will submit your rough draft for peer feedback and provide feedback to two of your classmates.
In your rough draft, you want to make sure each of the main ideas you choose from the text are directly quoted or paraphrased in one or two sentences. Most of your paragraph, though, should be your discussion of why this point is inaccurate. You should use a brief quote from an outside source within the paragraph to support YOUR argument as well.
The support of your argument within your body paragraphs is the most important part!
Once you receive instructor feedback on your outline, you can begin drafting your rough draft. Keep these in mind:
Your rough draft should be as close to a final product as you can get
Ensure you are developing a counter-argument (an argument against the author)
Identifying points made by the author and directly arguing against them
Writing an argumentative essay meeting the minimum requirements:
1,200-1,500 words
At least 3 quotes from the original article (recommend one per paragraph) with a parenthetical citation in MLA format
Include at least 2 outside sources (can be directly quoted or paraphrased)
Parenthetical citations
MLA format
Works Cited page with the original article and your outside sources in MLA format
You will submit your rough draft through Canvas for peer feedback. The more complete your letter is, the better feedback you will receive. Your goal should be to submit a draft that feels like your final draft, as complete as possible. However, if you just were not able to complete your rough draft in the set time line, it's best to submit whatever you have so you can engage in peer feedback rather than skip that step altogether. Not providing and receiving peer feedback will impact your final grade in the class so submit what you have!
Step 5 - Final Draft
Step 5 - Final Draft
You will take the feedback you received from your peers and make final revisions and edits to your draft, ensuring you have a strong essay. You will submit your final draft in Word/PDF format through Canvas.
Revisions - Reworking your ideas, attention to paragraph and essay format, ensure quotes are relevant
Editing - MLA formatting, punctuation, spelling, grammar
Final Draft Check List
1,200-1,500 words
At least 3 quotes from the original article (recommend one per paragraph) with a parenthetical citation in MLA format
Include at least 2 outside sources (can be directly quoted or paraphrased)
Parenthetical citations
MLA format
Works Cited page with the original article and your outside sources in MLA format
Final draft has undergone revisions from the rough draft
English Center
Remember that if you're working toward an A grade, I highly recommend you need to work with an English center tutor at least twice during the semester. You can meet with them in person or on Zoom. Please provide me with proof of attendance. I highly recommend you take your rough draft to the English center for another round of feedback before submitting your final draft.
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