ENGL 102

Agree/Disagree Paper

Assignment:
This assignment requires you to write a 750 to 1000 word essay that supports the argument
you have chosen for this semester. Your essay should include
1. A thesis sentence that combines your topic with the word “because” to form a more
complete, nuanced claim. For example, if your chosen argument is that Cultural
treasures should not be returned to their homes of origin, you should write a thesis
statement that says: “Cultural treasures should not be returned to their homes of origin
because [3 reasons in parallel structure].”
2. Three (3) reasons that support your thesis. Each reason must
a. Be distinct, while also relating to and/or informing the other reasons
b. Be expressed using a clear topic sentence [i.e. “The first reason why…is that….”]
c. Be developed over the course of a unified paragraph. Each paragraph should
focus on only one (1) reason and should include
i. Topic
ii. Evidence/Examples
iii. Analysis
3. A minimum of three (3) pieces of research that support your thesis, at least one for
each reason/body paragraph. Your research must
a. Come from a minimum of two (2) different types of sources (i.e., databases,
websites, books, etc.)
b. Be properly attributed to the original author using MLA in-text citations.
4. A properly formatted MLA Works Cited page.

Note: This assignment does not require you to write an introduction or conclusion.

Purpose:
Your purpose in this essay is to convince readers to believe and/or do something, or—in the
event that actually persuading your audience seems unlikely—to demonstrate that your
position is thoughtful and well-reasoned. This means that your writing should demonstrate
critical thinking, logical reasoning, and sensitivity to your audience’s values and viewpoints.
Your argument must also be supported by convincing and reliable source material that you
have gathered through research.

Audience:
For the purposes of this essay, assume your audience to be university educated, socially aware
adults who are relatively familiar with your topic. If you mention a detail that you consider to
be beyond the scope of an educated person’s general knowledge, supply some brief
background information so that your audience understands the basis of your statement. While
you may assume that your audience is receptive to your claim, you should be aware that they
may not agree with your evaluation or conclusions. Use the specialized knowledge you gain
through your research to convince them that your position is valid.

Formatting:
Your final draft must be in MLA Manuscript Format, which means that it must have 1-inch top,
bottom, right and left margins; be double spaced and set in 12pt. Times New Roman font; and
include running headers with last name and page numbers, as well as a MLA compliant title
block on the first page (no title page).

Evaluation:
You will be evaluated according to the criteria listed on the grading rubric attached to this
assignment.

Due Dates:

First Draft:
By 5 PM, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018
a) Paper copy to me
b) Electronic copy to Turnitin.com
Late papers will be penalized according to the policy outlined in the course syllabus.

Conferences (First Draft Returned):

Week 7 (Feb. 26 & 28)

Peer Review (In Class—Graded Assignment):

Monday, March 5, 2018

Final Draft:
By 5 PM, Wednesday, March 7, 2018
a) Electronic copy to Blackboard
b) Electronic copy to Turnitin.com
Late papers will be penalized according to the policy outlined in the course syllabus.