Essay 2 – Summary and Analysis

 

The Summary/Response and Analysis – 2 page Essay (I expect, at minimum, 2 full pages of text)

Summary and Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and summarize the controversy on which you are focusing.  In other words, detail both sides of the argument, what they believe and why they believe it.  THIS IS STRICTLY AN INFORMATIONAL ASSIGNMENT.  As such, you are not writing an argumentative paper at this point in time.

Invention and Research (i.e., discovering what you’re going to say in this paper)

1. Research controversy/argument.

a. Who is your audience?  Understanding your audience is important in research.  Make sure you identify sources that are credible and worthwhile to you audience.

b. What type of controversy are you writing over?  Understanding your topic is also important in finding research that adequately, factually, and unbiasedly covers your subject.

2. Identify core reasons for both sides. 

a. In general, what is the subject/topic on which you are focused?  Provide only the briefest but most necessary information for me and your classmates to know what you will be discussing.

b. What is the core?

c. What are the opposing viewpoints?

d. Are you able to find adequate support for both sides of the controversy?

3. Think about how you’re going to come across to me and your classmates as a person of good character, good sense, and good will. Here are some tips:

a. Know what you’re talking about. Provide details that show you’ve reflected deeply on your experiences and supply enough evidence to support your reasons.

b. Show regard for your readers. Try to come across as approachable and thoughtful, not arrogant or insensitive.

c. Be careful and meticulous in your writing, not sloppy or disorganized.

d. Make sure that you provide enough information to fully understand your topic/subject/argument.

 

 

Arrangement (i.e., organizing what you’re going to say in this paper)

 

Ultimately, you want to organize your paper in the manner you think will prove most effective with your classmates and I, but here are some general guidelines:

 

· Introduction – Introduce your topic and subject matter.  Thesis: should state your opinion on the main argument? (This might be the same introduction as your previous essay)

· Body Paragraphs – Summary and Response of Controversy

· Body Paragraphs (as many as necessary) – Side A

. Main reason for believing what they believe.

. Main reason for believing what they believe.

. Main reason for believing what they believe.

· Body Paragraphs (as many as necessary) – Side B

. Main reason for believing what they believe.

. Main reason for believing what they believe.

. Main reason for believing what they believe.

· Conclusion

 

Evaluation Criteria

 

	Levels of Achievement
Criteria	Excellent Quality	Very Good Quality	Good Quality	Average Quality	Attempts Basic Standards	Basic Standards NOT met
Title reflects essay topic. Both are interesting and capture reader’s attention.	5 Points	4 Points	3 Points	2 Points	1 Points	0 Points
Introduction: Introduction contains all necessary information.	10 Points	8 Points	6 Points	4 Points	2 Points	0 Points
Thesis: Strong thesis. Thesis is a clear and focused statement.	10 Points	8 Points	6 Points	4 Points	2 Points	0 Points
Organization: Communicates a whole message that strongly stays on topic. There is a clear and logical organization in which features are discussed in an orderly fashion.	15 Points	12 Points	9 Points	6 Points	3 Points	0 Points
Support: Using clear, appropriate examples, explanations and details when necessary.	15 Points	12 Points	9 Points	6 Points	3 Points	0 Points
Major Errors: Demonstrates mastery of sentence structure and major grammar rules such as Run-ons, fragments, and S/V agreement.	15 Points	12 Points	9 Points	6 Points	3 Points	0 Points
Minor Errors: Demonstrates mastery of minor grammar issues such as comma usage and pronouns.	10 Points	8 Points	6 Points	4 Points	2 Points	0 Points
Voice: Clear voice and mature use of vocabulary. Mastery of spelling and word choice.  Clear indication that the audience is being taken into account	10 Points	8 Points	6 Points	4 Points	2 Points	0 Points
Formatting: Follows instructor’s formatting guidelines for this essay type. Times New Roman 12pt, 1000 words, etc	5 Points	4 Points	3 Points	2 Points	1 Points	0 Points
Finished: Points just because you did the assignment and completed all requirements.	5 Points	0 Points	0 Points	0 Points	0 Points	0 Points