Name:
EN54
Argument Paragraph
Peer OR Self Edit
Checklist
Information to check in your paragraph:
Perfect
Needs
Work
Many
Errors
Failing
Content/Topic:
S1) Topic sentence fits the prompt and provides a
claim I will prove.
S2) I have an introduction to my first example.
S3) I “quoted” a specific example from the text.
S4-5) I explained this example or made a comment
about it in one to two sentences.
S6) I wrote a “transition” sentence that leads into my
next example.
S7) I have an introduction to my second example.
S8) I “quoted” a specific example from the text.
S9-10) I explained this example or made a comment
about it in one to two sentences.
S11-12) I wrote a one or two sentence conclusion.
Counterclaim - The counterclaim was referenced or addressed in the
response (usually this is in S1 and/or S11-12)
The counterclaim appeared in S_____
Conventions:
Each “quotation” has the correct parenthetical citation at the end of it.
Used ____ source(s) in paragraph.
MLA
Standard in-text Citing
1. If the prompt is based on only one article:
option A - (page #).
Example (3).
(NOTE - option A flows best if the author’s name and article title have been mentioned in the response prior to the citation)
option B - (author’s last name page #).
Example (Jones 3).
2. If the prompt is based on two or more articles:
option A - (author’s last name page #)
Example (Peters 2).
option B - (page #)
Example (2)
(NOTE - option B ONLY works if the author and article title have been mentioned within the paragraph where the citation is
made AND no other author or article is referred to in that paragraph)
3. If the prompt is based on a website or an on-line article:
(Note - If an author and/or article page numbers are included, follow the directions in #s 1 and 2)
options A - use the author’s last name if an author is provided - (author’s last name)
Example - (Mathews)
option B - use the name/title of the internet site if no author is listed - (title of site)
Example - (Jazz On-line)
Citations in the Paper
Using Sources Within your Paper:
Here are some examples of how to use for facts, statistics, and expert opinion in the paper. You need to
make sure you give proper credit. Watch how the citation in the text works. The bold sentences are the quotes and
paraphrases and citations.
Paraphrase:
Anyone watching the news in recent months knows that the fast food industry has become under
attack. There have been several attempts to sue the fast food industry for causing obesity and the health problems
associated with it. According to Judge Sweet, who recently ruled in favor of the fast food industry, more that
$110 billion is spent on fast food each year (Appleson 2). No wonder, then, that the fast food industry is the next
victim of tobacco-type lawsuits.
Indirect Quote:
Someone might argue that individuals need to make the choice not to eat fatty fast food. But as Kelly
Brownell, director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders, says, “[H]umans are hard-wired to
prefer rich diets, high in fat, sugar, and variety” (Spake and Marcus 1). Our bodies, then, are naturally driven to
want the food that fast food restaurants are offering, and it is difficult for many people to go against their nature and
avoid eating fast food.
Direct Quote:
Fast food is causing an epidemic of obesity. And obesity is causing an epidemic of related health problems,
such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, and heart problems. According to Amanda Spake and Mary
Brophy Marcus’s article, “A Fat Nation,” a “man with 22 extra pounds has a 75 percent greater chance of
having a heart attack than one at a healthy weight” (1). It is not merely the extra weight, which fast food eaters
carry, that is a danger, but as research shows, “eating too many high-fat foods contributes to high blood
cholesterol levels. This can cause hardening of the arteries, coronary heart disease and stroke” (“Fast Food
Facts” 1). And of course, fast food restaurants have a high fat menu.
Notes:

If the author is mentioned in the sentence, such as the first direct quote, then you do not have to use the
author’s last name inside the parentheses.

If the author is not mentioned in the sentence, then you must use the author’s last name and page
number in the citation.

No commas in the parentheses. No use of the word “page,” or the letters “p.” or “pg.” to indicate page. Use
only the number- (23) or (Last Name 23).

Period for the sentence goes after the citation (parentheses).

Use [brackets] to indicate changes you made to the author’s words or capitalization. See example above in
“Indirect Quote.”