Argument Analysis Research Paper
Honors English 9 – Streitel
25% of marking period grade (paper only)
I.
TASK:
You will analyze an argument of 350 words or more by a published writer in a reputable source. You will identify
the author’s claim(s) and assumptions. You will then analyze the argument based on the three appeals: ethos,
pathos, and logos. You will describe how the author uses each appeal and determine how effective each is. You
will conduct research to verify all facts and statistics by using reputable sources outside of your chosen argument.
Finally, you will reach an overall evaluation of the argument (Strong? Weak? Valid? Invalid?) based on your
previous analyses of each appeal. You will submit your analysis in a 3-4-page, typed, double-spaced paper with
appropriate citations.
II.
REQUIRED ELEMENTS:
Introductory paragraph
- State the author, title, topic, publication, and publication date of the argumentative article.
- State the author’s claim(s).
- State your thesis: This single sentence should preview your main points (ethos, pathos, logos) and
state your overall assessment of the article.
o In “Get a Firearm,” Edward Morrissey appeals strongly to pathos and ethos, but his use of logos is
weak and sometimes invalid, thus creating a weak argument overall for the necessity of firearms.
Ethos paragraph
- Topic sentence with transition
- Analysis of each use of ethos in the article (use criteria on graphic organizer)
o In order to maintain the page requirement for the paper, you may analyze a selection of the uses
of ethos instead of every use (for example, choose two specific uses and analyze those).
- You MUST cite outside sources to verify credentials of authorities in your article. Outside sources
must be reliable based on the criteria discussed in class. Failure to verify sources will indicate that
you have not fully analyzed the ethos in your article and thus will negatively affect your score.
- Clincher that rephrases the topic sentence
Logos paragraph
- Topic sentence with transition
- Analysis of each use of logos in the article (use criteria on graphic organizer)
o In order to maintain the page requirement for the paper, you may analyze a selection of the uses
of logos instead of every use (for example, choose two specific uses and analyze those).
- You MUST cite outside sources to verify facts and statistics in your article. Outside sources must be
reliable based on the criteria discussed in class. Failure to verify sources will indicate that you have
not fully analyzed the logos in your article and thus will negatively affect your score.
- Clincher that rephrases the topic sentence
Pathos paragraph
- Topic sentence with transition
- Analysis of each use of pathos in the article (use criteria on graphic organizer)
o In order to maintain the page requirement for the paper, you may analyze a selection of the uses
of pathos instead of every use (for example, choose two specific uses and analyze those).
- Clincher that rephrases the topic sentence
Conclusion paragraph
- Summarize ethos analysis in 1-2 sentences.
- Summarize logos analysis in 1-2 sentences.
- Summarize pathos analysis in 1-2 sentences.
- State your overall assessment of the argument based on the previous three appeals.
Works Cited page (separate page from the rest of the paper)
- List all sources used and cited in your paper. Follow MLA format as discussed in class and shown on
the library’s website.
- MINIMUM of three sources must be used and cited
Formatting Requirements:
- 3-4 pages plus Works Cited page
- Typed
- Double-spaced
- Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial, 12 pt. font
- See template for specific heading, margin, and title formatting
- Your paper MUST use the provided template and be shared via Microsoft Skydrive by the due date
III.
GRADING: see attached rubric. Rubric MUST BE INCLUDED in final paper as last page.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Lateness = -1 letter grade per day (papers are late if not submitted on time for ANY reason)
length beyond 4 pages or less than 3 pages = -5 per page ;
incorrect formatting = -5 ;
missing citations = 0 (can be redone for maximum 50% credit) ;
missing Works Cited entries = 0 (can be revised for -5 per missing entry) ;
missing Works Cited page = 0 until page is turned in, then late policy applies (- 1 letter grade per
day)
g. incorrect in-text citations = -5 per citation
IV.
SUBMITTING THE PAPER
a. Go to www.skydrive.com
b. Click “Sign Up Now.”
c. Fill in the account information requested on the next page. *Note: You may use ANY email
address for Skydrive, so you do not need to create a new one with Microsoft.
d. Once you are logged in, you will see your home screen.
e. You may click “Create” at the top of the screen to create your document via the Word web app,
or you may create your document in Word offline, and then use the “Upload” button at the top of
the screen to submit your paper. *Recommended method = use Word offline and upload.
i. Note: If you use the Word web app, then you MUST ensure that your paper is correctly
formatted and that a copy of the rubric appears on your last page (after your Works Cited
page). Failure to follow these instructions will result in a penalty on your final paper.
f. Name your document according to the following: Class period number – Your last name
i. Example: “2-Smith” would be the filename for a student in second period with the last
name Smith.
ii. Remember that you can always right-click a document and select “rename” if necessary.
g. Once your paper is complete and ready for submission, right-click your document and select
“Share.”
h. On the sharing screen (above), enter kstreitel@crsd.org into the “To” box. Ensure that “recipients
can edit” is selected, as well. If not, then click that option to change it.
i. You can right-click my email address above and select “copy hyperlink.” Then right-click
in the “To” box in Skydrive and select “paste.”
i. Click “Share” when you are done. Your document is now shared with me. Be sure that you have
shared your document by the due date and time.
i. Please note that ANY changes you make will be reflected in my Skydrive, too, so DO NOT
edit your file after sharing. If you want to view your document after sharing, you can
right-click the file and select “Copy to.” This copy will not be shared with me.
Argument Analysis Paper Rubric
FOCUS
The single
controlling
point made
with an
awareness of
task (mode)
about a
specific topic
10
Sharp, distinct
controlling point
made about a
single topic with
evident
awareness of
task (mode)
10
Name ____________________________
CONTENT
The presence of
ideas developed
through facts,
examples,
anecdotes,
details, opinions,
statistics,
reasons, and/or
explanations
30
Substantial,
specific, and/or
illustrative content
demonstrating
strong
development and
sophisticated
ideas 30
ORGANIZATION
The order developed
and sustained within
and across
paragraphs using
transitional devices
and including
introduction and
conclusion
25
STYLE
The choice, use
and
arrangement of
words and
sentence
structure that
create tone and
voice
15
Sophisticated
arrangement of content
with evident and/or
subtle transitions 25
Precise,
illustrative use of
a variety of
words and
sentence
structures to
create consistent
writer’s voice
and tone
appropriate to
audience 15
Apparent point
made about a
single topic with
sufficient
awareness of
task (mode)
7
Sufficiently
developed content
with adequate
elaboration or
explanation 23
Functional
arrangement of content
that sustains a logical
order with some
evidence of transitions
19
No apparent
point but
evidence of a
specific topic
4
Limited content
with inadequate
elaboration or
explanation 16
Confused or
inconsistent
arrangement of content
with or without
attempts at transitions
13
Superficial and/or
minimal content
7
Minimal control of
content arrangement
7
Minimal
evidence of a
topic
1
_____________ / 100
Generic use of a
variety of words
and sentence
structures that
may or may not
create writer’s
voice and tone
appropriate to
audience 10
Limited word
choice and control of sentence
structures that
inhibit voice and
tone 5
Minimal variety
in word choice
and minimal
control of
sentence
structures 1
CONVENTIONS
The use of
grammar,
mechanics,
spelling, usage,
and sentence
formation.
20
Evident control of
grammar,
mechanics,
spelling, usage and
sentence formation
20
Sufficient control of
grammar,
mechanics,
spelling, usage and
sentence formation
15
Limited control of
grammar,
mechanics, spelling
usage and
sentence formation
10
Minimal control of
grammar,
mechanics, spelling
usage and
sentence formation
5