Final Examination, WR090
Final In-Class Writing Assessment
Short Argumentative Response-Essay: “Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?”
100 points
Assignment Description
Read “Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?” and decide whether or not you agree with Mark Bittman
that junk food is not cheaper than home-made or organic food.

If you disagree with Bittman’s main idea (thesis), write a short essay arguing that junk
food is not cheaper. Follow the directions for writing the essay.

If you agree with Bittman’s main idea (thesis), read the following quote from the article
and select one question that you would like to respond to. Then write a short essay in
which you argue for or against one of the three solutions listed below.
“The … appeal of hyper-processed foods has largely drowned out the alternatives: there are five
fast-food restaurants for every supermarket in the United States; in recent decades the adjustedfor-inflation price of fresh produce has increased by 40 percent while the price of soda and
processed food has decreased by as much as 30 percent; and nearly inconceivable resources go
into encouraging consumption in restaurants: fast-food companies spent $4.2 billion on
marketing in 2009.”
Select one solution from the following list and write an argument in favor of the solution:
1. Reduce corn subsidies
2. Enact a soda tax on sugary beverages
3. Incorporate cooking and food classes into the curriculum of every school in the
country “to get people to see cooking as a joy rather than a burden, or at least as
part of a normal life.
You will write an argument of three to four paragraphs for your final examination. You will have one
hour and thirty minutes to write this paper, but if you need more time, please know that I will allow you
up to two hours to complete the final. If you have another final exam right after this exam and you think
you may need more than 90 minutes to complete the exam, please speak with me immediately so I can
arrange for you to have extra time.
Your Introductory Paragraph
Your introductory paragraph will explain why your reader should care about the question addressed by
Mark Bittman in his essay, “Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?”
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Your introductory paragraph will end with your thesis statement, which is a statement of your stand on
the question. Your thesis should be normative, and because you do not really have an abundant
amount of time to craft fancy wording, you would do well simply to use “should,” “ought to,” or “need
to” in your thesis statement. Your thesis statement may be composed of either one or two sentences.
Strive to use concession (“although,” “even though,” “though,” and “while”) when you express your
thesis statement.
Your 1-2 Body Paragraphs
Your body paragraphs will each be controlled by a strong topic sentence, that is, a clear statement of a
reason in support of your thesis statement. Your discussion will use well-developed and supported
arguments in which you acknowledge other points of view. Your paragraphs will be unified and you will
carefully identify any sources you use when you paraphrase or quote another writer, or when you use
someone else’s ideas. You will, of course, use quotation marks whenever you directly quote another
writer.
Your Concluding Paragraph
Your concluding paragraph will summarize your major points and briefly restate the thesis.
Directions for Writing Your Essay
A. Preparing the Argument

Plan to spend at least the first 30 minutes in pre-writing activities.

Begin by reviewing the Bittman article (“Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?”).

Then, in order to bring clarity to your writing, and get the job done quickly (within the time
constraints) make two lists of reasons, one pro and the other con. Feel free to use your
own experience and consult your common sense when drafting these arguments, pro and
con.

Brainstorm, if you want to do so, to formulate a thesis statement about what you really
want to argue. Make sure that your thesis a normative statement, not a question. List from
two to three major reasons in support of your thesis.

Identify your major support for your argument by listing supportive explanations and
examples for each reason. Keep track of your sources as you do so! This will save you a
great deal of time in the end.

Outline your essay by either using the Blueprint for Argumentative Essays or a detailed idea
map.
B. Writing the First Draft

Begin by assigning your paper a working title.
Mt. Hood Community College
Mary Kelly-Klein, Instructor, WR090
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
Then, you may next write either your body paragraphs or your introduction (if you really
know what you want to say). Use your blueprint, outline, or idea map when you write.

Make sure that you properly cite your sources in your paper by placing your source’s last
name in parenthesis after the sentence in which the quote or paraphrase appears.
Remember, you must set off all direct quotes with quotation marks, clearly cite the source,
and you must cite all paraphrasing. Make sure that you give credit to those who originate
the ideas you use: Cite your sources. If you need help, ask!

Examine your paper to make sure that you have discussed at least one or two arguments
counter to the ones you advance. Remember, in argumentative essays it is essential that
you briefly discuss counter-arguments to your own arguments. Have you acknowledged
these counter-arguments by using concession?
C. Revision

Carefully re-read your work, examining it for clarity, unity, and idea flow. When you do so,
apply the rubric that I will use to score your paper.

Have you explained your ideas so that someone not familiar with the topic can understand
and follow them? Yes, you can work with another student!

Read each sentence and ask yourself if it should be combined with the sentence before or
after it. If so, use a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), a conjunctive adverb (words like
therefore, moreover), or a subordinating conjunction (because, which) to combine these
sentences.

Did you use transitional phrases and words (on the other hand, on the contrary, therefore,
in conclusion, to begin with, etc.) to signal to your reader when you are shifting from one
perspective or another or when you are making a conclusion?

Have you supported your ideas with facts, expert opinions, and examples?

Did you acknowledge other arguments or points of view in your paper?

Underscore or highlight areas of your paper you might want to revise or rewrite. Rewrite
them.

Then rewrite your paper from the top down in order to re-establish the flow of your ideas.
Double-space.
D. Proofreading
Carefully proofread your paper for spelling, homophone, punctuation, capitalization and other
errors. Use the proofreading tools we practiced using this term.
Mt. Hood Community College
Mary Kelly-Klein, Instructor, WR090
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Celebrate Your Success!
Turn in your paper and celebrate your success!
Resources
Please use your Cornell notes and your previous work in the course as your major resources. I am open
to answering your questions and providing guidance. Otherwise, I expect you to work quietly and
independently.
Please take care to cite all sources in the text of your essay. This includes both direct quotes and
paraphrasing.
Grades and Returning Your Work
I will post your grades on the web by Monday, December 19th, if not sooner. Please do retrieve your
final essay and any other materials I still have next term.
Have a lovely and restful break—
And keep in touch!
Mt. Hood Community College
Mary Kelly-Klein, Instructor, WR090