Introduction to the Researched Argument Paper
The end product of this assignment will be a fully developed, well-researched
argumentative paper in which you will defend your stance on an issue of importance
to you. To get here, you will complete two separate tasks:
1. An annotated bibliography, in which you will complete initial analysis of
the sources related to your topic, and
2. The researched argumentative paper, in which you will convey your
arguable stance.
The Topic
Your argument will be related in some way to the topics we’ve already covered this
year: language, literacy, education, and/or power. The topic must be both of
importance to you and to a larger audience.
The Process
During this unit, we will:
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Analyze example essays
Brainstorm topics
Craft research questions
Refine research questions
Conduct research
Understand logical fallacies
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Analyze and evaluate sources
Implement MLA formatting
Integrate sources
Develop an arguable thesis
Build a written argument
Peer review
The Purpose
This assignment will help you grow in researching, analyzing information,
synthesizing ideas, and expressing a written argument that could persuade your
reader. It will also guide you in ethically and legally using outside information in
your own work.
Your Researched Argument paper will be the first of three papers submitted in your
portfolio, which makes up the majority of your grade in this class.
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PART ONE: The Annotated Bibliography
You begin the process of writing the persuasive essay by asking a question related to one or
more of the articles we have read this quarter and then using analysis to help you answer this
question. In other words, you will use the annotated bibliography as a tool to help you learn
about and inquire into an issue raised by our reading that you care about personally. Before
you can write persuasively about a topic, you need to learn about the topic-- this written
analysis will provide a way to learn about the topic that you are planning to argue.
Be sure to choose a topic and question that interests you personally, something that is
connected to your own experience and life. We all have experience with at least some of the
issues covered by our readings: language, literacy, education, work, power— think about
something we’ve read that really had an impact on you, and consider what kinds of further
questions you could raise in relation to this reading and your own experience.
Then find texts related to this question or topic that can be analyzed. You could analyze articles,
films, news programs, websites—anything that you think might help you learn more about your
topic.
Your annotated bibliography should be 4-6 pages and include:
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An introduction to the topic (including a discussion of its importance/relevance).
Summary and analysis of at least 5 appropriate sources for the given topic (see below).
A brief concluding synthesis of those sources
Effective Grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and other sentence level strategies.
Your summary and analysis of each source should include an MLA citation (alphabetized) and
the answers to the following questions:
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In what way does this source answer your research question?
What is the claim being made?
In what structure does the author write?
What types of information does the author use?
How might portions of this source be used in your upcoming argument?
(See outline on next page…)
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PART TWO: The Argument Essay
For the next part of this assignment, you will build upon the analysis you have previously
completed, creating a researched argument that focuses on a central claim that is supported by
reasons and evidence. In the analysis paper, you asked questions and then conducted analysis
in order to begin answering that question. Now, you will take a position on the issues raised by
your analysis.
Your paper should be 4-6 pages and:
1. Begin with an introduction that contextualizes and introduces your argument.
2. Offer a unique thesis (likely based on the analysis paper).
3. Use research and credible scholarly evidence to support a unique argument. At least 5
credible sources must be used; at least 1 of those sources needs to be a scholarly text.
4. Develop argument logically and clearly, making sure all claims are proven.
5. Consider and respond to the plausible reactions to your argument in your essay.
6. Raise questions for further study on this topic.
7. Include proper documentation of all outside sources.
8. Logical organization and structure to paper.
9. Incorporate peer and instructor feedback in the final version.
10. Use effective Grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and other sentence level
strategies.
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Portfolio Grade Sheet Examples
Writing Portfolio Coversheet
Checklist
When assembling your portfolio, organize your documents in the following order from top (1)
to bottom (7), including all of your drafts. The earliest draft should be on top with the most
recently revised draft on the bottom.
1. ____ The portfolio coversheet
2. ____ The Reflection Essay assignment sheet
3. ____ All drafts of your Reflection Essay
4. ____ The assignment sheet for your Autobiographical Essay
5. ____ All drafts of your Autobiographical Essay
6. ____ The assignment sheet for your Analysis/Argument Essay
7. ____ All drafts of your Analysis/Argument Essay
NOTE: You may only submit extensively revised material in your portfolio. If your two major
essays (Autobiographical and Analysis/Argument Essays) do not include evidence of revision
beyond sentence level changes, the portfolio will receive a failing score and you will not pass
English 101.
Student initials: ___________ Date: ____________________
Instructor initials: __________ Date: ____________________
Substantial Revision: Yes / No
Portfolio Grade: _______ /_______ Final Course Grade: _______ /__4.0__
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Portfolio Grade Sheet Examples
Analysis/Argument Essay
Rubric
Writing Process
 Use of multiple drafts to develop an idea and add depth throughout the quarter
 Purposeful strategies for idea generation, revision, editing, and proof-reading
 Willingness to consider and apply the suggestions of others
 Edit for control of surface features such as syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Critical Thinking
 Identify a problem or question that is timely and merits addressing
 Contextualize and present a clear thesis
 Use writing for inquiry, learning, thinking, and communicating
 Evaluate, analyze and synthesize a variety of credible sources
 Writer integrates their own ideas with those of others
Rhetorical Strategy
 Clear purpose and focus
 Meet the needs of a specific audience and rhetorical situation
 Adopt appropriate voice, tone, and level of formality
 Use of ethos, logos, and pathos in developing essay
 Effective structure, paragraphing, organization, and transitions
Information Literacy
 Research includes a variety of credible sources, including, primary, secondary, peerreviewed, popular, and/or government sources
 Incorporate information strategically to accomplish the intended purpose, and
integrates source material effectively and in varied ways
 Use information ethically and legally, following MLA formatting
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