Assignment 4 – Counterargument Essay
For this assignment, you will write a critical response essay based on your counterargument outline from Assignment 3. Your essay will be a counterargument against the thesis you have identified, and you will present a more convincing contrary argument.
General Requirements:
1. Your essay should be minimum 4 pages of text (1200 words), double-spaced, using a size 12 typeface with 1 inch margins.
2. Begin with an introduction paragraph, with your thesis statement as the last sentence. End with a conclusion and append a Works Cited page. After your introduction, include a one paragraph summary of the position you are arguing against.
3. As with Assignment 3, you must cite two or more other sources in support of your argument; more is often better, as it demonstrates you have considered multiple points of view.
See the lecture notes on “Writing an Essay from an Outline” on Blackboard for a breakdown of how to complete the Introduction, conclusion, and analysis paragraphs.
A superior essay will demonstrate the following:
• Thesis Statement is a clear, specific, and falsifiable position.
• Assignment is logically organized and unified; the logical connection between content and Thesis Statement is clear.
• Text content on which the analysis is based is accurately interpreted.
• Language is clear, accurate, concise, and creative.
• Language and tone are audience- and purpose-appropriate.
• Quotations and paraphrases from sources are effectively and seamlessly integrated.
• Sentences are varied and engaging.
Other Tips for a successful Essay:
• Since the essay is quite short, avoid using block quotes. In order to control voice, break up large blocks of text into sentences, and explain thoroughly how the evidence you have found supports your conclusion.
• Arrange your points of evidence with what you think are your strongest points later, as it leaves the reader with your best points in mind.
• Ensure all paragraphs contain topic sentences and end with concluding sentences that restate the thesis.
• Use both direct and indirect citation (effective can be found in “Using Sources” lecture notes)
• When choosing sources to support your argument, first ensure they are reliable, not obviously biased, and that they support their arguments with objective evidence. It is not recommended that you use Wikipedia, although you can find the sources to which Wikipedia is linked.
