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Paper Two: Requirements and Rubric  
The point of our essays is to demonstrate an understanding of coursework that students exemplify by using class readings, videos, and lecture concepts in MLA Classical Argument Format, adding personal experience to help connect to and sway the audience, and using the ECC Library Database to incorporate credible, scholarly research into the class concepts learned. No outside research. 
Make sure you understand how this will be graded in Rubric below!
At ENGL 1C  level, get feedback at the Writing CenterLinks to an external site., as this is “our test” to see if students read through the review Lectures on essay writing, skills that they should have achieved in Composition, which is the course before this one. 😊 The Refutation is also the new component of this class, which is required. 
Upload here as a doc file, on-time, so it can promptly go through scanning. Be sure you check that it uploaded. Remember, this and all assignments are also scanned for AI. 
ENGL Required Essay #2: Our World
Pick one of the prompts (below) and argue directly with your thesis and your entire paper.
Support to be used from directly quoting class sources, the ECC Library Database, and then your direct personal experiences. No outside research. 
Fully analyze and explain quotes/support.
Be sure to create a new, original essay that includes ideas and terms we have studied. No generalized papers will be accepted. Adhere to what we have studied. Our essays should be a reflection of what we learned, the database, and your personal experience. 
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Essay Prompt Choices (pick one):
What have you seen or experienced that indicates whether we are living in  dystopian times, or not? Pick one side. Include your own experiences. 
Argue how sublime experience is possible by how you personally tap into the sublime, or reach a sublime state.
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Important Requirements:
MLA Format: remember to format your name, class, date, title, etc. Your last name and page number must be in the upper right-hand corner of all pages. This assignment must be in Times New Roman, and double-spaced throughout; do not skip spaces in-between. Indent new paragraphs. Come up with a creative title that has appropriate cap rules. Review Canvas “Pages” Lectures for complete set-up. To attempt to pass, this assignment is a 5-7-page minimum (cannot be under 5 pages to meet course SLO deemed by the college) in Classical Argument Essay Structure.
Thesis: have a clear, connected thesis statement at the end of your introductory paragraph. Your thesis must relate to the above assignment and tie together what your entire paper is about. Remember to stick to your thesis statement throughout; do not wander off topic. Make sure that all of your opinions, critical thinking, examples, and quotes/paraphrases relate to the thesis. Remember, a thesis has the main idea and then the comment (why; the body becomes why).
➢ Quote Requirements:
Have at least five different directly quoted sources. You can always have more.
Please cite the author (if not placed within your sentence) and the page number where the quote was found.
Quotes are used to back-up your point, so make sure that they support your thesis/topic sentence.
At least three must be from class material and two from the database (review “Pages” for database). Also, add an abundance of personal examples to make your argument relatable/convincing to your audience. 
A properly formatted Works Cited is required and not part of the page count.
Do your own critical thinking to EXPLAIN the point of your quotes. Do not depend on a quote to analyze an idea for you. Set up quotes appropriately with some power. Do not create “floating quotations.” 
➢ Required MLA Essay Format:
An introductory paragraph with a “hook,” full summary, and end with thesis having the main idea, and the “comment” (why). The reasons why become your body/topic sentences.
You must have directly connected topic sentences to start each body paragraph. Supporting quotes also go in the body only. A refutation paragraph (one paragraph right before conclusion) where you counter those who disagree with your thesis. Be careful to not agree with the opposition. Add expert support for your side.
Create a concluding paragraph that meaningfully ties your argument together and “echoes” your strong points, reinforcing the argument. Do not include new ideas, but you can offer solutions or do “a look to the future.” Create a powerful ending sentence.
See “Pages” on Canvas if you need to review structure again. 
Cohesion: be concise! Sentence order builds to create one overall idea per body paragraph. All sentences also need to relate/connect logically, creating connected, unified ideas. Try using a few transitional words/phrases in-between sentences. Basic skills reminder: we would never start a paragraph with a transition, and we always use a comma after a transition.
Mechanics: grammar, clarity, sentence structure, and punctuation are necessary. Avoid fragments or incomplete sentences, run-ons, etc. Tutoring/The Writing Center are recommended.
IMPORTANT AI/Plagiarism Reminder: Be sure your work is your own. Thanks.
I am in your corner and rooting for you! 😊  See Grading Rubric.
Rubric
Argument Essay Rubric
Argument Essay Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction
The introduction has an adequate hook, is fully developed with sufficient background material (no supporting quotes), and ends with an effectively connected thesis statement. The thesis is not oversimplified in idea, yet it is concise in sentence structure. The introduction is both compelling and unified.
10 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody Paragraphs
Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence that directly links to one of the thesis reasons. The body begins with the strongest idea, containing support also directly connected to topic sentences that back-up the thesis. This discussion is directly tied to the main argument. It is balanced and fully developed. Critical thinking is evident in the body’s argument.
There is an ending Refutation as the last body paragraph that does not agree with the opposite side, but counters it convincingly with expert support.
10 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion
The conclusion ties up all points meaningfully, echoes the thesis statement, and creates a feeling of ending, without introducing new material. It may do a “look to the future” or offer solutions. There is a powerful ending sentence.
10 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis Statement
The thesis statement is clear and concise. It has the main idea (stance) and the “comment” (why). The essay connects to the thesis overall. It directly answers the prompt. It is not oversimplified. Complexity in idea, cogency, creativity/originality is evident.
10 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEvidence and Support
Evidence is sufficient, accurate/appropriate, and integrated effectively. Examples are given. Claims are supported; resource material is analyzed/elaborated upon. The critical thinking on the material is effective and compelling. All evidence supports the topic sentences/thesis. The required database, class materials, and personal examples are used. Support is cited correctly.
20 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics of English
Sentence form, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics are accurate. The essay has strong voice and makes sense overall. The argument effectively comes across. Critical thinking is clear enough to do the job of convincing.
20 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA
The essay itself, In-text Citations, and Works Cited page are in proper MLA format. Quotes/Paraphrases are correctly documented in MLA format and match the Works Cited entries. Credibility is evident.
20 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
20 pts
Total Points: 100
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Mod 1 Assignment
Directions:
Choose one article about a topic of your choice (see the Mod 1 Announcement for more info), preferably an opinionated article from a reputable mainstream news source. Post a link to your article and discuss the following (based on the What is an Argument PPTs  and Exigence, Claims, Reasons, and Evidence PPTs):
Purpose (what is the article/argument trying to accomplish):
Exigence (the problem requiring communication):
Specific Audience (the person or group that needs to hear the argument to make the change):
Context (time, place, genre/publication, and situation of argument):
Constraints (limiting factors of the argument):
Claim (Main Idea of the argument):
Reasons (usually 2 to 4 main points of argument):
Evidence (Grounds/Expert Testimony or Data/Statistical Facts):

Open a blank Word or Google Doc and create a heading that includes your name, the course/instructor, the date, and the title of the assignment (Personal Reflection). 
Write a three paragraph reflection using the structure below. In the first paragraph, discuss WHAT you learned in this course (writing/communication/critical thinking skills, knowledge of facts, academic skills, etc.) and what assignments or activities really emphasized that learning.  The assignments and activities we did that should be included were kahoots that taught us about complex, compouns, and simple sentences, we also interacted with our classmates by proofreading eachothers essays.  We created powerpoints that taught us about rules in writing such as cliches and idioms . In the second paragraph, discuss SO WHAT? In other words, why do these skills matter (or how will you make them matter)? In the third paragraph, discuss NOW WHAT? How will you use these skills in the future? How will you navigate your coursework, new experiences, the world, etc. differently now? . 
Be as specific as possible! Name specific assignments, texts, activities, discussions, etc. that had an impact on your learning. Be honest. Be thorough. Be clear. Give yourself credit for the strides you have made, and acknowledge the areas where you may still have room to grow. Aim for equal parts description, expression, and analysis. 
Please use 12 pt. font (Times New Roman) and double-space.