In MLA or APA format (you choose), write a 5-6 page Toulmin Method argument essay (at least 4 full pages of text minimum) with 8 sources (you cannot use more than 8 sources) to support your approved claim/thesis. The extra length added to this essay is to accommodate for the larger visual sources. The topic must come from the thematic unit “Consumerism” or “American Dream,” but it must be controversial in nature in order present an argument. Support your claim with evidence/grounds (personal experience, observations, facts/ quotes/ statistics, etc.), followed with warrants. Use the rhetorical situation to establish audience, tone and purpose. You should write a minimum of 4 full pages of text BEFORE adding any research to your essay.
Introduction (5-6 sentences in length):
Identify your issue and capture the attention of your audience by opening with a vivid example, dramatic anecdote (story), memorable quotation, or fact/statistic; perhaps it is necessary to provide some historical background for your audience. Incorporate any information you think the audience needs to know to fully understand the issue. End the introduction with a strong thesis statement that clearly states your position on the issue.
Body paragraphs (three paragraphs/each paragraph should be 8-12 sentences in length):
Use strong sub-claims/topic sentences that point back to the claim to make your argument. Use your outline to build your argument by using sound evidence/grounds. You must prove your position is sound. The bulk of your support should come from information based on personal experience and observations; minimal research information will be added to strengthen points already made. Be sure to end your body paragraphs with a strong warrant which links your evidence back to your sub-claim.
Rebuttal (8-12 sentences in length):
Topic Sentence: Have a clear topic sentence going into the rebuttal. You can use this sentence: Although many people believe that (insert your claim here), others disagree.
Concession: Acknowledge the opposing position (give 3). Summarize what the opponent has argued. Recognize which aspects of the opposing position are valid. Addressing the opposing position in this way indicates that you are fair‑minded, which makes it easier for opponents to recognize merit in your own case.
Refutation: Show why you are not convinced by the arguments of the opposition by summarizing your own position and demonstrating why it is valid. Argue ONLY against the 3 opposing points brought up in the Concession.
Conclusion (5-6 sentences in length):
Restate your thesis statement. Also, you can summarize your most important points, but do not ONLY summarize. Be sure to end strong, perhaps return to an anecdote if you used one to introduce the essay, call your readers to action, use a compelling quote, bring up a strong fact/statistic, ask a question, etc.
The paper must be properly formatted according to MLA 8 or APA documentation. Remember that you can only use 1st or 2nd person in the attention grabber of the introduction and in the conclusion; the remainder of the essay should be in 3rd person.
When Adding Research:
Incorporate 8 reputable sources into your essay (3 will be a audio-visual sources/one must be a video, 3 will be online database sources, and the other 2 sources can be your choice). You will paraphrase, summarize, or direct quote (no more than 2 direct quotes ) just like you have done in the previous two essays. Therefore, you will have 8 total sources listed on your Works Cited or References page.
Use a variety of sources (you MUST include at least 3 online database sources from EBSCOhost, CQ Researcher, SIRS, or Infobase. Failure to have 8 sources and at least 3 sources from these listed online databases will result in a zero on the research portion of your essay. Other credible sources include E-books, reputable online sources from Google Scholar, Pew Research, or recent books and pamphlets. Also, you can use any of the readings or videos that we discussed in class. Do not just do a regular Google search! Online database sources are better. You will be graded on your use of a variety of these types of sources. Using ONLY websites is NOT an option. Make sure your source information supports your specific points and does not simply touch on your broad topic in general. The research sources are used to enhance and strengthen your arguments and explanations.
Also, make sure your are using current sources published within the last 5 years that specifically discuss the evidence in your essay. Failure to use all current sources will result in a zero on the research portion of your essay
Use mainly summaries and paraphrases in your essay. Direct quoting should be reserved for statistics or a unique quote from an expert (you can only use 2 direct quotes in your essay; if you use all direct quotes, you will earn a zero on the research portion of the essay). Use lead-ins for the bulk of your research information and include an in-text citation at the end of all research information.
While adding sources, constantly review the “APA versus MLA PowerPoint.” It is a VERY helpful resource.
Submit your final draft to Canvas. Make sure to submit as a doc, docx, or rtf file.
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT AN ESSAY WITH LESS THAN FIVE FULL PAGES (NOT COUNTING THE WORKS CITED/REFERENCES PAGE), OR BETTER YET, ON TO THE SIXTH PAGE.
Since this is an audio-visual essay, you must have 1 video and 2 visual elements, such as charts, graphs, images, etc. If your essay does not include visuals, it is not an audio-visual essay.