What is the problem? What should be done?
In the first writing project, you considered how effectively an author got his points across, and in the second paper, you selected a writing myth and explained (to high school or college students) the effects of that myth.
In the third writing project, you may choose to begin where you left off in Writing Project 2. You might consider summarizing what you developed in WP 2 as you begin WP 3. Or, you may choose to investigate a new issue that interested you from our previous investigations.
Assignment
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) has asked that you write an academic/scholarly article for them, proposing a reform to the way reading and/or writing is taught to students. You should focus your article on a specific concept, and you should choose to write about a particular age range/grade level.
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Write a proposal argument in which you call for a change/reform to the way reading and/or writing is taught in school (you will choose a specific grade level). Write approximately 5-7 pages, using a minimum of four sources (3 of which must come from outside of our class reading). |
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Audience
Your audience will be comprised of those who read the NCTE website and their publications: educators, students, and members of the general public interested in seeing the many ways that writing is or should be taught in schools. You are contributing to the conversation that is going on about your chosen subject. So, consider how you might begin by discussing the problem (which may be the issue you addressed in Writing Project 2), and then shift your readers’ attention to what needs to change in order to help improve the problem.
Some Possible Ideas (you are free to continue writing about the problem you addressed in Writing Project 2)
- Formulaic writing (five-paragraph essay)
- The power of personal writing/journaling
- The myth that good writers are just born that way
- The banking model of education versus problem posing
- The importance of teaching revision (not the one-draft wonder)
- Service learning projects as they pertain to English classes
*It would be helpful to look at two online books from which many of our class texts have come: Bad Ideas About WritingLinks to an external site. and Writing SpacesLinks to an external site. You must use at least 4 academic sources, but you will definitely read far more than that.
Authorship
Present yourself as a knowledgeable, fair-minded, credible and, empathetic person. You do not need to be an expert on your issue to write an argument, but you do need to have confidence in what you do know and believe about it. Show that you approach the issue with enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and an open mind.
Requirements
- Proposals typically address both the problem and the solution, in that order. When an audience largely agrees that the problem is significant, a proposal should instead spend more time focused on the solution. When there is a disagreement about the significance of the problem, the proposal should focus on why the problem needs attention.
- Keep in mind that your audience has not read the texts you are referencing, so you’ll need to introduce authors and texts by briefly summarizing key ideas/information.
- Analyze and synthesize multiple points of view in your writing
- Use structure, language, documentation, and format appropriate for your audience and purpose
- You must use at least 4 academic sources, but you will definitely read far more than that. So, at least three sources need to come from your own academic research, and please keep world wide web research to a minimum. I’d like you to demonstrate your ability to gather library research. Remember to access the wealth of material in the library’s online databases. If you do choose to incorporate information from websites, you MUST be extremely critical when determining the validity of the author and the information. I’d suggest using Google Scholar or this source from The Electric Typewriter is great–no Wikipedia, please.
- Your essay must adhere to MLA formatting. Please use the MLA resources found by clicking on “Helpful Resources” on our home page.
Paper Length: 5-7 pages
Due Date: May 13
Worth: 30% of your final course grade
If you do not provide accurate citations and a properly documented Works Cited page, you will lose points on this assignment. It is imperative that readers be able to locate the information that you are giving. Please use this MLA Works Cited informationLinks to an external site. for help. As always, use the MLA Formatting and Citing module for help. Also, if you haven’t given EasyBib a try, it’s a nice resource for helping you put your Works Cited page together.
The following criteria will be used to assess your writing:
| Thesis and Purpose | Identifies a relevant research topic and a thesis that provides direction for the paper that is engaging and thought provoking. The thesis clearly and concisely states the position and is consistently the focal point throughout the paper. |
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| Support | Provides substantial, well-chosen evidence (quotes or specific examples used purposefully). Connections between ideas are evident and work to strengthen the thesis. Thesis consistently supported. Minimum of 4 scholarly sources used. Research sources are relevant, accurate, and reliable and add to the strength of the paper. All web sites utilized are authoritative. |
| Organization | Paper is effectively organized. Ideas are arranged logically, flow smoothly, and progress thoughtfully from paragraph to paragraph, connecting to the central position. Includes all required components (introduction, body, conclusion, Works Cited). |
| Analysis | Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding and careful, critical analysis of the research topic and thesis (argument). Compares/contrasts perspectives, considers counter arguments or opposing positions, and draws original and thoughtful conclusions with future implications. |
| Writing Quality and Adherence to Format | Paper is well written and clear using MLA guidelines and standard English characterized by elements of a strong writing style. Basically free from grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and formatting errors. |