Substance abuse is the main cause of sexual violence on college campuses.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Use the argumentative method of organization and development appropriately
2. Analyze and evaluate written expression, reading critically for elements that reflect an awareness of situation, audience, purpose and diverse points of view
3. Express opinions on the various current issues discussed throughout the course
4. Practice writing as a process of planning, organizing, composing, revising and editing
5. Compose essays with correct diction, syntax, usage, grammar and mechanics
6. Cooperate with peers to complete assigned tasks

TGCs to be achieved:

 

Your task for this assignment is to write an argumentative essay for a non-specialist audience on the topic: Substance abuse is the main cause of sexual violence on college campuses. Please adhere closely to the guidelines stipulated below while completing this assignment. Choose a position to defend and find evidence from your sources to support your position and to undermine the opposing position through counter-argument.

 

1. Your essay must have a clear thesis (a stand) with three specified controlling ideas; should comprise 5/6 paragraphs – an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph OR an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, a counter-argument paragraph and a concluding paragraph.
2. Each body paragraph should consist of relevant supporting details in the form of SD1 – explanations, SD2 – quotes by experts, facts, statistics, SD3 – illustrations, relevant examples of cases. Link each supporting detail to its respective controlling idea and ultimately to the thesis of the essay
3. Stay focused. Use coherence devices wherever appropriate and ensure that the essay does not stray away from the given topic
4. You are only allowed a maximum of 8 sources. Ensure the credibility of all the sources you choose.
5. Use the MLA style for documentation of in-text citations and works cited list Cite your sources to give credit where it is due. If you do not acknowledge the person’s original words or ideas it would be an act of plagiarism.

 

Argumentative Essay Evaluation Rubric

Criteria
Essay	4	3	2	1
Assignment (4%)	Student completely fulfills assignment requirements -Drafts Complete -Due Dates Met -Clear thesis -Format Correct -Works Cited Included	Student completely fulfills assignment requirements	Student partially fulfills assignment requirements (almost all)	Student partially fulfills assignment requirements
Written mechanics (4%)	Superior writing style & written mechanics—spelling and grammar are error-free. < 5 errors	Good writing style & written mechanics—few spelling and grammatical errors. 5-10  errors	Adequate writing style & written mechanics—several spelling and grammatical errors. 10-15 errors	Limited writing style & written mechanics— many spelling and grammatical errors. > 15 errors
Development (4%)	Student’s paper demonstrates a logical, mature, and thorough  development of points that support the thesis	Student’s paper demonstrates adequate development of points that support the thesis	Student’s paper demonstrates an adequate development of points that support the thesis	Student’s paper presents a superficial development of points, many of which do not support the thesis
Evidence: Analysis Synthesis (4%)	Student presents relevant and fully analyzed textual evidence to support the thesis following the evidence formula. Student synthesizes textual evidence and points back to thesis statement	Student presents relevant and adequately analyzed textual evidence to support the thesis. Student makes an attempt at synthesis	Student presents relevant and partially analyzed textual evidence to support the thesis. Student makes an attempt at synthesis	Student’s textual evidence is irrelevant and is not analyzed-Student makes no attempt at synthesis
Counter Arg./ Refutation (4%)	Student clearly and fully explains counter arg. and persuasively refutes it	Student  explains counter arg. and gives refutation	Student explains counter arg. and attempts refutation	Student does not include counter arg./refutation in paper

 

 

Argumentative Essay            :  _______/20%