URGENT:: NEEDED TONIGHT BY 8:30 P.M. EST
FINAL ESSAY
This final paper represents five modules of planning, research, writing, and revising. The work you have done on your topic throughout this class has prepared you to proofread and revise your paper a final time before you submit it for grading.
Use the checklist, grading criteria, and other resources in this module to review and revise your work. In particular, be sure to check your work for content and cohesiveness.
- Does your paper have a clear argument that is expressed through your thesis statement?
- Do all of the paragraphs in your paper work to support that argument?
- Have you used appropriate resources to lend support and credibility to your argument?
- Does your paper address opposing points of view, and does it respond to those opposing points?
As you conduct your final revision, take into account any feedback you’ve received on earlier pieces of your paper. Also try to put yourself in your readers’ shoes as you review your work. After a number of modules dealing with this topic, you are probably quite familiar with the nuances of your own paper. As you review your work, think about how your essay might be received by someone who is not as familiar with the issues you discuss. Try to make your paper as clear and straightforward as possible so your points can be readily understood.
The final version of your paper should be between 8-10 pages in length and cite at least 8 reliable sources using APA format.
You may utilize the Grading Criteria posted below and the Argumentative Research Essay Checklist to make sure that your work is aligned with the assignment requirements.
GRADING RUBRIC
NO PLAGIARISM–IT WILL BE CHECKED BY TURNITIN!!!!
Checklist
Content: Making a strong and well-supported argument
- Introduction and Thesis Statement: You provide an initial paragraph that introduces your topic and provides your thesis statement. Your thesis statement makes an original, clearly defined claim and is consistent with current research on the subject selected.
- Main idea (what do you have to say): The main idea is developed through numerous body paragraphs. All paragraphs and all sentences in your paper directly relate to (and support) your thesis statement. Each body paragraph deals with one supporting point for your thesis statement.
- Support (what information do you have to back up your main idea): You support your initial claim with credible evidence you have gathered during your research. You have given full credit for any words or ideas that are not your own.
- Counter-Arguments (what are the problems with your claim): You present the strongest arguments against your claim, avoiding logical fallacies and faulty reasoning.
- Reply to counter-arguments (defending your claim in light of these possible problems): You evaluate each possible objection and reply fully and appropriately. Not all objections can be refuted but all must be addressed.
- Audience (who are you writing for): Your word choice and language level show an awareness of your audience. For this assignment, assume that your audience includes the academic and professional community that you are writing about.
- Vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation (the way you present the items listed above): You use appropriate language and avoid wordiness while giving the reader all necessary information in strict APA style. You have no spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, apostrophe, or homophone errors.
Paper Format: Components necessary for an APA-compliant paper
- Title page (announcing your project—about the paper title, author, sponsoring agency or school): Your title page is double-spaced, as is the rest of the paper. You have a running head and page number. The title is in standard text, is not bolded or in italics, and should be centered on the page. Below the title, include your name and the name of your institution. Dates are not part of the cover for APA papers.
- Abstract (giving your audience an overview of your paper’s claim): Your abstract is titled “Abstract” and is in plain text, not bold or italics. It contains 120 words or less and is double-spaced. Your abstract will appear by itself on the second page of your paper.
- Parenthetical citations (letting your reader know which references page citation provided the information presented): You correctly cite every claim that is not your own or common knowledge and include all necessary information. If the item cited contains quotes, you use quotation marks and provide a page or paragraph number.
- Quotes (ethically using the words of others): You correctly quote and paraphrase using the criteria in your text. You include a page or paragraph number for every quote. If a quote is more than 40 words, you remove the quote marks, block indent five spaces from the left-hand margin, and include the parenthetical citation in the block. Any changes or commentaries you add are indicated by brackets or ellipses.
- Reference list (listing only the sources you actually used in your final version of your research paper): Your title (References) and text are in standard form, not bold, italics, or all caps, and your text is in hanging indent format. You have not used authors’ first names, only initials. You have correctly capitalized the titles of your reference works. You have included all needed information for each type of citation according to your text. Your resources are trustworthy and current. You have used the appropriate abbreviations as presented in your text.
