RESEARCHED ILLUSTRATION ESSAY a k a Example Essay

RESEARCHED ILLUSTRATION ESSAY (a. k. a. Example Essay)

2 ASSIGNMENT q The purpose of this assignment is n to discuss the 3 most significant reasons (“illustration”) n for OR against an important issue, n properly utilizing research in the process.

3 ASSIGNMENT q First, get Topic Approval from the instructor. n Choose a debatable topic that has 2 clear, reasonable sides n n You will argue only one side of the issue You will give the 3 most significant reasons for (OR against) your topic Avoid the fringe n Consult the “Opposing Viewpoints Topics List” for some suggestions n

4 ASSIGNMENT q Next, write an AYK journal on “all you know” regarding your topic. q Then, research that particular side of the issue. n RESEARCH = n official Web sites n our college library’s databases § (such as Opposing Viewpoints) n (NO Wikipedia, about. com, blogs)

5 ASSIGNMENT q Then, in a Classic Illustration/Example Essay, you will argue for your chosen side. We should ___. (FOR) n We should not ___. (AGAINST) n q Specifics on the format are below.

6 DATABASES q Britannica Online q Biographies Plus (Wilson Web) q CQ Researcher q Opposing Viewpoints q EBSCO q History Reference q Lexis-Nexis q Ethnic Watch q Gender Watch depts. luzerne. edu/library

7 ESSAY FORMAT INTRODUCTION q Introduce your subject. n Generalization ** n Quotation * n Question n Quip n Statistic * q Get us on the topic of your issue. n If, for example, you were writing on a 2010 candidate for governor: n Lately, no matter where we turn, we are inundated with coverage of the 2010 gubernatorial elections.

8 ESSAY FORMAT INTRODUCTION q Narrow towards your thesis: n “some” n “others” n Some Americans are ignoring the issues, the candidates, and the election process as a whole. n However, other citizens are quite involved with the election process, either actively campaigning for someone or passively following the coverage.

9 ESSAY FORMAT INTRODUCTION q End with a strong Thesis Statement: n topic + main idea + support (3 reasons) n clearly and succinctly state your claim or argument (What is your position? ) n clearly and succinctly announce your 3 reasons q For whom to vote and why.

10 ESSAY FORMAT BODY q 3 Body paragraphs q 1 reason per paragraph q (at least) 1 piece of research per reason

11 ESSAY FORMAT BODY 1) (1) NAME the reason: n Topic + Main Idea + Reason #? 2) (2) EXPLAIN the reason: n “That is” or “In other words” 3) (3) ILLUSTRATE the reason: n specific examples to illustrate this reason 4) (4) JUSTIFY the reason: n “warrant statement” (“thus” or “therefore”)

12 ESSAY FORMAT BODY q (1) Begin each Body paragraph with a TOPIC SENTENCE: n n refer to the previous reason (s) as you segue to this reason repeat 2/3 of your thesis statement + this reason n “name the reason” Another reason the death penalty should be enforced is its cruelty. * In addition to its expediency and its costeffectiveness, the most important reason the death penalty should be enforced is its cruelty.

13 ESSAY FORMAT BODY q (2) Then, briefly explain the reason: n re-word it, clarify it n “explain the reason” n “In other words” or “That is to say” n the naming and the explaining should consist of no more than 3 -4 sentences n so. . . be brief

14 ESSAY FORMAT BODY q (3) Support that 1 reason with specific and relevant examples (It is the Example essay!): n be specific: n n n somebody doing something concrete details be relevant: n n examples should be clear, pertinent, germane, related to the reason/point “illustrate the reason” n TRANSITIONS: “For example” or “For instance” n

15 ESSAY FORMAT BODY q (3) Support that 1 reason with specific and relevant examples (It is the Example essay!): n * this is where the RESEARCH typically comes in

16 ESSAY FORMAT BODY q (4) End each Body paragraph with a WARRANT STATEMENT: “Thus, ” “Therefore” n relate the evidence back to your point, to your topic sentence n justify this example: n n Why is it relevant to your point? How does it help prove your reason? SO WHAT? !

17 ESSAY FORMAT CONCLUSION q Refer to your opening. q Repeat your thesis and main points. q Discuss where this issue is to go from here. q End with an appropriate CLINCHER SENTENCE.

18 ESSAY FORMAT WORKS CITED q proper header n last name-page number q Works Cited: n centered n NOT underlined, italicized, bold-faced, or ALLCAPS

19 ESSAY FORMAT WORKS CITED q Follow the proper MLA format as described in your handbooks. n Pay especial attention to the MLA format regarding databases and Web sites. n Databases: original publishing information AND database information

20 ESSAY FORMAT WORKS CITED q Alphabetically arrange all sources. q Reverse Indent all sources. q For longer URLs to fit on the lines, hit “enter” after a single slash. q For database URLs, stop after the “. com. ”

21 ESSAY FORMAT q Consult the “OUTLINE TEMPLATE” q available on my Web site q under the “Illustration: Researched Essay” q <http: //academic. luzerne. edu/shousenick>

22 REMINDERS q Argue ONE side of a particular issue. n Make a claim. n n We should (or should not) vote for Candidate X. We should (or should not) support Policy X. Support that claim with your 3 best (most persuasive, significant) reasons. n Back up those reasons with specific examples (RESEARCH). n n Quotes, statistics, incidents, examples, plans

23 REMINDERS q Example Essay = “REASONS”: n NO “history lessons” in the Body paragraphs. This is the place for your reasons only. n This is NOT a “types” essay: n n Classification: types of mental illnesses, of STDs, of rape… Rather, it IS a “reasons” essay.

24 REMINDERS q Do not end a paragraph with another’s words or ideas. This is your essay. n Thus, you are using researched evidence to support your ideas. n You are not summarizing the issue or the research. n n Always end with a “warrant statement. ”

25 REMINDERS q Lead-in verbs should be in the present tense: n claims, asserts, points out n NO “says” because of the print medium q Put “quotation marks” around direct quotes. q Use direct quotes or paraphrase—do not “ride the fence. ” n Either quote the original in its entirety OR put it completely in your own words.

26 REMINDERS q PARENTHETICAL CITATIONS : n * the purpose is to get the reader to your Works Cited page n so do not interfere with the flow of the essay n so keep it short § *the 1 st item on the bibliographic line: author, article § *and the page number or “subheading” n n period comes after the parentheses if the author’s name is not in the sentence, put it in the (Smith 89) if no author’s name is given, then attribute the article to “the unnamed” or “the anonymous” author as part of your lead-in, mention the credentials of your source (Ethos)

27 REMINDERS q PARENTHETICAL CITATIONS: n if your source is an online article or Web site (note the spelling!), put in the ( ) the “subheading” or “subtitle” under which your information appears. n only a space between the author and the page number or “subheading” (no punctuation) n truncate: n only the author’s last name n shorten long titles n no URLs, no dates n (Smith 89) or (Smith “Smoking: Effects”) or (“Smoking: Effects”)

28 REMINDERS CITE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! q Cite after EACH and EVERY sentence of borrowed information. It does NOT matter if you paraphrased the material or directly quoted it n We cite ideas – not necessarily words n