PA#12: Choosing a Topic for the Research Project

For Wednesday, March 22, choose a topic from the long list on the assignment sheet, and write about it in the following way.

Start by stating the topic without using the word "I" or "my." In other words, state the topic as a topic. Then explain briefly the historical or technical information that a reader might need to understand the topic. Finally raise at least two controversial issues associated with the topic.

Don't forget to use transitions to indicate the moves the paragraph takes.

As usual, post your paragraph by 5 PM on Tuesday, March 21, so that the class will have time to read them before class on Wednesday.

Not a PA#11: Class-discussion notes on "Why Animals Deserve Equal Rights"

For Wednesday, blog some class-discussion notes on "Why Animals Deserve Equal Rights" by Steven Wise. You'll find the essay on pp. 194 - 96 in WFS.

Blog your notes by Tuesday, 2-28-17, at 5 PM.

On Wednesday, 3-1-17, bring a copy of your notes to class, and be prepared for a lively class discussion on a very controversial issue.

Not a PA# 10: Notes on the Torture Essay

Take a position on the use of torture as described by Bagaric and Clarke. Then post discussion notes for our class discussion on Monday. Those notes should consist of

1. The thesis of a potential essay. Please remember that the thesis is based on YOUR claim about torture and is not a claim made by B & C. Your thesis probably ought to play off of B & C's ideas, but the idea expressed should be your idea.

2. A set of claims that either support B & C or refute their claims. Those claims can get a bit complicated because many of B & C's claims are already  refutations.

3. A set of arguments that respond to possible refutations of your claims.

4. Any evidence that you can drum up supporting your claims and possible responses to refutations of your claim.

As usual, have your notes posted by Thursday at 5 PM so that the rest of the class and I can have a chance to read them before our class discussion on Friday. Also, please bring a hard copy (or a suitable way of reading your notes via electronic device) to class. You'll do better in the class discussion if you have your notes in front of you.

PA# 9: A Paragraph from Your Wiki

For next time, post one paragraph out of your contribution to your wiki group.

Keep in mind the overall purpose of the wiki and the various paragraph patterns we have  discussed. Does your paragraph connect to the overall PERSUASIVE purpose of the wiki? Have you used transitional devices to indicate that connection? Have you included enough detail to make the paragraph persuasive? Have you downshifted the paragraph?

As usual, post the paragraph by Tuesday, 2-14, at 5 PM and bring a hard copy to class on Wednesday, 2-15.

Not a PA#8: Singleton Discussion Notes

Carl Singleton's essay takes a very distinct attitude toward solving America's educational problems. Look again at his essay. Discover his underlying assumption(s).

Decide whether you agree or disagree with him. In class on Monday, we will, I hope have a free-wheeling discussion, but we won't have one unless you are prepared.

Consequently, please blog a set of discussion notes below.  The material doesn't have to be in paragraph (or even sentence) form. Just imagine arguments and counterarguments against his position and write them down.

Also, include some evidence for your point of view. If you are on Singleton's side, note that he does a pretty poor job of providing supporting evidence. Help him out.

If you want to argue against Singleton, think of arguments and examples that would fuel a refutation.

No worries here. Just get some material down that you can use during the discussion.

Post your notes by Sunday, 2/12, and bring them to class on Monday. They will become the basis for our class discussion that day.

PA #7: They Say, and I Say

Read Chapter 2 of Writing from Sources (WFS) and the essay by Carl Singleton on pp. 192 - 94. You might also want to look at Chapter 2 of TSIS, especially the list of verbs at the end.

Write a paragraph summarizing Singleton's argument in the essay. Don't agree or disagree until the last sentence of the paragraph. Simply summarize his point of view. Be objective in your tone, language, and content.

Try to use and CORRECTLY introduce SHORT quotations from the essay when you think Singleton does a better job of writing his point of view than you can, but don't overdo it. Don't let Singleton do your writing for you.

Your paragraph should take the following form, which more or less follows the instructions given in WFS:

1. Summarize the main argument. Don't forget to work in Singleton's full name and the title of the essay. A typical template for that first sentence might be as follows. In [title of the essay], [author's full name] [verb from the list in TSIS] that [the author's main argument/ thesis].

2. Summarize the supporting arguments, each in their turn. Exclude examples and details for now. Just summarize the main supporting arguments. Use transitions to indicate the flow of the argument and the fact that Singleton and not you is arguing.

Here, you'll need to understand the underlying organizational principle of the essay. Writers don't always make them obvious. Use your understanding of that organizational principle to structure your summary.

3. State the underlying principle present in Singleton's essay -- the idea that makes the argument go. You can think of it as your or Singleton's thesis, but it is often unstated. Think of it as the idea that you will either defend or refute in subsequent paragraphs in the body of an essay that follows this introductory summary.

4. Finally, state your point of view as a response to Singleton's point of view. You will either be defending, refuting, or finding some middle ground.

WFS gives you excellent instructions on how to determine these matters. Use them.

Bring a copy of PA#7 to class on Friday, 2/10. Blog it by 5 PM on Thursday 2/9. I'm giving you some extra time on this one. Don't procrastinate.

PA# 6: They Say, but I Say

In PA#3 you established a point of view (a thesis) on a subject and divided your support of that point of view into separate sub-arguments.

In PA#4 you stated and supported one of those sub-arguments.

For PA#6, consider an argument against your position (a counter-argument). State it and explain it clearly and objectively. Then state an argument (a refutation) responding to the counter-argument. Them, explain your refutational argument and provide evidence that supports it.

1. Topic sentence/ statement of the counter-argument

2. Explanation of the counter-argument Don't spend too much time here (a sentence or two), but you should be clear and objective. You might even consider quoting a phrase or two as you state your opponents point of view.)

3. State your refuting argument.

4. Explain it.

5. Provide some evidence that it is true.

Use the templates/ transitions in TSIS to indicate the moves you are making.

Upload the paragraph here as a comment below by Tuesday, 2/7/16, at 5 PM. Bring a hard copy to class on Wednesday.