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Argumentative Essay Coursework Guide

The document provides instructions for writing a 220-250 word argumentative essay, emphasizing the need for a clear thesis statement and structured arguments supported by facts and personal opinions. It outlines guidelines for organization, content, and language, including the requirement for a minimum of five paragraphs and two sources in APA style. Submission details and a marking scheme are also included, highlighting penalties for plagiarism and late submissions.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
21 views6 pages

Argumentative Essay Coursework Guide

The document provides instructions for writing a 220-250 word argumentative essay, emphasizing the need for a clear thesis statement and structured arguments supported by facts and personal opinions. It outlines guidelines for organization, content, and language, including the requirement for a minimum of five paragraphs and two sources in APA style. Submission details and a marking scheme are also included, highlighting penalties for plagiarism and late submissions.

Uploaded by

lauaifern94
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

COURSEWORK INSTRUCTION FOR ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY (40%)

INSTRUCTION
We
You will write an argumentative essay on a topic related to your field of interests. Choose
a clear standpoint and develop your arguments. Your essay will include specific
information from your readings of any factual texts, discussion in forums, and your
academic opinions on the subject matter. You should write between 220-250 words.

GUIDELINES

Paragraph: Introduction

- provide the background of the topic


- write a clear thesis statement that expresses the standpoint and main arguments
Paragraph: Body

Your arguments may be presented in any of the following:

Organisation
Body - Topic sentence 1 (Argument 1 - agree)
Paragraph 1 - supporting details

Body - Topic sentence 2 (Argument 2 - agree)


Paragraph 2 - supporting details

Body - Topic sentence 3 (Counter argument+ refutation)


Paragraph 3 - supporting details

Paragraph: Conclusion

- summarise all main points

NOTES:

1. Do not write an informative essay (The difference between argumentative and


informative essay is that an informative essay contains only information to explain
a topic, whereas an argumentative essay contains statistics, facts and writer
personal opinions).
2. Avoid sensitive topics such as on religions, races, politics etc.
3. Avoid using quotations in your essay.
4. Write a minimum of 5 paragraphs.
5. Provide a minimum of 2 sources. Use APA style for in-text citation and references.

DETAILS FOR SUBMISSION

1. You will work individually.


2. Use Times New Roman, size 12, and 1.5 spacing.
3. Your writing must be original. Submit your work to Turnitin. Ensure that the
similarity index is not more than 15%. Any evidence of plagiarism will get a penalty
of 50% marks deduction.
4. The deadline for submission is WEEK 11 (LECTURE 10).
5. Submit your work on time to avoid 50% marks deduction.
6. In your submission, attach all the following in one Pdf file:
i. the argumentative essay + the reference list (APA style)
ii. the Turnitin report
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY B2 MARKING SCHEME (40%)

CONTENT ORGANISATION LANGUAGE


5 • Include all the components • Minimum 5 paragraphs • Display excellent use of
with all required • Structure: All ideas Adverb clauses of
information: sequenced logically and concession, Adverb
- clear thesis statement accurately phrases of reason, and
- minimum 3 clear topic • Effective use of linking/
sentences with clear tenses
cohesive devices • Excellent control of
supporting details
- conclusion spelling and punctuation
- in-text citations & (only 1 – 2 slips)
references • Uses a wide variety of
• All contents are relevant to structures
the task.
• Uses a range of highly
• All arguments include
statistics/ facts accurate complex
• Clearly expresses writer’s structures / sentence forms
opinion(s) of the topic • Uses a very wide range of
• Well synthesised (Ideas are vocabulary to express valid
cited from different ideas efficiently
sources)
• Hardly any errors that
• Expresses strong counter
impede meaning
argument + refutation

4 • Include all the components • Minimum 5 paragraphs • Display good use (with
with all required • Structure: Most ideas minimal errors) of Adverb
information: sequenced logically and clauses of concession,
- clear thesis statement accurately Adverb phrases of reason
- minimum 3 clear topic • Suitable use of linking/ and tenses
sentences with cohesive devices • Good control of spelling
satisfactory supporting and punctuation (3 and
details more errors)
- conclusion • Uses a good variety of
- in-text citations & structures
references • Uses a range of accurate
• Most contents are relevant complex structures /
to the task sentence forms
• Most arguments include • Uses a good range of
statistics/ facts vocabulary to express valid
(only 1 argument lacks ideas
evidence)
• Clearly expresses writer’s • Very few errors (less than
opinion(s) of the topic 5); none of them impedes
• Well synthesised (Ideas are meaning
cited from different
sources)
• Expresses strong counter
argument + refutation

3 • Clear thesis statement • Less than 5 paragraphs • Display appropriate use


WITH some unclear • Structure: Some confusions (with some errors) of
topic sentence(s) in sequencing of ideas Adverb of Concession,
• Some contents are relevant
• Some disconnected ideas Adverb phrases of reason,
to the task
• Unclear writer’s opinion(s) • Some unsuitable linking/ and tenses
of the topic cohesive devices • Mistakes in
• Some arguments include spelling/punctuation occur,
statistics/ facts (2 may hinder comprehension
arguments lack • Uses some complex
evidences) structures / sentence forms
• Synthesis is present, but • Some inappropriate
from limited sources
vocabulary and structures
• Poor/unclear counter
argument & refutation • More than 5 errors in word
choices and structures,
may hamper understanding
• Moderate word choice

2 • Unclear thesis statement • Less than 5 paragraphs • Many errors in the use of
AND Unclear topic • Structure: Many Adverb clauses of
sentence(s) disconnected ideas concession, Adverb
• Very few contents are • A lot of repetitive ideas phrases of reason and
relevant to the task • Lack of use of linking/ tenses
• Unclear writer’s opinion(s) cohesive devices • Major errors in spelling
of the topic and punctuation, hinder
• Most arguments lack comprehension
evidences (statistics/ facts) • Only occasionally uses
• Synthesis is present, but complex structures /
from limited sources sentence forms
• No counter argument & • Limited word choices,
refutation included many misused words,
hampers understanding
1 • Not relevant to the task at • Less than 5 paragraphs • No mastery in the use of
all • Structure: No logical Adverb clauses of
• No synthesis organisation - disconnected concession, Adverb
phrases of reason and
ideas
tenses
• Incorrect/ Lack of use of • Very poor
linking/ cohesive devices spelling/punctuation
• Uses hardly any complex
structures / sentence forms
• Obvious lifting from other • Very limited word choice,
sources a lot of misused words and
problematic structures,
distract readers
• Frequent errors in
structures, obscure
communication

0 • Task unattempted (under 20 No linking/ cohesive devices, • Little or no evidence of


words no reference words grammatical knowledge
(under 20 words)

Note: Marks: x/15 * 40 = 40%

Notes to INSTRUCTORS:

1. Deduct 50% from total score for any evidence of plagiarism.


2. Deduct 50% from total score for late submission.
3. Deduct 1 mark from raw score if no references given.
4. Deduct 1 mark from raw score if no citation given.

5. Deduct 2 marks from raw score if no Turnitin report submitted.

Common questions

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Inclusion of a Turnitin report plays a crucial role in maintaining academic writing standards by ensuring originality and preventing plagiarism. It provides evidence of the work’s authenticity, highlighting any unoriginal material, and promotes ethical scholarship by encouraging students to create independent work. This requirement helps uphold integrity by verifying that the student has synthesized sources rather than copied them, fostering a culture of accountability and promoting the development of original thought .

Effective use of adverb clauses of concession (e.g., 'although,' 'despite') and adverb phrases of reason (e.g., 'because,' 'due to') enhances the essay’s quality by providing clarity and precision in arguments, showing relationships between ideas, and enriching the text’s complexity. Varied sentence structures maintain reader interest and demonstrate the writer's mastery of language, contributing to a more dynamic and engaging text. These elements help to create a coherent narrative flow, bolster the argument’s persuasiveness, and showcase the writer's stylistic competence .

The marking scheme for an argumentative essay emphasizes organization through the requirement of a clear thesis statement, logically sequenced ideas, and the use of cohesive devices. It also values synthesis by requiring ideas cited from multiple sources and includes statistics and facts to support arguments. Poor organization and lack of synthesis, indicated by disconnected ideas and limited sources, result in lower scores. Effective synthesis and organization demonstrate the writer's ability to construct a coherent argument and engage with various perspectives .

Non-adherence to submission guidelines results in significant penalties: a 50% marks deduction for plagiarism, late submission, or failure to attach the required Turnitin report. Additionally, failure to provide references or in-text citations results in a deduction of 1 mark each from the raw score. These penalties can drastically affect a student’s final grade by reducing their score below passing or satisfactory levels due to severe deductions .

A clear thesis statement contributes to the effectiveness of an argumentative essay by providing a concise expression of the main argument, guiding the development of supporting points. It serves as the focal point for both the writer and the reader, maintaining coherence and focus throughout the essay. A well-articulated thesis helps ensure that all components of the essay align with the central argument, facilitates logical flow, and ultimately strengthens the persuasiveness of the essay .

The primary difference between an argumentative essay and an informative essay is the purpose. An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader by presenting arguments and evidence to support a specific standpoint, incorporating statistics, facts, and writer's personal opinions. In contrast, an informative essay solely provides information to explain a topic without taking a position. This difference affects the structure and content: an argumentative essay includes a clear thesis statement, topic sentences with supporting arguments, counterarguments with refutations, and a conclusion that synthesizes the main points .

Concluding an argumentative essay with a summary of main points is necessary to reinforce the arguments presented, reminding readers of the evidence and perspectives discussed. This practice enhances overall coherence by linking the conclusion back to the thesis, demonstrating how each body section contributed to the overarching argument. It solidifies the essay's persuasiveness by clearly reiterating the argument's rationale, leaving a lasting impression on the reader and facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the topic .

Specific formatting guidelines, such as using Times New Roman size 12 and 1.5 spacing, enhance readability and presentation by ensuring a clean, professional look that is easy to read and consistent with academic standards. Consistent formatting facilitates focus on content over form, helps organize information, and allows evaluators to ascertain compliance with academic conventions quickly. As formatting affects first impressions, adherence to these guidelines also underscores the writer’s attention to detail and respect for assignment protocols .

Avoiding sensitive topics like religion, race, and politics in this academic assignment is important to maintain objectivity and avoid bias, prejudice, or emotional responses that could detract from logical reasoning. Such topics might lead to arguments based on opinion rather than evidence, thus compromising the academic rigor and fairness expected in an educational context. Furthermore, addressing these topics increases the risk of offending readers or infringing upon institutional policies, which could impact the writer’s credibility and adherence to the assignment’s guidelines .

Requiring at least two sources in an argumentative essay promotes academic integrity by ensuring that the writer's arguments are grounded in credible research and evidence, avoiding plagiarism by properly attributing ideas. It encourages intellectual engagement by requiring the writer to engage with multiple perspectives, enhancing critical thinking and the depth of analysis. The inclusion of diverse sources fosters a more nuanced argument and demonstrates the writer’s ability to synthesize information, which is crucial for producing a well-rounded and persuasive argument .

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