Unit 13: The Single-Source Argumentative Essay

Unit 13 introduces the single-source argumentative essay--an essay that examines an argument contained in a single argument.  According to Professor Brenda Spatt in Writing from Sources, this essay is divided into three parts:

Part 1: Summary of the stated claims in the argument
This section states the conclusion and primary supporting premises (reasons) developed in the author's article.  Sentence by sentence, It includes key short quotations from the article.

This section is at least one paragraph long.  It is written in the declarative (informative) mood.  Nothing in the way you word this section should suggest that you will either support or attack the article.  Your tone should be neutral or objective.

Part 2: Summary of the implied premises
This section identifies and states one or more implied claims or reasons that lie behind the stated reasons supporting premises.  They answer the question, "What must the author of the article be thinking or assuming for him/her to have offered the stated reasons for the conclusion?"

This section is at least one paragraph long.  It is written in the declarative (informative) mood.  Nothing in the way you word this section should suggest that you will either support or attack the article.  Your tone should be neutral or objective.

Part 3: Judgment of the argument
This section reflects your opinion(s) and judgment of the argument.  With references to the author's specific stated and/or implied premises, you make your case in support or against the author's argument.

This section may be more than one paragraph long.  It is openly supportive or hostile, but not gratuitously complimentary or verbally abusive or invective.

Instructional Materials
You may want to review "Argument - Basic Definitions," to supplement the discussion in your textbook.  For those interested in a more extensive analysis, see my essay and exercises included in "Notes on Argument."

Readings in The Longman Writer
Read "Part 3: Argument and Persuasion" pages 461 - 552.

Assignment
Complete the Argumentative Essay exercise.  For an example, read "Why the F-Dog Won't Hunt," a sample of the single-source argumentative essay.  This essay challenges the conclusion and premises of educator Carl Singleton who claims that the only solution for turning around the slide in the quality of American public education is "a wide-spread giving of F's" from the first grade through post-doctoral studies for those students who "don't master the content."

For a copy of Carl Singleton's full essay, "What Our Educational System Needs is More F's," see Brenda Spatt's Writing From Sources, 6th edition.

What You Will Submit
You will submit the three-part single-source argumentative essay.  Click here for the instructions.

Due Dates for Submission
Five days before the posted last day of classes.

Student Learning Outcomes
The following Student Learning Outcomes are addressed in this exercise:

1. Students will identify the purpose of writing while considering an appropriate tone, language and audience

.