Assignment 1: Position Paper (150 points)

write an essay in response to ONE of the issues raised in the Lanier, Pullum, Wildfire and/or readings. In your essay, argue your own position on ONE of the topics discussed. You can focus on either one or two articles (email if you're wondering how to cite the Carr reading; it should be cited fromThe Atlantic where it was originally published). While each of these essays involves technology, there are a number of issues to isolate and explore further (technology, social media, mental health, attention spans, education, etc.). Do not simply agree or disagree, but strive to present your own solid position (begin with a strong thesis statement). I recommend summarizing parts of the primary text early in the essay (introduction or first body paragraph) as necessary.

use this for one of the cite Everyone's an Author with Readings

Fourth Edition by Andrea Lunsford, Michal Brody, Lisa Ede, Jessica Enoch, Beverly J. Moss, Carole Clark Papper, and Keith Walters

Your essay should include a strong thesis statement stating your overall position, and your essay should do more than simply explain what you think. You will determine clear claims for the basis of your position, and explain your position using fair and balanced reasoning, appropriate evidence, and thorough explanations.

You need to provide more than your own opinion in order to be convincing. Therefore, you will need to incorporate material from the original author (primary source) andat least two to three credible secondary sources (use one of the library's databases, such as Academic Search Premiere, for any secondary sources). Be sure to summarize, quote, or paraphrase any sources and identify that material correctly using signal phrases and MLA in-text citation style (Refer to EAA chapters onQuoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing andGiving Credit, Avoiding Plagiarism as needed).

Finally, see the Characteristic Features forArguing a Position in the textbook for a quick checklist of the things your essay must do in order to be considered an argument position paper.

Purpose:

- To analyze a text critically, using passages from the primary and secondary texts to support your claims

- To move from what the primary text has to say about a subject to what you have to say

- a well-reasoned, well-supported argument

- To contribute to the discourse surrounding a particular topic

Requirements:

- Length:4 - 6 typed, double-spaced pages in Times New Roman with 12' font, include a centered title and a works cited page. Also include page numbers. No extra spaces between paragraphs.

- Audience:You are writing for a semi-formal academic audience. This means that as a writer, you are being judged based on your evidence and reasons rather than on how you hit a reader's emotional buttons.

- Sources:Include two to three academic sources (excluding the primary text). Use the SCTCC library databases such as Academic Search Premier (avoid Google for now!)

Grading Criteria:

- Paper should be appropriate length and grammatically correct

- Correct MLA citations should be used

- Appropriate genre (Argument - Position paper)

- Uses a thesis and supports that thesis with textual evidence

- Supports any claims about the subject matter with evidence from the text

- Creates and sustains a strong argument

*See syllabus for due dates