Category: English

  • “Revising and Refining: Improving Your Argument Based on Professor Feedback”

    IMPORTANT: Before you submit your final draft, be sure to correct the rough draft based on your professor’s comments.
    To view your professor’s comments on your rough draft in Canvas, you must click VIEW FEEDBACK.
    Assign-Argument Outline.pdf
    DIRECTIONS-Argument Outline.pdf

  • “The Illusion of Control: Exploring the Theme of Systems in Charles Yu’s Short Story” One of the main themes in “Systems” by Charles Yu is the idea that humans have a false sense of control over their lives and the world

    Read the short story “Systems” by Charles Yu.  It can be found in the Short Stories folder in Unit 6.  Answer the prompt below.
    A theme is a main idea, lesson or meaning that a story communicates.  There can be more than one theme and the theme can be conveyed using any of the literary elements – symbolism, setting, character, dialogue, imagery, etc. Themes often attempt to tell us something about human nature—to present some universal truth about our experience and place in the world.  
    What is one of the themes of this story?  Use quotations from the story to support your claim about the theme.
    Keep in mind that you are not being asked to summarize the story.  All of your classmates have read it as well.  Your job it to interpret the story–to explain what it means to you and how that meaning is conveyed.

  • Title: “Uncovering Modern Day Slavery: Understanding its Appearance, Liberation Process, and Personal Impact”

    Modern day slavery looks like what??
    Reference at least 2 sources
    What process is necessary to b freed from that situation
    What does it mean to me to b enslaved

  • “The Power of Maleficent: Examining the Impact of Disney’s Iconic Villain on the Company and Society”

    The impact and importance of the movie Maleficent on Disney and the world
    Reference website :
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/jordanshapiro/2014/06/05/why-disneys-maleficent-matters/?sh=1408a6443901

  • Title: Exploring a Career: A Research Paper on [Chosen Career]

    Your Research Paper Should Include These Items:
    Introduction Paragraph
    Include a thesis statement that informs the reader about the career you have chosen. 
    Remember that a paragraph is a minimum of 3-5 clear and well-developed sentences. 
    Body of the Essay
    This section should be a minimum of 3-5 paragraphs in length.
    Include one claim to support your thesis statement for each paragraph. 
    Include quotes or paraphrases from one of your sources followed by an in-text citation for each paragraph.
    Remember to use at least three sources to support your overall essay.
    Remember when including quotes from a source, try to keep this to 1 sentence within a body paragraph.
    Remember that a paragraph is typically a minimum of 3-5 sentences. 
    Conclusion Paragraph
    Restate the topic you provided in your thesis statement.
    Write at least 3 sentences that summarize the information you provided in your body paragraphs.
    Make sure you do not present new details in this paragraph. 
    Works Cited Page
    Use MLA format 
    List all the sources used to support the information you provide.
    Review tips for creating citations in the Using the Citation Tool in Microsoft Word video.
    Review tips for creating citations in the Using the Citation Tool in Google Docs video.
    There are tips for creating citations in MLA Citations in your course.
    Writing Mechanics
    Remember to write in third-person. 
    Match the subject and the verb. 
    Use clear pronouns / antecedent agreement. 
    Use correct word combinations. 
    Correct spelling and punctuation.
    Clear and Concise Writing
    Sentences should be clear. 
    Avoid run-on or fragmented sentences. 

  • Revising and Editing Touchstone 2.2: Improving an Informative Report on Implementing an Innovation Reflection Questions: 1. How much time did you spend revising and editing your draft? I spent approximately 3 hours revising

    ASSIGNMENT: In Unit 2, you drafted an informative report in which you researched several methods for implementing your chosen innovation and compared and contrasted two of them based on factors that you chose. In this assignment, you will revise your Touchstone 2.2 submission using the revision strategies you learned in Unit 3. This revision should reflect significant changes from your first draft and should incorporate the feedback you received on Touchstone 2.2. Review the rubric comments and summary feedback you received on your Touchstone 2.2 draft A. Assignment Guidelines DIRECTIONS: All writers revise and edit their work as part of the writing process. For Touchstone 3, submit a revised version of your Touchstone 2.2 composition. The process of revising involves “re-thinking” your essay, while editing focuses on changes at the sentence level. Your revision should reflect your attention on the following: Focus Structure Flow Clarity Style Word Choice Sentence Variety As you consider possible revisions and edits, evaluate how your essay can be improved in each of the areas above. Focus your attention on the areas that would benefit most from revising and editing. You can add, delete, or move text as you revise your essay. Note the following revising and editing guidelines: Do not draft a new essay. You must revise and edit your Touchstone 2.2 draft. Depending upon the effectiveness of the 2.2 draft, however, major changes such as refocusing or restructuring may be required. Allow time between drafts so that you can see your original work from a new perspective. Revising and editing are different from proofreading; however, be sure to proofread your revised essay before you submit it. Remember to also answer the reflection questions listed below. B. Reflection Questions DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions. How much time did you spend revising and editing your draft? Which revision strategies did you use, and which of them worked best for you? (2-3 sentences) Compare your draft to your revision. How did your essay improve? Provide specific examples of the different revision areas (e.g., structure, focus, clarity, etc.) that you focused on. (3-4 sentences) Think about the entire process of drafting and revising this informative composition. What did you learn about your writing process or yourself as a writer? For example, did any part of the process surprise you or reveal something unexpected? (2-3 sentences)

  • Title: Comparing Flood Stories: The Epic of Gilgamesh and Noah’s Ark

    Think about the similarities between the flood story in The Epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Noah’s Ark in the Old Testament.
    For your initial post, start a new thread and answer the following questions: 
    Which features appear in both stories? Are there any differences? If so, what are they?
    Why do you think these stories are so similar?
    From a historian’s perspective, why do the existence of these similarities matter?
    Your response should consist of at least two paragraphs of several sentences each and be around 250 words in length. 
    At the end of your initial post, write two discussion questions. A good discussion question asks “how” and “why,” probes the topic with seriousness and depth, keeps the discussion going, and cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Please come up with questions that require your classmates to engage in thoughtful, in-depth, historically informed reflections rather than simply personal opinions. The following are examples of poordiscussion questions: “How important is religion in your own life?” or “What would you have behaved if you had lived during such-and-such time?” 
    Responses to classmates: For each of your replies, select one discussion question from a classmate and respond to it in paragraph form.  https://web.archive.org/web/19990221091328/http://puffin.creighton.edu/theo/simkins/tx/Flood.html

  • “Clarification of Order Details for Custom Paper”

    Just fill in the blanks
    Important Info
    The order was placed through a short procedure (customer skipped some order details).
    Please clarify some paper details before starting to work on the order.
    Type of paper and subject
    Number of sources and formatting style
    Type of service (writing, rewriting, etc)

  • “The Power of Argument: A Full Draft of the Argument Research Essay” “Crafting a Strong Argument: The Role of Porting and Opposing Arguments, Writer’s Voice, and Paragraph Development” “The Importance of Sentence Variety and Effective Source Integration in Academic Writing” “Effective Conclusion and Proper APA Formatting: Key Elements of a Strong Essay” “Formatting Faux Pas: Common Errors in Essay Structure and Presentation”

    This assignment is a full draft of your Argument Research Essay. This draft will demonstrate the argument and writing techniques studied in the course and will build upon the steps you have taken in all the previous weeks toward developing your Argument Research Essay. This draft is expected to meet all of the Argument Research Essay requirements for writing, content, length, and sources. 
    Writing Requirements for the Argument Research Essay Full Draft due this week and for the Argument Research Essay, due in Week 8: 
    Correct use of APA guidelines for the following: 
    Headers with pagination 
    Title Page 
    Margins, spacing, and paragraph indentation 
    APA in-text citation and referencing for all sources 
    Do not divide your essay into sections. 
    4–5 full pages for the essay itself, not including title page or references 
    Effective structure, including your introduction paragraph, your body paragraphs, and your conclusion paragraph 
    Use of third-person throughout. Focus on the topic, not on you nor on the essay. In other words: no first-person “I,” and no referring to the essay, such as “In this essay.” 
    At least 4 scholarly sources visibly used, cited, and referenced 
    Refer to the full Argument Research Essay Rubric 
    Length
    Four to five fully developed pages PLUS title page and reference page.
    Grading
    This activity will be graded based on the Argument Research Essay Draft Rubric in Canvas.
    Outcomes
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    Due Date
    By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday
    Rubric
    Argument Research Essay Full Draft Rubric
    Argument Research Essay Full Draft Rubric
    Criteria Ratings Pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction and Thesis Statement
    15 pts
    The introduction paragraph is highly effective and clear. The introduction paragraph begins with a viable, appropriate attention-getting technique, offers a clear but brief overview of the existing debate, and presents a narrow argument thesis in which the writer takes a clear stance within the debate. The writer avoids using first-person and second-person and avoids referring to the paper itself.
    12 pts
    The introduction paragraph includes the necessary components but may be lacking in clarity, strength, or appeal in one of the following areas: a viable, appropriate attention-getting technique, a clear but brief overview of the existing debate, and a narrow argument thesis in which the writer takes a clear stance within the debate. Or, the writer may use first-person or second-person or may refer to the paper itself.
    9 pts
    The introduction paragraph does not include one of the required components, or the paragraph needs much work in one or more of the following: a viable, appropriate attention-getting technique, a clear but brief overview of the existing debate, and a narrow argument thesis in which the writer takes a clear stance within the debate. The writer may use first-person or second-person or may refer to the paper itself.
    7 pts
    The introduction paragraph does not include one or more of the required components, or the paragraph needs much work in two or more of the following: a viable, appropriate attention-getting technique, a clear but brief overview of the existing debate, and a narrow argument thesis in which the writer takes a clear stance within the debate. The writer may also use first-person or second-person or may refer to the paper itself.
    0 pts
    No Marks
    15 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody of the Essay: Argument
    20 pts
    In each body paragraph, the thesis argument is forwarded with strong and effective use of multiple argument techniques. Supporting and opposing arguments are richly developed and are presented and analyzed with the writer’s voice as the driving force of each paragraph. The writer avoids using first-person and second-person and avoids referring to the paper itself.
    16 pts
    Body paragraphs forward the thesis argument well but could be more effective in one of the following: use of multiple argument techniques, rich development of supporting and opposing arguments, and the writer’s voice as the driving force. Or, the writer may sometimes use first-person or second-person or may refer to the paper itself.
    12 pts
    Body paragraphs forward the thesis argument but could be more effective in some of the following: use of multiple argument techniques, rich development of supporting and opposing arguments, and the writer’s voice as the driving force. The writer may use first-person or second-person or may refer to the paper itself.
    9 pts
    Body paragraphs fall short of fully forwarding the central argument because of notable deficits in the use of multiple argument techniques, in rich development of supporting and opposing arguments, or in the writer’s voice as the driving force. The writer may use first-person or second-person or may refer to the paper itself.
    0 pts
    No Marks
    20 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody of the Essay: Paragraph Development
    20 pts
    The student’s voice is the driving force of each paragraph. Each paragraph includes all of the following: a clear topic sentence in the student’s voice, a brief discussion of the point at hand in the student’s voice, a smooth and clear shift from student’s voice to source material via signal phrases, a brief and clear presentation of source material, a clear indication of when the student’s voice begins again after the source material, and a rich interpretation and analysis in the student’s voice of the source material as related to the overall thesis and/or to the specific argument point at hand.
    16 pts
    The student’s voice is often the driving force of each paragraph, but some paragraphs may be missing some of the following: a clear topic sentence in the student’s voice, a brief discussion of the point at hand in the student’s voice, a smooth and clear shift from student’s voice to source material via signal phrases, a brief and clear presentation of source material, a clear indication of when the student’s voice begins again after the source material, and a rich interpretation and analysis in the student’s voice of the source material as related to the overall thesis and/or to the specific argument point at hand.
    12 pts
    The student’s voice is often the driving force of each paragraph, but many paragraphs are missing some of the following: a clear topic sentence in the student’s voice, a brief discussion of the point at hand in the student’s voice, a smooth and clear shift from student’s voice to source material via signal phrases, a brief and clear presentation of source material, a clear indication of when the student’s voice begins again after the source material, and a rich interpretation and analysis in the student’s voice of the source material as related to the overall thesis and/or to the specific argument point at hand.
    9 pts
    The student’s voice is not often the driving force of all paragraphs because most paragraphs are missing much of the following: a clear topic sentence in the student’s voice, a brief discussion of the point at hand in the student’s voice, a smooth and clear shift from student’s voice to source material via signal phrases, a brief and clear presentation of source material, a clear indication of when the student’s voice begins again after the source material, and a rich interpretation and analysis in the student’s voice of the source material as related to the overall thesis and/or to the specific argument point at hand.
    0 pts
    No Marks
    20 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody of the Essay: Organization and Flow
    15 pts
    Throughout the essay, the writing flows smoothly with effective transitions. The writing employs strong, clear, varied word choice that clarifies ideas and demonstrates good sentence variety. The essay is organized effectively and logically from start to finish.
    12 pts
    Throughout most of the essay, the writing flows smoothly with effective transitions. The writing usually employs strong, clear, varied word choice that clarifies ideas and demonstrates good sentence variety. The essay reflects that an organizational plan has been employed.
    9 pts
    In some places throughout the essay, the writing flows smoothly with effective transitions. There is some evidence of clear, varied word choice and sentence variety. The organization of paragraphs may not be optimal.
    7 pts
    Throughout the essay, the writing may be choppy due to a lack of sentence variety, word choice, or transitions. The organization of paragraphs from start to finish in the essay might be confusing or otherwise ineffective.
    0 pts
    No Marks
    15 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSources: Quality and Number
    20 pts
    Four scholarly sources are visibly used in the essay itself and are all referenced and cited with enough information needed to determine their scholarly nature.
    16 pts
    Four sources are visibly used in the essay itself, but some may not include enough information needed to determine their scholarly nature.
    12 pts
    Four sources may be used, but 1-2 may not be scholarly. Or, fewer than four sources are used or some are not visibly integrated into the writing.
    10 pts
    Four sources may be used, but 3 or more may not be scholarly. Or, fewer than four sources are used and many or most are not visibly integrated into the writing.
    0 pts
    No Marks
    20 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSources: Application and Integration
    15 pts
    Each time a source is used within the essay, it is well-previewed in the student’s voice and is smoothly integrated with a signal phrase or with correct integration into a student’s sentence. Each time a source is used, it is highly relevant to the point at hand and is effective in the context of the argument. The student has chosen to paraphrase or quote according to best practices. Sources comprise a small portion of each paragraph and are never used in the topic sentence or final sentence of a paragraph. Sources are cited directly after use, never at the end of the paragraph.
    12 pts
    Almost every time a source is used within the essay, it is well-previewed in the student’s voice and is smoothly integrated with a signal phrase or with correct integration into a student’s sentence. The source may not be clearly relevant to the point at hand or in the context of the argument. The student may need to make better choices between paraphrasing or quoting according to best practices. Sources may be over-used in some paragraphs or may be used in the topic sentence or final sentence of a paragraph. Sources may be cited at the end of a paragraph vs. directly after their use.
    9 pts
    Source application and integration may fall short and may require work to meet some of the following standards: sources well-previewed in the student’s voice, smoothly-integrated with a signal phrase or with correct integration into a student’s sentence, clearly relevant to the point at hand or in the context of the argument, well-informed in choice of paraphrase or quotation, minimally used to maintain writer’s voice, and effectively placed sources and citations.
    7 pts
    Source application and integration may fall short and may require work to meet many of the following standards: sources well-previewed in the student’s voice, smoothly-integrated with a signal phrase or with correct integration into a student’s sentence, clearly relevant to the point at hand or in the context of the argument, well-informed in choice of paraphrase or quotation, minimally used to maintain writer’s voice, and effectively placed sources and citations.
    0 pts
    No Marks
    15 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEssay Conclusion
    15 pts
    The conclusion is succinct and powerful, avoiding verbatim repetition of material from the introduction or from the paper. The conclusion flows well from the final body paragraph, reiterates the thesis concept in a unique way, and leaves the reader thinking with a look at larger contexts while staying keenly on-topic. The writer avoids using first-person and second-person and does not refer to the essay itself.
    12 pts
    The conclusion is succinct and powerful, but may include a small amount of verbatim repetition of material from the introduction or from the paper. The conclusion may flow well from the final body paragraph and addresses larger contexts, but in a way that may not be effective or powerful. The writer may use first-person or second-person or may refer to the esay itself.
    9 pts
    The conclusion is ineffective in some of the following areas: power and conciseness, unique wording, smooth flow, a thought-provoking ending, third-person point of view.
    7 pts
    The conclusion is missing multiple required elements or is highly ineffective due to wordiness, repetition, length (too short or too long), choppiness, a lack of impact, and/or the use of first-person or referring to the essay itself.
    0 pts
    Sources are not cited.
    15 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Citation and Referencing
    15 pts
    All in-text citations and references are formatted in correct APA Style, and the references page is formatted correctly: The word References is centered at the top, the entire page is double-spaced uniformly, the list is alphabetized, and all but the first line of each source is properly indented.
    12 pts
    In-text citations and references may have minor errors in APA Style, and the references page may show errors in 1-2 of the following: The word References is centered at the top, the entire page is double-spaced uniformly, the list is alphabetized, and all but the first line of each source is properly indented.
    9 pts
    In-text citations and references may have persistent errors in APA Style, or the references page may show errors in 3 of the following: The word References is centered at the top, the entire page is double-spaced uniformly, the list is alphabetized, and all but the first line of each source is properly indented.
    7 pts
    In-text citations and references may have major errors in APA Style, may not include enough information to fully identify the source, or 4 or more of the following: The word References is centered at the top, the entire page is double-spaced uniformly, the list is alphabetized, and all but the first line of each source is properly indented.
    0 pts
    Sources are not cited or are cited poorly enough that the nature of the sources is overwhelmingly unclear.
    15 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting: Mechanics & Usage
    15 pts
    The writing is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that would detract from a clear reading of the paper.
    12 pts
    The writing contains a few errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but the errors do not detract from a clear reading of the text.
    9 pts
    The writing contains some errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that need to be addressed for a clearer reading of the paper.
    7 pts
    The writing contains several errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that impede a clear reading of the paper.
    4 pts
    The writing contains numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that impede a clear reading of the paper.
    0 pts
    No Marks
    15 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLength
    15 pts
    Meets length requirement (4-5 pages, not including title page or references).
    11 pts
    Length is less than 4 full pages, not including title page or references.
    7 pts
    Length is less than 3 full pages, not including title page or references.
    0 pts
    No Marks
    15 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Paper Format
    15 pts
    The essay is formatted in correct APA Style for the following items: header with pagination, correct margins and spacing, indentation of the first line of each paragraph. The paper does not use sections or headings within the essay.
    12 pts
    The essay is missing or has errors in 1-2 elements of the following: header with pagination, correct margins and spacing, indentation of the first line of each paragraph. The paper does not use sections or headings within the essay.
    9 pts
    The essay is missing or has errors in 3-4 elements of the following: header with pagination, correct margins and spacing, indentation of the first line of each paragraph. The paper may incorrectly include section divisions or headings within the essay.
    7 pts
    The essay is missing or has errors in 5 or more elements of the following: header with pagination, correct margins and spacing, indentation of the first line of each paragraph. The paper may incorrectly include section divisions or headings within the essay.
    0 pts
    No Marks
    15 pts
    Total Points: 180
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  • “The Structural and Thematic Analysis of Shakespeare’s Sonnet”

    Choose a sonnet by Shakespeare and do a close reading.  First summarize the theme of the sonnet.  Then, discuss the formal aspects of the sonnet and how the rules of sonnet structure apply to the one you chose.  Describe how the poet divides the sonnet for thematic purposes.  Then, give a line by line analysis of the poem, paying close attention, where necessary, to the meaning, or variety of possible meanings, of individual words.
    There is no research required for this paper, but a good dictionary or glossary will be helpful.