Argument Essay

ENGL 111 – Winter 2024

Important Details
Due date: On Canvas by 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, April 9
In-class peer-review (800 word draft): Thursday, April 4
Length: 1,200 words
Percentage of final grade: 10%
Number of sources: 4
Citation style: APA
Document design: 12-point font, 1” margins, Times New Roman or Calibri font
Acceptable file types: .doc, .docx, .rtf, .pdf (do not submit Google Docs or you will not receive credit)

Because this is an assignment arguing for or against the use of AI in writing, I figured I had to use it to
write an assignment description! Thanks, ChatGPT!

Overview

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has become a prevalent tool in various fields
including education. As budding scholars, it is imperative to critically analyze the role and impact of AI
technology in writing courses. In this assignment, you are required to write a 1,200-word argumentative
paper discussing whether students should use AI technology in writing courses.

Objectives

- To develop a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence.

- To critically analyze different perspectives on the use of AI technology in writing courses.
- To enhance research and citation skills by incorporating outside sources.

Instructions

1. Thesis Statement: Begin your paper with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines your
position on the use of AI technology in writing courses.

2. Introduction: Provide a brief background on the prevalence of AI technology in education and

introduce the reader to the controversy surrounding its use in writing courses.

3. Body:
- Argument 1: Present your first argument in favor of or against the use of AI technology in writing
courses. Support your argument with evidence from at least one outside source.
- Argument 2: Present your second argument, ensuring to build a strong case with the help of at least
one outside source.
- Counterargument: Acknowledge a counterargument to your position and refute it using evidence
from an outside source.
4. Conclusion: Summarize your arguments and reiterate your thesis statement, highlighting the
significance of the issue and proposing a way forward.

5. References: Include a reference list with at least four outside sources that you have cited in your
paper. Adhere to APA, MLA, or Chicago citation style.

Requirements

- Word Count: Approximately 1,200 words.

- Sources: At least four outside sources. Peer-reviewed articles, academic books, and reputable news
sources are preferred.
- Formatting: Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, and 1-inch margins.
- Citation Style: APA, MLA, or Chicago (choose one and be consistent).

Evaluation Criteria

Your paper will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

- Thesis Statement: Clarity and precision in articulating your position.

- Argumentation: The strength and coherence of your arguments.
- Evidence: The quality and relevance of your supporting evidence.
- Counterargument: The acknowledgment and refutation of a counterargument.
- Conclusion: The effectiveness in summarizing the arguments and proposing a way forward.
- Writing Style: Grammar, syntax, and organization.
- Citation: Proper citation of sources and adherence to the chosen citation style.

Peer-Review
Each student will be randomly assigned a peer-review to complete in-class. This assignment will be
completed on Canvas. I will explain how to access and complete this assignment in class. Instructions for
peer-review will be on Canvas. Please make sure you read the instructions carefully as they change
slightly each time. Once you receive your feedback from peer-review, you should carefully consider
incorporating the suggestions into your own essay. You do not have to incorporate every suggestion, but
make sure you weigh the pros and cons. If you do not submit a draft, you will not receive credit for this
assignment. If you do not complete the peer-review on time, you will not receive credit for this
assignment. Merely completing the peer-review does not guarantee credit for the assignment. I will read
your feedback carefully to determine the effort put into the assignment.

Grading
I will be looking for aspects of persuasion that we’ve discussed in class. I will also be looking for a strong
argument supported by good research. As usual, I will be using the ENGL 111 rubric.