In the previous assignment, you were asked to stand back from a conversation and survey the landscape of the arguments. You were an observer looking from the outside in.

Now, it is your turn to step into the conversation and analyze the arguments presented in the course text. For this assignment, then, you will survey the claims made in the texts read for class and evaluate whether they are valid, ethical, and well-supported. You will also need to assess whether the claims are supported or refuted by other sources that you read in class and/or from outside sources.

When offering evidence from the primary and secondary sources to support your points, you will need to summarize, paraphrase, quote, and document your sources.

As for all writings this semester, this paper will be written for your peers and instructor. Therefore, you should assume that your reader is favorable to your analysis but might be unfamiliar with your sources. Your paper will need to provide background and clarity to the content of the articles that you cite in your paper.

For this assignment, then, you might consider the following questions:

What arguments are presented in the readings?
Are those arguments ethical? Logical? Emotionally-driven? Predictable? Simplistic? Overly generalizing? Outdated?
Are those arguments supported by the research? In what ways does the research challenge those arguments?

Assignment Requirements.

MLA or APA formatting and heading
ENGL 1301: 1000 words
Include a title

Would you like to see a model? Here's an example of a student's introduction and discussion 1 section.

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Researching for the assignment. When engaging with outside sources, you also want to take some time to consider the timeliness, legitimacy, relevance, and accuracy of the sources. Your goal is to engage with your research and become an information literate person. The American Library Association notes that an information literate person:

Determines the nature and extent of information needed.
Accesses the needed information effectively and efficiently.
Evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.
Uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
Understands many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and accesses and uses information ethically and legally.

Information literacy, therefore, is defined by the American Library Association (ALA) as a set of skills which require you to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." As you engage with your research this week, these are the objectives that we'll also be working toward.

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For this week, then, you will:

Explore/Learn
- Read Chapter 6, "Beginning Your Search," from Joining the Conversation.
- Read "ENGL 1301: Argument Evaluation" from JtC, NCTC Preface xxviii.
- Read Writing Toolkit: Writing Your Evaluation.
- Read Writing Toolkit: Organizing the Evaluation.
- Review Writing Toolkit: Writing the Introduction.
Connect/Collaborate
- Complete Lesson 11: Reading Quiz (JtC, Chpt 6).
- Complete Lesson 11: Library Orientation.
Apply/Experiment
- Complete Lesson 11: WA 3, Rough Draft (Introduction).