Academic Writing--The Research Challenge!

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The Research Challenge!

For the Spring 2010 semester, you will have two options for earning your 15 points:

Option 1: Argumentative Essay Final Exam (15 points total) = 15%

OR
Option 2: Argumentative Essay (15 points total)

--(written out of class and submitted in lieu of a final exam): = 15%

--3 drafts (of the same paper, 2 points each) = 6%

--Final version of paper (6 points) = 6%

--Selection of topic, definition of audience,and development of thesis statement (1 point) = 1%

--Development of topic sentences (1 point) = 1%

--Development of counterarguments (1 point) = 1%

Obviously, I believe that Option #2 would be the best choice because you will receive feedback throughout the semester from me and your peers. I suggest that you begin the semester with Option #2 in mind because if it doesn’t work out, you can always switch to Option #1. However, you CANNOT begin with Option #1 and then switch to Option #2.

Option 2 will work best if you submit all your homework in a timely manner. It will do you no good to submit three drafts in the last week of class. I wouldn’t accept them late anyway.

So if you select Option #2, be prepared to attend class regularly and submit all your homework on time. If I see good faith effort on your part, I will work with you.

Option #1

May be a good choice if you have taken this class before (for example, in the U.S. or the U.K.), and already know the subject matter and just need the credits to fulfill a university requirement.

Option #2

May be a good choice if the subject matter is new to you and you have never written this type of essay.

Below I have listed some advantages and disadvantages of both options:

Advantages of Option #1

• If you miss submitting the homework/ assignments associated with the final paper, it won’t affect your final grade.

• Your topic will be selected for you.

• If you anticipate a lot of absences due to conflicts and/or outside jobs, this option will offer you some flexibility.

• For practice, you may still submit the rough draft homework/assignments, so you don’t have to decide right away whether to do Option #1 or #2.

Disadvantages of Option # 1

• The final exam is very difficult and asks you to complete in 90 minutes what the class has been doing all semester. The bar has been raised high on the final examination. If you do not pass this exam, you may end up not passing the course at all.

• You do not get to select your own topic, and you might end up with one that may bore you.

• If you have a bad day (sickness, tiredness, conflicting exam schedule, etc.) on exam day, your entire score is still riding on this one exam.

• You will receive limited feedback on your writing (just on your final).

• Even if you do some of the homework/assignments, the exam will still count 15% (and you will not receive the Option #2 points).

Advantages of Option #2

• Consistent feedback from me and your peers.

• Your 15 points for the semester are not riding on just one exam.

• You get to select your own topic, therefore writing about a subject that interests you.

• You can still begin the semester with this option in mind, but if keeping up becomes a problem, you can still switch to Option #1.

Disadvantages of Option #2

• Submission of homework/ assignments and regular class attendance are mandatory.

• This option will keep you busy all semester, not just at the end.

• If you have too many class and/or job conflicts, this option may not work out (unless you are self-driven and can properly submit the work without being in class).

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