Assessment Piece Cognitive level of your response From simplest to most difficult, the six key 'cognitive domains' (or thought processes) are: recall comprehension application analysis synthesis evaluation. *** It is important that your essays do not simply describe or reproduce key facts, or only outline the perspectives of various writers, but that they go beyond that, introducing elements of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. What you need to do *** When you plan an essay, and as you are in the process of writing an essay, check whether you are addressing levels 4 to 6, or only the first 2 or 3 of the 'cognitive domains' listed above.

How to Begin? Step 1: “Brainstorm” Identify the kind of paper you are going to write Example: an analysis Step 2: Identify and narrow the topic. Example: In this an analysis, what are you analyzing? The effectiveness of freshman writing courses in preparing students for higher-level college writing Step 3: Write a skeleton outline. Statement of intent. Step 4: Do research, what did you discover, learn, see, etc? What did your analysis reveal? Students are unable to conduct library research. Students do not know how to integrate sources into their papers. Students do not know how to use proper documentation to cite sources. Step 5: Revisit outline; change and fill in the support Step 6: Write Intro …

Let’s Put Our Statement Together Approval Email… Let’s Put Our Statement Together An analysis of the effectiveness of freshman writing courses in preparing students for higher-level college writing (looking at the) (reveals the) following: students are unable to conduct library research, integrate sources into their papers, and use the proper documentation to cite sources. B1 – B2 – B3 – etc An outline of your points. Remember 5 paragraphs are the minimum.

Persuasive/Opinion Essay A persuasive essay (form of argument essay) has one of two objectives: To convince your reader to adopt your point of view To convince your reader to take a specific course of action A good persuasive essay argues one side of a very narrow topic. Although the persuasive essay only addresses one side of the issue, the topic must be debatable. Simply put, the persuasive essay recognizes that there are two sides to every question, but only presents one side to the reader. Still, it's important for you to understand both sides of the debate in order to promote your viewpoint effectively.

What do you think about:- (or something you want) Spoken English Academic English In my opinion The opinion can be put forward (forth) … I think / feel / believe The notion can be put forward that It can be asserted that From examining the findings In light of the evidence From previous research Considering / According to / As shown (in / by) / Given that I’m convinced Considering the evidence Convincing research suggests The literature strongly suggests It is my belief I’d argue that Some theorists argue that It can be argued that I’d dispute that Although … actually I agree I disagree It is evident It is doubtful What do you think about:- (or something you want) Living with someone before marriage. Banning cell phones in class. This post-grad degree. Legalizing Euthanasia. Banning Mini-skirts. Filtering the Internet Increasing the age to drink or drive. I think __________________ because (first of all / firstly) … (additional info) …secondly …

Common Structure Essay First Paragraph Hook 3# Body Paragraph Topic Sentence 3 Points Thesis statement 1# Body Paragraph 1.Topic Sentence – 1st Point 2.First main point + support sentences 3.Second main point + support sentences 4.Third main point + support sentences 5. Transition / connectors 2# Body Paragraph – 2nd Point 3# Body Paragraph 1.Topic Sentence – 3rd Point 2.First main point + support sentences 3.Second main point + support sentences 4.Third main point + support sentences 5. Transition / connectors 5 Conclusion -restatement, suggestion, opinion or prediction

Essay Types – Argumentative V persuasive The argumentative essay, although bearing many similarities to the persuasive (argument) essay, has several very distinct differences. The objective of a persuasive essay is to “win” the reader over to your side of an argument, while the primary objective of an argumentative essay is just to show that you have a valid argument, allowing the reader either to adopt your position or to “agree to disagree”. Another difference between the two types of essay is that in the persuasive essay, although you acknowledge the opposing view, only one side of the issue is debated. An important part of the argumentative essay is to use evidence both to substantiate one’s own position and to refute the opposing argument. The final difference between the argumentative essay and the argument (persuasive) essay is the organization of the composition. The persuasive essay follows the basic essay format while an argumentative essay is more complex.

Argumentative Structure Main Argument Objection Reply / Refutation Body

Counter arguments / punch. Think of arguments against these statements Vocab: But / however / I disagree A. I think Park Ji Song is an average football player. B. I disagree as he played football in the EPL. Now try these … I think TOEIC is a waste of time. For most people in Korea, English is a unnecessary. I think money doesn’t always bring happiness. I think blind dates are an easy way to meet people. I think the 2 Korea’s will reunite one day. Classroom management is a reflection of poor teaching and organization. Classroom games are just time wasting. Good writing can come from good speaking ability.   Pick one of the topics you and your partner disagreed on and complete the dialogue… providing counter arguments… A. What do you think about … B I think ______________ is a good idea because ______________________. A. I disagree, I’m against it. (reason) & / (counter B’s claims) B. (Counter A’s claims)

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY? present an opinion on a controversial topic to the reader; explain, clarify and illustrate that opinion; persuade the reader that the opinion supported in the essay is valid by: a. moving the reader to action, b. convincing the reader that the opinion is correct, or c. persuading the reader that the opinion is at least worth considering; support the opinion by means of giving evidence: facts, examples, physical description, support of authority, and statistics; present counterarguments to the thesis and refute them respectfully and critically.

ORGANIZING IDEAS INTO AN OUTLINE (There are other ways too …)

Block or Point methods Block Pattern I.   Introduction Explanation of the issue  Thesis statement  II.   Body  Block 1 A.   Summary of other side’s arguments  B.   Rebuttal to the first argument  C.   Rebuttal to the second argument  D.   Rebuttal to the third argument Block 2 E.   Your first argument  F.   Your second argument G.   Your third argument  III.   Conclusion – may include a summary of your point of view Point-by-Point Pattern I.   Introduction  Explanation of the issue, including a summary of the other side’s arguments  Thesis statement  II.   Body A.   Statement of the other side’s first argument and rebuttal with your own counterargument  B.   Statement of the other side’s second argument and rebuttal with your own counterargument C.   Statement of the other side’s third argument and rebuttal with your own counterargument  III.   Conclusion – may include a summary of your point of view

Generating Counter Arguments How strong is the opposition? What arguments might be used against my thesis statement? How can I refute these arguments? Will I have to agree with some of these points? Which of my arguments might the opposition try to discredit? How closely does my audience identify with the opposition? Can I see any weak links in the opposition’s thinking?

Writing pro and con thesis statements Topic 1: Women in the military. P: In an equal society, there is no reason why women should not play a part in the military. C: Women should not be allowed to fight in the military because they do not have the strength and endurance required in combat.

Your Turn Topic: Using animals in disease research Topic: Space exploration / Internet privacy

Counter Arguments Sometimes it may be difficult to anticipate the counterarguments. Here are some strategies that you can make use of if you are having difficulty at this stage: Do some research. It may seem to you that no one could possibly disagree with your position, but you will be astonished to find that someone most probably already has. Talk with a friend or your instructor. Someone else may point out certain counterarguments that may never have occurred to you. Consider the thesis and your supporting arguments and think of how people may object to each of them.

Refuting the Counter Arguments Refuting Counter Arguments by Claiming that they are: 1. Incorrect: demonstrating that your opponent’s reasoning is wrong because it is based on incorrect or misleading information 2. Irrelevant: showing that your opponent’s viewpoint is inappropriate and unrelated because it is not relevant to the key point 3. Insufficient: showing that your opponent’s reasoning is weak because it is based on insufficient information or ignores significant information. Partially agree with the opponent’s point of view but on the whole prove that it is weak

A note about structuring … There are no right and wrong structures, just logical and illogical. You may be taught and you may see different structures – they are all acceptable. Stay uniform and focused.