Writing Homework Help

1. You are going to read each of the resources listed below. As you read, identify and question the claims, grounds, warrants, backings, qualifiers, rebuttals, and closing sentences. Also question the rhetorical situation (writer, purpose, audience, question, context) and rhetorical devices (ethos, logos, pathos). Taking these important questioning and analyzing steps will give you a purpose for reading and help you identify the most important information in each resource:

• infographic and short excerpt: https://www.onlineschools.org/visual-academy/the-history-of-online-schooling/
• Article: Bustamante Risks and Rewards of Online Learning.docx
• Article: http://www.dailynebraskan.com/opinion/smith-reliance-on-online-materials-hinders-learning-potential-for-students/article_0517eae1-105c-5604-8af1-7e8de84d69a5.html
• Article: https://dailytrojan.com/2011/10/09/online-education-needs-connection/
• Article: Crisp_Short Distance Learning.docx
• Article: Newstok Plea for Close Learning.docx
• Article: McNulty Old Flames New Beacons.docx
• Article: https://hybridpedagogy.org/trading-classroom-authority-for-online-community/

2. Brainstorm your argument for BOTH SIDES. Yes, this will help you break down the argument into both sides (and will help you with your rebuttal later). You might wish to make a “For” and “Against” list or a brainstorm bubble (my favorite) or just freewrite ideas. That’s totally up to you!

3. Identify YOUR claim (what you’re going to argue throughout your essay);

4. Find reasons and evidence to support your claim;

5. Who are your naysayers (your counterargument…that’s the other side of the argument) who you will address? Find a discussion point for them, as well as how you will refute it.

ASSIGNMENT CRITERIA

• The writer has a clearly defined purpose and argument demonstrated with a strong thesis statement.
• The writer illustrates the significance or importance of his or her topic.
• The writer follows Toulmin structure and methods.
• The writer has a clear conclusion that acts as a summation (not summary!) of the essay.
• The writer engages responsibly and appropriately with research that he or she uses as specific evidence and examples.
• The writer’s evidence supports his or her argument directly.
• The writer cites three resources effectively using summary, paraphrase, and/or direct quotation.
• The writer’s short paper is succinct and tightly composed.
• The writer meets standards of clarity, accuracy, logic, significance, fairness, precision, and relevance.
• The writer uses appropriate spelling, grammar, and mechanics.
• The paper is in MLA format, including for the Works Cited page and overall document design.