English Paper-Essays Writing

Essays Writing

ASSIGNMENT 1.

For Touchstone 1, you will be writing two separate, distinct paragraphs. You will write one paragraph in the informative mode and one paragraph in the descriptive mode.
The informative paragraph must be written in a non-biased tone and explain, teach, or inform. The descriptive paragraph must use sensory details to describe a person, place or object.
Choosing a Topic
For the informative paragraph, be creative and choose a topic that you already know something about. (You do not need to conduct any research for this paragraph.) Be sure to write in an objective and non-biased manner with your intended audience and purpose in mind. You may write about any topic you wish that you know something about, however; below are some sample topics that may help you get started.
The background, history, or rules of a particular game or sport
The materials, tools, background or approach for a hobby you enjoy
The action/process for an activity such as driving, planting a garden, grilling a steak, etc.
The history of a place that you know a lot about (a city, state, natural attraction, etc.)
A scientific process or concept that you are very familiar with
For the descriptive paragraph, use sensory language and vivid details to describe a person, a place or a thing. Sensory details describe how something looks, sounds, feels, smells or tastes. You should use precise language to “show” rather than “tell” about what you are describing.  Be sure to write with your intended audience and purpose in mind. What you write about is entirely up to you as long as you use vivid details and sensory language to bring the description to life. However, below are some sample topics that may help you get started.
Describe a room in your house
Describe your favorite spot to spend time
Describe a person who is special to you
Describe a meal that you enjoy eating or cooking
Describe a unique family tradition
Paragraph Guidelines
Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until your paragraphs meet all guidelines.
Paragraph Structure
Does each paragraph include a topic sentence that depicts the controlling idea of the paragraph?
Does each paragraph include supporting sentences that effectively support your topic sentence?
Are all sentences or details in the paragraph relevant to the topic sentence?
Does each paragraph include a concluding sentence that gives closure to the paragraph?
Paragraph Cohesion
Is the sequence of all sentences within each paragraph logical (topic sentence first, logical sequence of supporting sentences, concluding sentence last)?
Are transitions used effectively to connect ideas within the paragraph?
Is the paragraph easy to read?
Sentence Structure
Are all sentences complete and correct?
Are there any run-on sentences? Have you used conjunctions and correct punctuation between independent clauses?
Are there any sentence fragments? Does each sentence have a subject and verb and express a complete thought?
Descriptive Paragraph
Does the writing “show” the reader details rather than “telling” about them?
Does the paragraph describe a person, place or object?
Have you touched on at least three of the senses in your use of sensory language?
Informative Paragraph
Does the paragraph clearly inform the reader about a topic?
Is the paragraph based on information or facts rather than opinion?
Is the tone of the paragraph neutral and objective?
Conventions
Have you checked your paragraph for grammatical errors?
Have you used Spell-Check or another method to check spelling?
Have you used punctuation correctly?
Before you Submit
Have you underlined your topic sentence, one supporting sentence and your concluding sentence in each paragraph?
Have you clearly labeled each paragraph as either “Descriptive” or “Informative”?
Have you clearly identified the intended audience and purpose above each paragraph?
Have you included your name, date and course at the top left of the page?
Is each paragraph between 200-300 words?
Reflection
Have you answered all of the reflection questions thoughtfully and thoroughly?
Are your answers to the reflection questions included on a separate page below your paragraphs?
Have you met or exceeded the required length for each reflection response?
Reflection Questions
What do you think your strengths and weaknesses are in terms of sentence construction and paragraph development? (1-2 sentences)
Explain how writing for a particular purpose and audience shaped each of your paragraphs. (3-5 sentences)
Discuss your feelings about writing in different modes. Is there a particular mode you enjoy writing in more than another? (3-5 sentences)
Explain how different writing modes that you have learned about might be applied to scenarios in your real life. (3-5 sentences)

ASSIGNMENT TWO:
For Touchstone 2 you will be writing an argumentative essay on a topic of your choice. The topic you choose must be debatable and you must take a clear stand on one side of the issue. Your topic must also be on a small enough scale that it is appropriately narrow for a 3-5 page essay. Your essay must include a title, an introductory paragraph, which contains your argumentative thesis statement, at least three body paragraphs, which provide support for your argument and a conclusion paragraph. Research from at least two outside sources is required to provide evidence and support for your argument. Research must be cited using APA style. You must include a reference page, which lists the specific sources you used and properly cite the sources within your essay. An example essay is provided below for reference. Please read this before writing your essay.
Choosing a Topic
You may choose any topic you wish as long as the topic has two clear sides. The websites listed below can be used to help you generate a topic idea. These websites are not valid academic sources for your paper; they can simply be helpful in choosing a topic. Additionally, not all topics on these websites will be appropriate for this assignment. Your topic should be current and should have a narrow focus appropriate for a 3-5 page essay.
http://www.debate.org/
http://www.procon.org/
Essay Guidelines
Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until your essay meets all guidelines.  We also suggest reading the complete sample essay before you begin writing.
Argumentative Thesis Statement and Focus
Does the topic of the argument have two clear sides?
Do you take a clear position on the argument in your thesis statement?
Is the topic appropriately narrow for a 3-5 page essay?
Development and Support
Are all details relevant to the argumentative thesis statement?
Is your position supported through use of rhetorical appeals?
Is your position supported through evidence?
Essay Structure and Organization
Does your essay have an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement?
Does your essay have at least three body paragraphs, which support your thesis statement?
Does your essay have a conclusion paragraph that wraps up the essay?
Are the essay paragraphs logically sequenced?
Have you used transitions to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs?
Is it easy to follow the argument?
Style
Have you checked your essay for redundancies and imprecise language?
Does your essay employ a formal style and objective tone?
Sources and Citations
Have you referenced at least two outside sources as evidence for your argument?
Are your sources current and credible?
Have you properly cited the sources using APA style within your essay and included a reference page?
Conventions
Have you checked your essay for grammatical errors?
Have you used Spell-Check or another method to check spelling?
Have you used punctuation correctly?
Have you checked your essay for sentence run-ons and sentence fragments?
Reflection
Have you answered all of the reflection questions thoughtfully and thoroughly?
Are your answers to the reflection questions included on a separate page below your essay?
Have you met or exceeded the required length for each reflection response?
Before You Submit
Have you given your essay a title?
Have you included your name, date, and course at the top left of the page?
Is your essay between 3-5 pages (1,000-1,500 words)?
Reflection Questions
How did your purpose and audience shape the way in which you wrote your argument? (1-2 sentences)
What was the most difficult part of writing your argumentative essay? (2-3 sentences)
Which appeals did you use and how do you think they strengthened your argument? (3-4 sentences)
How has your understanding of argumentative writing changed after completing this unit? (2-3 sentences)