Argument Synthesis Paper

Argument Synthesis Paper

Argument Synthesis Paper

Rough Draft Due:
Final Draft Due:
Topic: Some people believe that the use of robotics is advancing our society. Others contend that such developments are changing society negatively. What is your position on this issue? Is the development of robotics helpful or harmful?
Task: Write an argument synthesis paper in which you answer these questions using the sources listed below as supporting texts. Make a claim that you justify with reasons and evidence from the texts. The claim is your informed opinion on the issue, but you will use the texts to validate your stance. Successful completion of this task also requires that you acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints. Your goal should be to persuade readers that your position on this issue is superior to other perspectives.
Sources:

Argument Synthesis Paper essay

“The Ethical Frontiers of Robotics” by Noel Sharkey
“Alone Together: The Robotic Moment” by Sherry Turkle
“To Siri, With Love” by Judith Newman
“A Swiveling Proxy That Will Even Wear a Tutu” by Robbie Brown
Introductory Section
-Introduction of the issue
-Explanation and Background:
Familiarize your readers with the controversy.
Give them the information they need to understand the issue at hand.
-Claim: Give your position on the issue
-Mention your main reasons for your claim

Body of the Essay:
• The body of your paper should focus on several reasons for your position AND supporting evidence for each reason. Use evidence from the texts whenever possible. You also must provide explicit acknowledgment and refutation of opposing views.
• For ideas about how to organize your body paragraphs, refer to pp. 226-228 in Writing in the Disciplines.
Conclusion
Recap your argument and reiterate why your audience should care about this issue; rephrase and restate your thesis. Remember to always leave your readers thinking critically about the issue.

Purpose: The ability to argue effectively is a skill that is crucial for success at the university level and beyond. The best arguments are ones that incorporate material from other informed sources to support their claims. This assignment allows you to demonstrate your understanding of a complex issue based on your comprehension of the texts and synthesis of information pertinent to the topic. It also displays your ability to argue persuasively by appropriately integrating relevant information and ideas from the readings into your paper to justify your position.

Grading Rubric for Argumentative Synthesis
CONTENT Rating NOTES
Provides background information on the issue(s) to frame your argument Low Medium High
Contains a thesis statement that introduces the writer’s position regarding the topic explained in the paper Low Medium High
Develops an arguable position. Someone should be able to disagree with your opinion on the issue Low Medium High
Reasons for your claim are supported by evidence from the texts Low Medium High
Ideas and information from the texts are integrated with and connected to one another Low Medium High
Explains HOW your evidence supports your thesis statement. Do not give evidence from the texts without connecting it to your claim. Low Medium High
Considers the evidence for both sides of the issue. Explicitly discuss and respond to the reasons and evidence for opposing views Low Medium High

ORGANIZATION Rating NOTES
Overall structure— effective introduction, body, and conclusion Low Medium High
Paragraph development—each paragraph focuses on one subtopic only and is developed with examples or details from the texts Low Medium High
Transitional phrases—effective use of transitions within and between paragraphs to show relationships between topics, ideas, and texts. Low Medium High

LANGUAGE Rating NOTES
Appropriate use of parts of speech (adjectives, nouns, verbs, adverbs, etc.) Low Medium High
Appropriate use of verbs and verb forms Low Medium High
Paraphrases from the texts are integrated into the paper, cited, and reflect an understanding of the reading Low Medium High
Appropriate sentence structure (few if any run-ons or fragments) and variety (appropriate use of coordination and subordination; mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences) Low Medium High
Grammatical errors do not interfere with overall understanding Low Medium High

FORMAT Rating NOTES
References listed on a separate sheet of paper following APA format Low Medium High
Original Title Low Medium High
Typed in 12-point font, double-spaced, 1” margins, stapled Low Medium High

Note to the Writer for Argumentative Synthesis
Grading Rubric for Argumentative Synthesis
CONTENT Rating
Provides background information on the issue(s) to frame your argument Low Medium High
Contains a thesis statement that introduces the writer’s position regarding the topic explained in the paper
Low
Medium
High
Develops an arguable position. Someone should be able to disagree with your opinion on the issue
Low
Medium
High
Reasons for your claim are supported by evidence from the texts Low Medium High
Ideas and information from the texts are integrated with and connected to one another Low Medium High
Explains HOW your evidence supports your thesis statement. Do not give evidence from the texts without connecting it to your claim. Low Medium High
Considers the evidence for both sides of the issue. Explicitly discuss and respond to the reasons and evidence for opposing views Low Medium High

ORGANIZATION Rating
Overall structure— effective introduction, body, and conclusion Low Medium High
Paragraph development—each paragraph focuses on one subtopic only and is developed with examples or details from the texts Low Medium High
Transitional phrases—effective use of transitions within and between paragraphs to show relationships between topics, ideas, and texts. Low Medium High

LANGUAGE Rating
Appropriate use of parts of speech (adjectives, nouns, verbs, adverbs, etc.) Low Medium High
Appropriate use of verbs and verb forms Low Medium High
Paraphrases from the texts are integrated into the paper, cited, and reflect an understanding of the reading Low Medium High
Appropriate sentence structure (few if any run-ons or fragments) and variety (appropriate use of coordination and subordination; mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences) Low Medium High
Grammatical errors do not interfere with overall understanding Low Medium High

FORMAT Rating

Argument Synthesis Paper

References listed on a separate sheet of paper following APA format Low Medium High
Original Title Low Medium High
Typed in 12-point font, double-spaced, 1” margins, stapled Low Medium High