The second essay in EN 104 is an academic argument with research documented in APA format.  In this assignment, you will begin that process by creating an essay draft.  The draft allows you to develop your growing skills by using the principles of argument to advocate for a position on an issue.  You will use evidence to persuade your reader to see your point of view.

Estimated time to complete: 8 hours

Conduct research and write an argument essay about a change you would like to see in your community or workplace.
This essay will:
be 5-7 pages, typed and double-spaced.
the cover page and references page do not count toward the 5-7 pages.
includes 4 at least 4 sources for this essay.  At least two of those sources need to be scholarly sources from the online databases available through Herzing Universitys library. 
follows APA conventions for documentation and formatting.
APA guidelines will be covered in class, but you will need to refer to additional resources while writing, revising, and editing your essay.  Purdue Universitys Online Writing Lab (OWL) or the APA manual are good resources for APA.
A successful academic argument essay will meet the following criteria:
Introduction/background: The reader is drawn in by an attention-getter at the beginning of the introduction. Necessary background information is provided.  There is a transition that leads from the attention getter to the thesis.  The thesis statement takes a clear position on a specific, controversial issue.
Development: Three to five clear reasons/main points support the thesis. Main points are developed with evidence that may include personal experience, observations, and research with at least two sources from the Herzing University library.  At least four sources are incorporated into the text to support or challenge main points.  Source information is clearly introduced and commented on.  Opposing views are anticipated and addressed.
Organization: The essay follows the classical argument structure discussed in class and on the assignment sheet. Ideas are organized and presented clearly by using strong topic sentences, concluding sentences, and transitions.
Presentation and Style: The essay is formatted according to the guidelines in the syllabus and APA documentation guidelines. All sources are cited appropriately in text and on a references page. Tone and vocabulary used are appropriate for college-level academic writing.  Writing is concise with varied sentence structure.
Grammar and Mechanics: Errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics are minimal and minor. The reader is not distracted by errors.