#gradaute

Two Kinds of Essay

There are two kinds of essay you will have to write. The first kind is the “analyze an issue” essay and the other is “analyze an argument” essay. You will get 30 minutes per essay. There are only 6 types of prompts for the issue task and 8 for the argument task. There is also a data bank of available prompts to practice from for both Issue and Argument.

Analyze an Issue

This task presents an opinion on a broad issue with specific instructions on how to respond. You must evaluate the issue, consider its intricacies, and develop an argument with appropriate reasons and examples. Provide a compelling case for your own position on the issue. They are looking if you addressed the prompt and articulated an argument for your case. This is simply an exercise in critical thinking and persuasive writing.

Analyze an Argument

This task requires you to evaluate a given argument according to specific directions, considering the logical soundness of the argument instead of position. This task assesses your ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate an argument. Pay attention to offered evidence, what is explicitly claimed/concluded, what is assumed, and what would follow what is stated. Look for terms that suggest a logical connection like however, thus, therefore, in conclusion, etc. They only care about how insightful you evaluate the argument.

Scoring

Here are the links for the two rubrics, Issue and Argument. I’m going to summarize key phrases for each score.

Issue

6 Sentence structure is varied and complex. Articulate and clear position. Follows assigned task. Develops the position fully. Well organized. Conveys ideas fluently and precisely.

5 Clear and well-considered position. Develops the position with compelling examples. Generally well organized. Appropriate use of varied sentence structure and vocabulary.

4 Clear position. Develops the position with examples. Adequately organized. Acceptable clarity.

3 Limited development. Vague. Weak examples. Limited in organization. Problematic language usage. Contains major errors.

2 Unclear position. Few/weak examples. Poorly organized. Serious problems with language. Serious grammar errors.

1 Does not understand issue. Disorganized. Severe problems with language. Pervasive errors.

Argument

6 Insightful examination. Clear organizations/transitions. Compelling support. Fluent and precise language. Cogent examination of argument. Conveys meaning skillfully.

5 Generally perceptive analysis. Logical organization. Thoughtful and thorough support. Clear. Development not thorough or compelling enough for 6.

4 Generally identifies/examines aspects of assignment. Satisfactory organization. Uneven support. Sufficient usage of language.

3 Does not identify/examine most aspects of the assignment. Tangential. Limited organization. Little support. Unclear. Occasionally major errors.

2 Examination not based on logical analysis. Does not follow directions. Poorly organized. Little/no relevant support. Language obscures meaning.

1 Does not understand argument. Disorganized. Language problems interfere with meaning. Incoherent.

Tips

General

1.       Outline quickly. It’s important to be organized, but also watch the time. It should only take you 4-5 minutes to outline.

2.       Budget your time. Outline quickly, but also be mindful you have to write your cogent response in only 30 minutes. Don’t spend too much time on one point.

3.       Save some time for editing. Use a couple minutes at the end to check for errors as major errors could lower your score.

Issue

1.       Carefully read instructions and prompt.

2.       Decide if you agree or disagree. Decide your position.

3.       Write a list of reasons and prioritize, starting with the most persuasive reason. Summarize your position and note how you will support this.

4.       Outline, with 3-4 points with compelling examples and include 1-2 counterexamples.

Argument

1.       Carefully read instructions and prompt.

2.       Assess the overall logic and choose the best approach to critique. (Alternate explanation, analysis, assumption, and counterexample) Identify claims and conclusons. Consider addition questions/evidence.

3.       Outline, with 3-4 points with examples, evidence, and specific reasons. Prioritize.