Week 8: My Trial Assignment

Argumentative Structure:

This assignment is designed to help you analyze the logical construction of your argument within your paper.  I hope through analyzing each paragraph's emphasis in relation to your thesis and conclusion you will acquire an understanding of how we generate a logical argument within our own writing, and the importance of revising and reinterpretation, in the construction of written arguments.

PART 1:

Determine what you believe to be the rhetorical structure of your argument (e.g. Problem/solution; Appearance vs. Reality; Pros vs Cons; Comparison/ Contrast; even General to specific)

PART 2:

Once you have determined the structure or arrangement you are using, then examine each paragraph:  What is your thesis statement.  What is the purpose of each body paragraph (1 to however many you have).  What is your main point in the conclusion.  Once you have collected this information from each paragraph, try to sum up each paragraph and its content in a single defining sentence (if possible) and arrange them as they are in your paper.

PART 3:

Examine what you have found.  Do your paragraphs hold true to your original rhetorical structure?  Does your argument focus on the main idea throughout each paragraph?  Write a brief response on your experience with this assignment.  If all of your paragraphs are in sync with your argument, comment on how you were able to accomplish this.  What function do each of your paragraphs serve in the logical progression of your argument.  If your paragraphs are not in sync with your original thesis or structure, write about how you can or will change them so that your structure is consistent with your rhetorical strategy.


Teacher's note:  I have never created an assignment of this genre before.  If you rapidly approach your time limit before getting to the final section, or complete it too soon please let me know.  Otherwise I really hope this assignment is beneficial.  Good luck!