Please see attached.

LINK TO ESSAY

<a href="/http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=35966719&site=eds-live&scope=site">Chapter 8: Do Students Lose More than They Gain in Online Writing Classes?</a>

 

Writing Assignment #1 will be a critique essay. 

 In following this critique essay [option A], you will be critiquing an author on her views on online writing courses. In option [B] you can pick and chose your topic from relevant programs discussed in class.

 The critique essay asks you to look at a source with a critical eye and discuss its strengths and weaknesses. It is often a comparison and contrast paper defending a thesis or claim. The claim is based on evidence that incorporates source material summary into its discussion but it also evaluates that source material. Is the position warranted, reasonable and plausible, and driven by evidence?

 OPTION A: Please write your critique essay of the following article.  This article is available to you in the e-reserves section of our class.

Kiefer, K. (2007). Chapter 8: Do students lose more than they gain in online writing classes? In “Brave New Classrooms” (pp. 141-151). Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.

 Considerations for this Essay:

You are taking WRTG 391 online or in hybrid format.  In either case, you are involved significantly in online instruction in your class. 

Kiefer argues in her essay that writing courses may not work well online.  She provides various reasons for making her argument.

You might agree with her.  Or you might agree with her on some points but question her on other points.  Or you might disagree with her entirely.  In this essay, you will evaluate her arguments and critique them.

Module 1 in our class, which can be accessed in Content, provides additional advice on organizing the critique. You can also follow the following model.

I. INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

a. Attention getting device [journalist's "lede"] to put the audience in the proper mood, such as:

1. Striking but relevant quotation

2. Striking but relevant question

3. Striking but relevant statement

4. Anecdote or brief narrative

b. Central idea or topic

c. Thesis or point or comment

d. Other preliminary information, such as:

1. Selected limitations or scope

2. Purpose

3. Definitions

4. Plan or procedure

5. Necessary background information

e. Umbrella sentence that anticipates essential points of the argument and leads into subsequent paragraphs. This "map" of what will follow makes the argument explicit.

 

II. BODY OF ESSAY: composed of at least three evidence paragraphs

a. First main point

1. Topic sentence: encapsulates the point of the paragraph. It also should be a strong “lede.”

2. Subordinate details, such as one or more of the following kinds of evidence:

a. Examples or illustrations

b. Particulars or raw data

c. Reasons (i.e. logical support for opinion or supposition)

3. Analysis of evidence: showing how evidence substantiates point of the paragraph.

4. Synthesis: showing how paragraph supports the overall thesis of the essay and makes it credible. This "wrap up" makes the evidence relevant.

5. Closure

b. Second main point.

c. Third main point.

[more evidence paragraphs make the point more credible]

 

III. CONCLUSION: fifth paragraph

a. Restatement of central idea or point

b. Warrant: demonstrating significance of point [to be distinguished from motive]

c. Final emphasis, such as:

1. Judgment, opinion, decision made

2. Recommended action

3. Returning the central idea to the big picture

d. Summary of main points or some other mnemonic [memory retention] device

e. Attention-getting device appealing to the audience and providing a sense of closure.

Links Reviewing the Classical Argument

Please use at least two credible sources to help support your critique. Remember that a critique doesn't necessarily need to be "negative" in order to be successful. You need to show that you are able to determine the validity of the material that you read.The final draft should be approximately 650-800 words.  It should follow standard APA guidelines in citing the sources and should include a “References” page at the end of the essay to list the sources.