Ten-point Punch list for the Argumentative Research Paper

 

1.     Reread your paper slowly and with a pencil in hand. Check for sound sentence construction. Eliminate as

          much as possible these common construction errors: fragments, run-ons, and comma splices.

 

2.     Every time you see a colon (:) you should see two distinct parts: one phrase before and one phrase or list after.

          Every time you see a semi-colon (;) you should find two independent clauses (sentence equivalents) on either side.
    Colons are used whenever you introduce a quote that is not syntactically a part of your sentence.

 

3.     Check that every quotation has both opening and closing quote marks and a citation. The period follows the

          citation (after the closing parenthesis), and no period should exist at the end of the quote, before the citation. If your

          citation is a website and the author/title is mentioned in the signal phrase, simply cite with a "no page" cite: (n.p.).

 

          Remember to connect your quotes with your own text: a colon, an introductory clause--something! Don't quote-dump.

 

4.     Your outline, which follows your cover page, should contain your thesis at the top, followed by an overview of

          your argument, followed by an audience profile statement. The entire outline should be double-spaced and

          kept to one page in length.  There should be no heading for this outline page: just produce the three parts.

 

5.     In-text citations should only contain: 

          Nothing else belongs in an in-text citation using MLA guidelines. (There are exceptions, but this is the rule of thumb.)

 

6.     The works cited page begins on a new page, has "Works Cited" as a title, alphabetized entries, hanging indents, double-

          spacing throughout, and a period after every entry.  Don't worry about having a page number for this page. Remember that
    this is NOT the same as a resource list: no subheadings and only include sources that have actually been cited!

 

7.     You must include all four parts and follow the rules for format. Use the website on the paper assignment for specifics.

          Please note especially:

8.     Use of "you" should be at an absolute minimum: check to see that you have not incidentally slipped in its use. "I" language may be used.

 

9.     Use either a blank line for paragraph breaks or indenting the first line--not both!

 

10.   Check the two website tabs that can be helpful reminders for the final draft package: "Argument paper" and "Documentation,"

          both on the main English 1121 webpage.

 

Attention to how your final draft looks matters! If you submit a resume or paper or cover letter containing errors that should

have been detected, your audience (your instructor or a potential employer) can't help but think you don't care or you're too

sloppy or even too incompetent to be dependable.

 

A friend just sent me this picture from a rest area off Interstate 94 in Wisconsin:

 

 

If they can't (or won't) consult a dictionary, what else might employees responsible for constructing this place be unable

(or unwilling) to consult? I'd worry about reaching out and touching the light switch at this rest area when they're done!

 

One last warning about the final draft: please take the time to reread or have someone listen as you reread to catch

any signs of self-righteous indignation. If you cannot grant your opposition the dignity of intelligent and thoughtful

counterarguments, you are doomed to fail miserably in making your own case (and the grade will reflect this). If you
have truly worked hard to compile your case, don't sabotage it with any signs of arrogance or postures of certainty!