Using scholarly research, our class was assigned to write a Critical Research Analysis Essay. It essentially is an argumentative essay where we have to pick one side of the argument and use three pieces of key evidence to support our claim as well as counterarguments for evidence that my oppose our side. Our professor allowed us to use the evidence from the Exploratory Essay to fuel our argument in the CRA Essay.

Rubric according to syllabus:

Key features and grading criteria.

▪  A clear and arguable position. Make clear the many points of views on a position and stick to one of them. Take your essay seriously and show the reader that the argument is necessary and needs to be discussed. Argue that your position is effective, reasonable, and is supported by evidence.

▪  Necessary background information. Find background information on topic, you need to become an expert before you can form an argument to better guide and persuade your readers.

▪  Good reasons. Have good reasons to back up your position. Bring to light new reasons that no one has though of yet.

▪  Convincing evidence. Take advantage of facts, statistics, expert testimony, anecdotal evidence, case studies, textual evidence, etc. These will help persuade the reader.

▪  Appeals to readers’ values. An effective arguer will appeal to readers’ principles of behavior, judgement, and emotions. Fairness is key.

▪  A trustworthy tone. Demonstrate to the reader that you are trustful. Show the reader that you know what you are taking about. Show the reader that you have experience with subject.

▪  Careful consideration of other positions. Be considerate of other points of views, include them in your essay, and argue against them if necessary.

▪  Design. Visual elements help the reader understand what you are talking about. Make sure to include them to better get your point across, or if they are relevant to your subject matter.

▪ Citations. Make sure you cite your source in your Bibliography and in-text. This lets the reader know that the information is credible, and that there are others who support your argument.

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