Topic Assignment for(W1,W2 ,W3): Should employers be able to fire workers based on what they post on social media? Why or why not?
- Three sentences: one thesis sentence and two topic or reason sentences. You will not include any quotations in these three statements.
- Two body paragraphs: each body paragraph will begin with one of the topic sentences you identified in 1 above. The paragraph that follows the topic sentence will provide support for the statement.
- A complete four-paragraph essay: an introductory paragraph, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
W1:
- Read a few online articles on the assignment prompt: Should employers be able to fire workers based on what they post on social media?
- Take a stand: Employers (should/should not) be able to fire workers based on what they post on social media. Keep your thesis simple.
- Decide on two clear reasons to support your thesis. Write your reasons as complete sentences, not as phrases and not as questions. (These reasons will become the topic sentences in 2 above.)
- Write your thesis and topic sentences, and label them as such. (See attached W1 template.)
- Thesis sentence: (Do not include any reasons in this statement. Simply state whether or not you believe the minimum wage should be raised to $15 in the US.)
- Topic/Reasons sentence one: (Write your first topic/reason sentence)
- Topic/Reason sentence two: (Write your second topic/reason sentence)
Grading Criteria Possible Points
- Formatting–document looks like the attached template for W1–1 point
- Thesis sentence 1
- Topic sentence one 1.5
- Topic sentence two 1.5
- Total possible–5 points
W2:
- Write two paragraphs that support the thesis you in W1.
- Begin each body paragraph with an underlined topic sentence. The topic sentence is a clearly stated reason in support of your thesis. It cannot be a question or a quotation. Reminder: A topic/reason sentence has two jobs: to serve as a reason in support of your thesis, and to announce which reason will be discussed and supported in the body paragraph that follows. Again, each topic sentence should be a reason in support of your thesis, not simply an introduction to the paragraph.
- Following the topic sentence, provide support from your readings on the topic: you must use and cite at least two sources in W2, at least one source in each paragraph.*
- Cite your sources using either MLA or APA style. Consult your course textbook or the online Purdue Owl if you need help citing and referencing a source in an academic paper. Please remember that the MLA Style Guide has been recently updated, and the examples on your textbook may not include the most recent changes.
- Include a References (APA) or Works Cited (MLA) list after the second body paragraph.
W3:
- Read the Writing and Formatting Your Essay document attached to this folder.
- Review the Essay Grading Guidelines/Basic Rubric documents attached to this folder.
- Write a fourparagraph essay based on the thesis and topic sentences you submitted for the W1 and W2.
- Include the following:
- Title for the essay
- Introductory paragraph that ends in an underlined thesis statement
- Two body paragraphs that each begin with an underlined topic sentence.
- A conclusion
- A Reference or Works Cited listing.*
* References note:
Use a minimum of 2 authoritative, credible online sources to support your argument, and cite at least 1 source in each body paragraph. Each quote should be introduced in the text with a signal phrase: let the reader know in advance whom you are quoting and the context of the source. All sources should be correctly cited in the text using parenthetical citations where needed, and each source should be included in a Works Cited (MLA) or Reference (APA) section at the end of the document, following guidelines consistently. Do not cite sources in the body of the essay with Internet addresses (URLs), nor only use a URL for the reference at the end of the document.
Format for grading
| Plagiarism and the use of quotations All text copied from another source must be placed in quotation marks and correctly cited and referenced. If you copy text without putting that text in quotation marks, you will receive a zero for the essay. If this happens twice in the course, you will receive an F for the course. If you submit an essay that previously was submitted by another student, you will receive an F for the course. |
| Introductory paragraph The first paragraph in the essay introduces the reader to the essay topic and is at least 7- 10 sentences in length. At the end of the introductory paragraph, the thesis is stated and underlined. (Do not start the introductory paragraph with your thesis.) The thesis takes a clear stand on the assigned topic. The amount of quoted text in the paragraph does not exceed 20% of the text. |
| Two body paragraphs Each body paragraph begins with an underlined topic sentence. Each topic sentence is a clear reason in support of the thesis that you underlined in the introductory paragraph. (Thesis and topic sentences are not the same.) Each topic sentence is followed by a paragraph that is at least 7-10 sentences in length. The paragraph includes explanations, examples, paraphrases, and quotes from your readings that support the reason underlined as the topic sentence. At least 1 reputable source is cited in each body paragraph (i.e., you do not only use personal experience or knowledge). The amount of quoted text in any paragraph does not exceed 20% of the text. The body paragraphs offer a thorough analysis of the issue. The body paragraphs end with a tie back, or reference, to the topic sentence of the paragraph and/or the thesis. |
| Concluding paragraph The final paragraph of your essay wraps up—or brings to a close—the essay and your argument. No new reasons are introduced or developed in the conclusion. The concluding paragraph is at least 5-7 sentences in length. The amount of quoted text in the paragraph does not exceed 20% of the text. |
| Sentences The essay uses complete sentences that are organized into standard patterns. |
| Mechanics The essay demonstrates adherence to Standard Written American English. |
| References A minimum of 2 authoritative, credible online sources are used to support your argument, at least 1 source in each body paragraph. Each quote is introduced in the text: you let the reader know in advance whom you are quoting and the context of the source. All sources are correctly cited in the text using parenthetical citations where needed, and each source is included in a Works Cited or Reference section at the end of the document, following either MLA or APA style guidelines (see course textbook). Sources are not cited in the paper with an Internet addresses (URLs), nor is a URL used as the only reference information at the end of the document |