Week 12: Studying Student Research Essays; Peer Review
Week of Mon, Nov 2 · week closes Fri, Nov 6 · 25 points
This week's items
- Argumentative Research Essaydue Fri, Nov 6 · 25 pts
Exact due times are in Canvas. Late out-of-class assignments accepted up to one week past the original due date. In-class process work and Discussion Board assignments cannot be made up.
Know these cold
- Strong research essays follow a clear architecture: introduction (hook, background, thesis), body paragraphs (each with a topic sentence, evidence, analysis, and link), counterargument section, conclusion (synthesis of main points, larger significance).
- The introduction should not begin with 'In today's world' or 'Since the beginning of time.' Begin with a specific hook — a surprising statistic, a brief anecdote (not first-person), a compelling question, or a striking quotation — that connects directly to the thesis.
- A conclusion does not merely summarize. It synthesizes: it shows how all the parts of the essay add up to something larger. End with the 'so what' — why does this argument matter beyond the essay itself?
- The reverse outline is a revision technique: after drafting, write one sentence that summarizes each paragraph's actual argument (not what you intended it to argue). Compare the reverse outline to your thesis. Any paragraph that does not contribute should be cut or revised.
- In Thursday's peer review, give specific, actionable feedback: not 'good introduction' but 'your hook engages me, but your thesis appears in the fourth sentence — consider moving it to the end of paragraph one for clarity.'
- The research paper is due Friday, November 6 by 11:59 PM. Before submitting: reverse outline complete, thesis matches the essay you wrote, all quotations are sandwiched, MLA in-text citations throughout, Works Cited page accurate and alphabetized.
- MLA final format check: name-professor-course-date block, centered title (not bold), running header (last name + page number), 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced throughout, hanging indent in Works Cited.
- After submission, you will use the research essay as the basis for your slide presentation in the final weeks. Keep a copy of your final draft and your strongest sources.
Discussion and forum — how to show up
Discussion post
- In the student research samples in Canvas, identify the thesis. Is it specific and arguable? Does the essay's structure fulfill it?
- What one revision would most improve your research paper draft — and why did you choose that one over others?
Netiquette from the syllabus: address ideas, not people. Complete sentences, correct spelling. Personal matters go to email, never the board.
Meerk's quiz — open the Week 12 gate
10 questions, no time limit. 85% on your first attempt in a 24-hour window opens the gate. Retakes inside the window are practice — they help you learn, they don't count. Work alone; the point is to know it, not to have seen it.
Dinner Table Question
Ask at home: After reading someone else's research essay, what do you notice about your own writing that you had not seen before?
En español: Después de leer el ensayo de investigación de otra persona, ¿qué notas en tu propia escritura que no habías visto antes?