Critical Thinking 103
English 103 Take-home essay prompt
The article is Locavore Myth https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0803/opinions-e…
Essay #1: Identifying and Evaluating Arguments
Toulmin Diagrams allow readers to identify parts of arguments (or analyze/break them down) so that
they can more easily and critically evaluate them, which is one of the highest forms of critical thinking.
Since these are such important components of critical thinking, you’ll be practicing these skills all
semester and will have the chance to demonstrate your proficiency in them on quizzes and the final
exam as well. This essay then will serve as a good introduction to and foundation for many of the
concepts the class will focus on.
Length requirements:
3-4 pages (at least 3 full pages)
Source requirements:
You may use the assigned article, Current Issues, and any reliable sources that
help you describe the rhetorical situation for your article.
Originality requirements:
There should be no instances of plagiarism. Your originality score through
Turnitin.com should be between 10%-20%. To achieve this percent, summarize and paraphrase sources
most often, quote when it makes sense to do so (e.g., exact words are important, you want to show that
someone actually said something, etc.), submit your essay early to check your originality score, and
revise and resubmit as needed.
Format requirements
: MLA format with a works cited page (not included in page count)—make sure
your works cited is on the final page of the electronic file you submit to Canvas
Things to Shoot for:
Accurate application of the Toulmin Diagram (i.e., accurately identifying the parts in the article)
Clear and accurate summaries, paraphrases, quotations, and mixes of quotations and
paraphrases from the article
Accurate citations for every somewhat specific idea that came from the article or another
source—there should be a lot of citations in this essay!
A reasonable evaluation of the arguments/article that is explained with reasons and support
A clear description of the rhetorical situation
An essay that is organized, clear, and edited enough to understand
The Prompt
Write a
3-4 page essay
that
identifies the components of the Toulmin Diagram in an assigned
article
and
evaluates how convincing the argument is
. In the
introduction
, describe the rhetorical
context of the article—tell us about the author and his/her purpose, the source or publication, the
audience, and the genre. Do not include a thesis. The
main body paragraphs
of your essay should
describe and explain the claims and reasons, grounds, warrants (at least 2 must be described and
explained), and any qualifiers or rebuttals that the author includes in the article. If the article does
not include any qualifiers or rebuttals, you should add some of your own. You may also add any
backing that’s included in the article, but you are not required to do so.
The final paragraph or two
of your essay should evaluate how convincing the argument and article is. After you evaluate the
argument and article, you may include your own opinion and why you feel that way.