UniReady Enabling ProgramSemester TWO 2023
UniReady Enabling ProgramSemester TWO 2023
End of Unit Final Assessment, Part B
Unit Details
Unit Title Fundamentals of Academic Writing
Unit Code PWRP0001
Student Details To be filled in by student
Student Full Name Hoiching Ocean Law
Student Curtin ID Number 21511350
Tutor Do not remove this declaration.
You must complete this declaration before you begin your assessment:
I confirm that I have completed this argumentative essay on my own, without any discussion or assistance from any other person, group, or commercial enterprise.
Full Name: Hoiching Ocean Law
Date: .10.23
If you have any submission issues you must follow the instructions given on Blackboard regarding technical issues.
This is Part B (the argumentative essay) of the final exam. Please see Blackboard for due date and time.*You must also complete Part A (the written/IRIS exam). Please see Blackboard for details.
Argumentative Essay
Exam Essay Prompt Question
Argue for or against the idea that being out of contact with ones mobile phone can cause significant problems for an individual.
The essay must:
be fully referenced in APA 7th style with accurate in-text references and a correctly formatted reference list.
incorporate only referenced material from the 3 articles (as per the information in the Essay Instructions document).
be 800-1000 words in length. Note: the reference list and in-text citations are not included in the word count.
be written in formal, third person language.
use formal argumentative essay structure as covered in the unit materials.
argue for or against the topic provided in the Instructions document and in this Template.
You are required to include 3 body paragraphs (in addition to the other paragraphs included in the structure as taught this study period). Writing exceeding the word limit will not be taken into account.
Note: the reference list and in-text citations are not included in the word count.
Begin your essay here:
Intro 100
Nomophobia is
Being out of contact with ones mobile phone can be the cause of significant problems for an individual mentally, physically, and academically. Due to a growth in dependence on mobile phones in the current day and age for socialising and working, nomophobia significantly can increase mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, creating a sense of over reliance on mobile phones. Physically, nomophobia is the cause of effects such as insomnia which in itself has negative cascading effects on the entire persons body, which reduces overall quality of life. Nomophobia has also shown to negatively impact academic performance as well. Despite these wide-ranging negative effects, they also show that phones are an integral part of everyday life. They are critical for staying connected to the world, staying up-to-date with current affairs, as well helping further develop technological advancements to best suit the needs of people in society.
Introduce nomophobia
Thesis statement: Being out of contact with ones mobile phone can cause significant problems for an individual because it can increase mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, it can create a sense of over reliance and also impact an individual's sense of self worth and well as impact hormones such as dopamine.
List ideas of body paragraphs plus rebuttal paragraph
Body paragraph 200 words
TEEL
Topic sentence - (being out of ones mobile phone has shown that is it directly linked with an increase with mental health concerns such as .. Explain mental health concerns such as what it looks like what it can affect
Example- refer back to article done by .. indicates that .
2 examples
Link link all tgt close paragraph summarise + link back to the question
The article by .. states that being out of contact w ones mobile does not increase mental health issues but the article by has statistic facts that it does.
In an era where smartphones have seamlessly integrated into our lives, nomophobia has emerged as a silent but profound threat to our mental health. Being out of one's mobile phone has shown that it is directly linked with mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Nomophobia can trigger feelings of anxiety and unease as mobile phones have become so familiar to us, it even provides a sense of comfort for some. When an individuals mobile phone is out of reach, they can experience heightened anxiety, a sense of disconnection and the constant need to check for notifications, leading to an overwhelming fear of missing out (FOMO) on online social interactions. This heightened anxiety and stress can drastically impact ones mental well-being. Ironically, the very device designed to enhance connection can also foster feelings of disconnection and loneliness when unavailable. When individuals are out of contact with their mobile phones, they may feel isolated and cut off from their social network. The inability to be in touch with family and friends combined with the fear of missing out of social interactions can intensify feelings of loneliness and sadness, leading to the onset of depression. Acknowledging the mental impact of some individual's when being out of contact with their mobile phones is crucial to realise the unhealthy control our phones have on us. Striking a balance between the advantages of mobile phones and the preservation of our mental well-being should be a priority in the current world where digital connections have become the norm.
B2 200
Topic sentence
Nomophobia also has physical impacts
Explain what you mean by the topic sentence in more detail
Example 1
Example 2
Link (summarise & link back to the question):
B3 200
Rebuttal paragraph 100 words (positive things about nomphobia)
Nomophobia highlights how important phones are to peoples everyday lives. They are a critical method of staying connected to the world. Mobile phones have elevated the quality of life for people by increasing the capacity to access the internet which is what keeps the world connected across any distance. Phones have also increased accessibility to resources such as education, journal articles, reading material, and information overall. Mobile phones have undeniably changed the world so it is reasonable and logical for nomophobia to develop over a device that is a crucial way to interact with the world. While nomophobia can affect humans negatively across various domains, it also raises awareness on how important mobile phones are to the modern world. intervention
Con 100
Daraj, L. R., AlGhareeb, M., Almutawa, Y. M., Trabelsi, K., & Jahrami, H. (2023). Systematic Review and meta-analysis of the correlation coefficients between Nomophobia and anxiety, smartphone addiction, and insomnia symptoms. Healthcare, 11(14), 2066.
The Prevalence of Mild, Moderate, and Severe Nomophobia Symptoms: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
Berdida, D. J. E., & Rizal Angelo, N. G. (2023). Nursing students nomophobia, social media use, attention, motivation, and academic performance: A structural equation modeling approach.Nurse Education in Practice,70, 103645. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103645https://www.proquest.com/docview/2819447917/8187CD4321A34734PQ/3?accountid=10382
THESIS statement
Body paragraph 1-3
TEEL
Topic sentence - (being out of ones mobile phone has shown that is it directly linked with an increase with mental health concerns such as .. Explain mental health concerns such as what it looks like what it can affect
Example- refer back to article done by .. indicates that .
Link link all tgt close paragraph
The article by .. states that being out of contact w ones mobile does not increase mental health issues but the article by has statistic facts that it does.
Fundamentals of Academic Writing Instructions
Final Exam essay, Part A
These instructions indicate how to complete the Part B - argumentative essay-writing section of your final exam. Note: you must also complete Part A, the Written Exam. Both part A and Part B must be completed.You will write an academic argumentative essay on Nomophobia using the two articles from Assessment 2, and one extra chosen article. Your essay must address the Exam Essay Prompt Question listed below.
Please take notice of the following:
You will write an argumentative academic essay on Nomophobia using the essay prompt question below.
You must address the given essay prompt question in your argumentative essay. Make sure you understand the prompt question before you begin your research.
You must use the two articles from Assessment 2. In addition, you are required to find 1 more article to add to your research about Nomophobia, and synthesise the information into your final essay.
Please download your chosen article from the Curtin Library ProQuest database. You must be logged in to OASIS in order to access ProQuest.
Your final essay will synthesise the research from 3 journal articles.
Use the ESSAY TEMPLATE in the Final Exam link on Blackboard to complete your essay.(Do not use any other document; you must submit your essay on the Template).
Do not alter the formatting or delete anything on the Template.
Upload your completed assessment to the submission point in the Final Exam link on Blackboard.
Upload the completed essay as a Word document only, and use the given Template. (Do not use pdf, or any other file type).
Upload your completed essay before the deadline given on Blackboard. Late penalties will apply.
Check you have uploaded the correct assessment (by going back in through the submission point), and ensure you have downloaded a Turnitin receipt. You will have only one chance to submit, so ensure you are submitting the correct document. There are no second chances.
Ensure you start uploading well before the deadline given on Blackboard, preferably a day or two before the due date. You must check and double check that you are uploading the correct assessment, as your submission will be marked as it is, once it is submitted. There will be no resubmissions permitted after the deadline, even if you upload the wrong assessment. You will have only one chance to upload your Part B essay.
The essay must:
be fully referenced in APA 7th style with accurate in-text references and a correctly formatted reference list.
incorporate only referenced material from 3 articles 2 of these articles must come from Assessment 2.
be 800-1000 words in length. Note: in-text citations and the reference list are not included in the word count.
be written in formal, academic, third person language.
use formal essay structure as covered in the unit materials.
argue for or against the topic and prompt question given in the Instructions. The specific essay question can be found below, on the Template, and on Blackboard in the exam link.
Your topic: Nomophobia
Exam Essay Prompt Question:
Argue for or against the idea that being out of contact with ones mobile phone can cause significant problems for an individual.
Please download the Template (in the final exam link on Blackboard) and use it to complete Part B (the argumentative essay) for your final exam
Criteria HD - exceeds expectations Distinction above average Credit expected level Pass - developing Fail Does not meet requirements Fail Not yet demonstrated
Introduction and Conclusion (10%)
* Introduction and conclusion are well-structured and well-articulated
* Formula for thesis statement is followed
* Thesis statement is on-topic, relevant, concise and well-articulated * Introduction and conclusion are clearly structured and articulated
* Formula for thesis statement is followed
* Thesis statement is on-topic, relevant and clearly stated
* Introduction AND/OR conclusion may be unclear in some parts, but have a clear structure
* Formula for thesis statement is followed; may not be concise, but side of argument and 3 main ideas have been included * Introduction and conclusion may be unclear or slightly off-topic, but have a discernible/reasonable structure
* Formula for thesis statement is followed; may not be concise or may only have 2 main ideas, but side of argument is apparent * Structure of introduction and conclusion is unsatisfactory or is off-topic
* Inadequate thesis statement; side of argument may be obscure, may have 2 or more main ideas that are too obscure or not relevant * No demonstration of argumentative structure in introduction and conclusion
* No thesis statementBody paragraphs (20%) * 3 clearly defined, well-structured and well-argued body paragraphs - main ideas intelligently explored and systematically interrogated
* Main ideas align with what is given in the thesis statement in the same order * 3 clearly defined, clearly structured and clearly argued body paragraphs - main ideas logically explored.
* Main ideas align with what is given in the thesis statement in the same order
* 3 separate, clearly structured and reasonably argued body paragraphs - main ideas satisfactorily explored
* Main ideas align with what is given in the thesis statement but may not be in the same order
* 3 separate body paragraphs - main ideas explored in a basic manner, but adequately demonstrates pass-level skills
* Some subpoints may overlap or are too similar * May only have 2 body paragraphs
* Main ideas weakly argued/off-topic
* Body paragraphs have too little content * Less than 2 body paragraphs/main ideas provided * Ideas are not relevant/off-topic.
Counter argument and Rebuttal (15%) * Counter argument is strong and well-articulated
* Rebuttal refutes CA directly and strongly * Counter argument is sound and well-written
* Rebuttal refutes CA directly * Counter argument is reasonable
* Rebuttal is reasonable and has some justification * Counter argument may be minimally addressed but is present and acts to counter
* Rebuttal is minimally addressed but present and acts to refute * Counter argument does not counter AND/OR
* Rebuttal does not refute
* Counter argument AND/OR rebuttal missing
Counter argument AND rebuttal missing
Use of articles (20%) * Evidence from articles is used very effectively to argue for one side
* Essay is well-substantiated with evidence drawn from all 3 articles
* Every body paragraph is a synthesis of subpoints from at least 2 different articles * Evidence from articles is used well to argue for one side
* Essay is well-supported with evidence drawn from all 3 articles
* Every body paragraph is a synthesis of subpoints from at least 2 different articles * Evidence from articles is used reasonably well to argue for one side
* Essay is resonably supported with evidence - may focus slightly more on one article, but all 3 articles are used
* Every body paragraph is a synthesis of subpoints from at least 2 different articles * Evidence from articles is used satisfactorily to argue for one side
* Essay is supported with evidence - may focus more on 1 or 2 articles, but all 3 articles are used
* 1 body paragraph may not demonstrate synthesis of subpoints from different articles * Limited/weak use of evidence or only 2 articles are used
* 1 article is not suitable for use * No evidence used from 3 articles or too much opinion has been used in the essay
* 2 articles not suitable for use
* Only 1 article used
Referencing: in-text citations (10%)
* Use of correct in-text citations exceeds expectations - borrowed ideas are correctly attributed in APA style (may have small errors/omissions).
* All borrowed ideas are attributed
* Above average use of correct in-text citations - borrowed ideas are attributed and formatted in APA 7th style (may have some errors/omissions).
* Majority of borrowed ideas are attributed * Use of correct in-text citations at expected level - the majority of citations are formatted in APA 7th style (may have a number of small errors/omissions).
* May miss referencing some borrowed ideas * Satisfactory use of correct in-text citations - citations formatted reasonably in APA 7th style (may have errors/omissions).
* May miss referencing a fair number of borrowed ideas
* Some in-text citations do not match reference list * Little use of in-text citations
* Little/no understanding of APA 7th style demonstrated Articles are not cited in-text.
Referencing: reference list (10%)
Reference list correct and formatted in APA 7th style (may have insignificant errors). Reference list correct and formatted in APA 7th style (may have some errors). Reference list mostly correct and mostly formatted in APA 7th style (may have a number of small errors). * Reference list may not be formatted correctly in APA 7th style.
* Some sources in reference list do not match in-text citations * APA 7th style not used
* Only 1 or 2 sources cited in reference list AND/OR incorrect sources used No reference list provided.
Written expression (15%)
* Excellent on-topic and academic tone; logical and concise expression exceeds expectations.
* Grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure exceed expectations; may have small errors
* Above average on-topic and academic tone; logical and concise expression
* Above average grammar, spelling, punctuation sentence & paragraph structure; may have some errors
* Competent level of on-topic academic tone; logical expression, mostly concise.
* Competent grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure. Some sections may need editing. * Developing level of academic tone and written expression. May need work on concise writing style.
* Satisfactory grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure. Small sections may lack clarity.
* May have small amount of plagiarism * Unsatisfactory/poor academic tone and expression
* Frequent errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Lack of clarity in a number of sections.
* Significant plagiarism
* Significant lack of academic tone and expression
* Too many errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure which impede understanding
* Excessive plagiarism
Total /100
Final mark /10
UniReady Enabling ProgramSemester TWO 2023
End of Unit Final Assessment, Part B
Unit Details
Unit Title Fundamentals of Academic Writing
Unit Code PWRP0001
Student Details To be filled in by student
Student Full Name Student Curtin ID Number Tutor Do not remove this declaration.
You must complete this declaration before you begin your assessment:
I confirm that I have completed this argumentative essay on my own, without any discussion or assistance from any other person, group, or commercial enterprise.
Full Name:
Date:
If you have any submission issues you must follow the instructions given on Blackboard regarding technical issues.
This is Part B (the argumentative essay) of the final exam. Please see Blackboard for due date and time.*You must also complete Part A (the written/IRIS exam). Please see Blackboard for details.
Argumentative Essay
Exam Essay Prompt Question
Argue for or against the idea that being out of contact with ones mobile phone can cause significant problems for an individual.
The essay must:
be fully referenced in APA 7th style with accurate in-text references and a correctly formatted reference list.
incorporate only referenced material from the 3 articles (as per the information in the Essay Instructions document).
be 800-1000 words in length. Note: the reference list and in-text citations are not included in the word count.
be written in formal, third person language.
use formal argumentative essay structure as covered in the unit materials.
argue for or against the topic provided in the Instructions document and in this Template.
You are required to include 3 body paragraphs (in addition to the other paragraphs included in the structure as taught this study period). Writing exceeding the word limit will not be taken into account.
Note: the reference list and in-text citations are not included in the word count.
Begin your essay here:
ELECTRONIC WARNING NOTICE FOR COPYRIGHT STATUTORY LICENCES
WARNING
This material has been reproduced and communicated to you by or on behalf of Curtin University in accordance with section 113P of the Copyright Act 1968 (the Act)
The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further reproduction or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act.
Do not remove this notice.
Topic 7: Types of Assignments: The Argumentative Essay
Introduction
In Topic 7 you will learn about the following:
Different types of university assignments
Different types of university essays
Structure of the argumentative essay
The counter argument and rebuttal
4a. Placement of the counter argument
4b. Phrases to help you introduce the counter argument/ rebuttal
By now you should have a clear understanding about the types of information to include in university academic writing styles, and you have started to develop skills around how to incorporate information without plagiarising. We will now turn our focus to the writing process and the types of assignments you will be asked to write at university. Although we will take a brief look at different types of assessments and different types of essays, our major focus will be on the argumentative essay, because this is the type of essay you will write for your final assessment. No matter what tasks you are given in your assessments now and in the future, you will always need to use your referencing skills and formal writing skills, and we will continue to develop these elements as we progress.
1. Different types of university assessments
Throughout your university studies you will encounter a wide range of assignments of different types. Broadly speaking, assignments may be categorised as:
Essays
Reports
Business Reports
Oral assignments/presentations
Short answer
Each of these types of assignments can have many variations. Assignments may involve students working on tasks either individually or in small groups. The following brief explanations are supplied to give you an orientation to these types of assignments.
Essays:Essays are among the most widely used type of assignment at university. It is an extended piece of writing, although they can vary substantially in length. The writer responds to a given task and addresses a topic in a focussed manner. Essays are written in an academic style. This includes the following features: (1) it integrates researched information; (2) it presents analytical and critical thinking (rather than just regurgitating information); (3) it is written in a formal style (grammar, tone, punctuation); and (4) it is presented in a professional format.
Reports: Report type assignments are widely used in many subject areas, including business, science, engineering, and computer studies. Reports are written in response to an investigative task to solve a problem, and are usually of a practical nature. A report identifies and discusses issues, events, or findings pertinent to the task and presents conclusions and recommendations to solve the given problem. Reports are written in a concise, formal style following a pre-determined structure that logically organises information into sections and sub-sections.
Oral assignments/presentations: This type of assignment has several similarities to written assignments, but also has important differences. The similarities include demonstrating your knowledge on a given topic, researching the topic, and presenting the information in a logical manner that can be understood by others. However, oral assignments/presentations include an interactive element that makes it different from written assignments. This involves using effective techniques to engage with an audience, using spoken language effectively, and organising information with effective visual impact.
Short answer: These types of assignments are designed to assess specific knowledge. You are given set of questions with varying mark allocations. Answers can range from single word answers to a sentence or a short paragraph. A concise, focussed style of writing is required.
STUDY HINT
You will use the short answer format many times in your future degree. To help you prepare for this, read the information on the following website:
http://owll.massey.ac.nz/tests-and-exams/exam-short-answer-question.phpRemember to take notes and refer to them often
857252603500
WEBSITE
Note: you can read more about essays, reports, and other types of assessments at the following website:
Title: Massey University: Assignment typesURL: http://owll.massey.ac.nz/main/assignment-types.php2. The different types of university essays
An academic essay is an extended piece of writing in which the writer responds to a question or addresses a given issue. Writing an essay assignment serves many learning purposes. It gives you an opportunity to:
communicate your chosen point of view in a formal professional way (but ideas must be based on research);
demonstrate your knowledge on a topic (this is very important, and you must learn how to do it);
engage with research information to substantiate key ideas; and
develop analytical and critical thinking skills.
You are likely to encounter different types of essays in your future degree, including argumentative, descriptive, compare and contrast, narrative, and analytical. In time you will learn how to write these different types of essays. However, in this unit you will use the argumentative essay format, and as the course progresses, you will build all the skills to write your argumentative essay in your final assessment. Curtin Librarys UniSkills has this to say about the argumentative essay:This is the most common type of essay assignment you will write at university. In response to your essay question, you will pose an argument to your reader, and defend it throughout the body of your assignment (Curtin University Library, 2021)
OPTIONAL:The University of Southern Queensland website (see below) supplies useful information to help you gain an understanding of how to present information in the different types of assignments you will encounter during your degree at Curtin. Information is given about the purpose, audience, tone and structure of each type of assessment. Have a quick look through the information about the different types of assessment on the website, as this will prepare you for your future degree. Here is the link:
http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/learning/types-of-assignments3. Structure of the argumentative essay
We will now turn our attention specifically to the argumentative or persuasive essay, and begin to gain an understanding of how this type of essay is constructed. Although you are just beginning to think about developing an argumentative essay, in the remaining time of studying Academic Writing, you will learn a lot more about this process. Building the required knowledge takes time, so be vigilant about reading and understanding all of the information you are presented with. As time goes by, you will gain more and more skills to add to your knowledge. By the time the final assessment comes along, you will have developed strong skills in argumentative essay writing and you will be ready to write it with confidence.
Argumentative essays are also referred to as persuasive essays, as their main purpose is to persuade the reader to a particular viewpoint. Remember: in this unit your argumentative essay will be based on research-based evidence and will contain no opinion, no first person writing, and will be thoroughly referenced in APA style.
When writing an argumentative (or persuasive) essay for this unit, you must include the following sections:
INTRODUCTIONIn this opening section of your argumentative essay, you will introduce your topic, and you will then clearly state which side of the argument you will focus on by inserting your thesis statement. Remember: the thesis statement is placed at the end of your introduction.
BODY PARAGRAPHSYou can write any number of body paragraphs, but in this unit we will focus on 3 body paragraphs in our argumentative essay. Each body paragraph will present one main idea, and this main idea will be explained by using 2 supporting points (or sub-arguments) to support the main idea. The information in each body paragraph will refer to research information (from peer-reviewed journal articles), and then you will analyse and critique the relevant research information. (This is an important step, and it demonstrates how much you understand the subject matter)
Each body paragraph must also supply relevant examples from your peer-reviewed journal articles to support your argument. All of the ideas that come from journal articles (and any other academic source) must be referenced using APA7th referencing style.
COUNTER ARGUMENT plus REBUTTAL
After the body paragraphs, every argumentative essay must also give integrity to the opposite side of the argument. Every good academic essay or journal article will acknowledge that there is another side to the argument by introducing a counter argument. This shows that you have considere4d all aspects of the topic. We will learn more about the counter argument below.
CONCLUSIONThis in the final section of your essay where you draw your ideas together. However, you dont just simply restate your main ideas. More about this later.
These features of argumentative essays are achieved by integrating good quality information and writing in a persuasive style. The weekly Topics that follow explain these aspects in greater detail.
At this stage of your learning journey, you now understand that it is important to look at a number of different sources when learning about a new idea or skill; you cannot rely on a single source of information to give you an overview of any topic. Therefore, we will now look at a video that provides another perspective on the construction of an argumentative essay:
6604448 VIDEO
Watch this video as it gives you another perspective on the argumentative or persuasive essay:
Academic Writing Tips: How to Write a Persuasive EssayYouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2LVSvN95ggDuration: 2:03
You are encouraged to carry out further research on writing an argumentative or persuasive essay. It is best to find websites authored by universities, as their information will match more closely with the level at which you are working. Important: whenever you read or view any information, be sure to approach the information with a critical eye/ear. This means that you should not simply accept everything you read/hear; you should always question information to see if it fits with what you are being told in this document.
4. Counter argument and rebuttal
As you can see from the information above, a very important element in an argumentative essay is the counter argument. A counter argument is an argument you introduce into your essay that shows the opposite point of view to your thesis. The counter argument shows the reader that you have considered all angles of your topic and all of the research, and that you have still concluded that your argument is the strongest.Once the counter argument has been introduced, you should then refute it and explain, in clear and logical language, why the point you made in your counter argument is not valid; this is called the rebuttal. By refuting the counter argument, you are then reconfirming that your point of view is still the strongest.
4172618000 The Counter Argument and Rebuttal
The information in the link below will expand your understanding of the counter argument and rebuttal, and gives you 2 examples of counter arguments with a rebuttal to help you with assessment 2.
NOTE: in the section titled Where to put a counterargument, you will notice the information states the counter argument can go in several different places. Whilst this is correct, for the purposes of this unit you will place the counter argument and rebuttal paragraph after the body paragraphs and just before the conclusion
https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/counterargumentsThus far we have established that you will need a counter argument and rebuttal in your argumentative essay; the essay will not be complete without these 2 elements. Now take a moment to reflect on your understanding of these concepts by completing this short quiz:
Why is a counter argument necessary in an argumentative essay? List as many reasons as you can.______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Explain the meaning of the term counter argument.
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Explain the meaning of the term rebuttal.
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
If you were confident with your answers for the above questions, you can progress to the next activity. If you are a little unsure about the answers, go back a revise the information on the above website, and if necessary, research the ideas further. (Remember, it is always best to use universities and other educational institutions for your research).
4a. Placement of the counter argument/rebuttal in this unit
When reading research about the counter argument and rebuttal, you will see that they can be placed in many sections throughout the argumentative essay, and you will learn more about this once you start your university degree. However, for the purposes of this unit, you will place your counter argument and rebuttal just before the conclusion. You have been introduced to the overall structure of the argumentative essay, and the outline below shows you the placement of the counter argument and rebuttal within that structure:
Introduction
Body paragraph 1
Body paragraph 2
Body paragraph 3
Counter argument and rebuttal paragraph
Conclusion
The importance of consulting a range of different sources when learning about an idea, cannot be overstated. In all of your studies it is vital that you read at least 2 or 3 sources to ensure when you are trying to gain an oversight of the idea/topic you are investigating. To this end, we will now look at one more source of information to consolidate your knowledge on the counter argument and rebuttal:
https://writingcenter.uagc.edu/counterargument4172618000 The counter argument and rebuttal more information
George Mason Universitys Writing Centre has a very clear explanation of a counter argument, and provides excellent tips to help you learn how to express your ideas.
Read all of the information in the following sections:
What is a Counterargument? (Ignore the How to start section)
How to present your argument
How to actually write and implement a counter argument.
Click on this link to access the above information:
https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/guides/all-about-counterarguments4b. Phrases to help you introduce the counter argument/ rebuttal
Take particular note of this information, and make sure you use the signal phrases (see below) in your assessment 2 and final essay!
Now that you have read about the counter argument and rebuttal, and have looked at some examples, you are ready to start thinking about how you would actually write them in your final essay.When starting your counter argument/rebuttal paragraph, it is important to avoid launching straight into the other side of the argument, otherwise it is very confusing for the person reading your work. Instead, you must signal to the reader that you will now introduce them to the opposing argument. The best way to transition smoothly, is to use particular signal phrases to show that you are introducing the opposite side of your argument (ie., your counter argument). Read through all the examples below, and think about which phrases you can use as the opening to your counter argument and rebuttal paragraph in your final essay:
Counter Argument signal phrases
Others may believe that
It can be argued that
On the other hand
While it may be true that
Another perspective is
One could argue that
Opponents disagree because
Critics may suggest that
Admittedly
Researchers may argue that.
You have introduced your counter argument using one of the above (or any other appropriate) phrases. To continue discussing the counter argument, you can use transition words. Here are some examples:
Consequently,
Furthermore,
Additionally,
In addition,
Moreover,
Because,
In the same way,
Also,
Unquestionably,
Once you have discussed your counter argument, you are ready to state your Rebuttal. To begin your rebuttal, you need to clearly indicate that you are refuting the counter argument. Examples of the types of phrases to use are as follows:
Admittedly,
Certainly,
Granted,
True,
This point may be valid, however
Now that you have discovered the important of the counter argument and rebuttal, you can keep revising the above information, and you can start practising using the given signal phrases in your writing.
Topic 7 Summary
After completing Topic 7, you should now understand the following:
The different types of university assignments
You were introduced to a variety of assessment types that you may encounter during your university studies.
The different types of essays at university
This section focussed on the different types of essays you may encounter during your studies, and you were provided with a link with explanations. You also started to investigate information about the argumentative essay on this same website.
Features of the argumentative essay
This section provided a focus on the argumentative essay, as you will encounter this type of writing a lot during your future studies. In addition, learning how to write an argumentative essay will help you to develop the skills required to write many different types of essays. In the final assessment for this unit, you will write an argumentative essay, and all the work you are currently undertaking will build your skills so that you are well prepared.
The Counter Argument and Rebuttal
You learned why a counter argument and rebuttal are necessary in an argumentative essay. You also learned that the counter argument and rebuttal can be placed in different areas throughout the argumentative essay, but for the purposes of this unit you will place them just before the concluding paragraph. A variety of phrases were also provided to you so that you understand how to transition into the counter argument/rebuttal section.
See reference list on next page
References
Curtin University Library. (2021). What is an essay? https://libguides.library.curtin.edu.au/uniskills/assignment-skills/writing/essayseHow (2009, January 1). Academic writing tips: How to Write a Persuasive Essay [Video file]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2LVSvN95ggGeorge Mason University. (2021). All about counterarguments. The Writing Centre. https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/guides/all-about-counterargumentsMassey University (2012b). Essay thesis statement. http://owll.massey.ac.nz/assignment-types/essay-thesis-statement.php
Massey University (2012c). Exam short answer question. http://owll.massey.ac.nz/tests-and-exams/exam-short-answer-question.phpShoreline Community College (2018). What is a counter-argument? https://app.shoreline.edu/doldham/101/html/what%20is%20a%20c-a.htmThe University of Queensland (2018). Types of assignment. http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/learning/types-of-assignmentsUniversity of Nevada, Reno. (2020). Counterarguments. University Writing and Speaking Centre. https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/counterarguments
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Structure of the Argumentative Essay
Examples of this type of essay include questions that ask you to take a position on a topic, such as arguing for or against a particular decision or policy. You are required to present arguments that support your position.
Introduction
Background information on topic
Overview of arguments to be presented (structure)
Thesis statement ( - statement of your position on the topic)
Body paragraphs
Paragraph 1
Topic sentence outlining main idea 1.
Evidence (2 sub points) correctly cited.
Explanation
Link/transition
Paragraph 2 (as above, for main idea 2)
Paragraph 3 (as above, for main idea 3)
Counter Argument and Rebuttal
Use language like; It might seem that.., Experts believe that.. Studies have shown that... (Your Topic 8 document has a much longer list on page 3. Ensure you use them in your argumentative essay).
After you have provided the counter argument, your job is to refute it in a balanced and reasonable way, and prove that your thesis statement is correct. This is called the rebuttal.
Remember to provide evidence, with correct citations (in APA style).
Conclusion
Restatement of the importance of your issue, restate your thesis. Do not introduce any new ideas.
Summarise main points
Paint a picture of the world depicting what would happen if your argument is, or is not, implemented.
See next page for Thesis Statement information
Structure of the Thesis Statement
1. THESIS STATEMENT
The thesis statement shows your position clearly and reveals the scope for your argument. It is the direct answer or response to the essay question. It is usually only one sentence long, and must be written in a concise manner.
The thesis statement describes your argument or perspective. It summarises the evidence and analysis that supports the position.
2. Guidelines for writing a thesis statement
State the outcome rather than your intention. Avoid This essay will.. or This essay intends to.. Never say I will
Give a short summary of the reasons for your outcome (because, as, due to)
Keep the thesis statement clear and specific, avoid language such as perhaps and may. Dont give too much detail, thats what the rest of the essay is for.
Keep it short, one sentence only.
The thesis statement should be realistic; dont exaggerate or overstate your position.
3. Here is a formula to help you remember the structure of a thesis statement:
FORMULA: OS plus 3
EXPLANATION:
Opening Statement, plus the following
Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3
Note:
Ideas 1, 2 and 3 in your thesis statement should match exactly with the main ideas 1, 2 and 3 in your essay planning chart in assessment 2.
Above all make sure your thesis statement always answers the essay question directly and concisely!
