Argument evaluation

Overview

In this unit, we will discuss critical thinking (cognitive biases, fact and opinion, objective/ subjective statements, and identifying the issue at hand). We will also be reading two opposing opinion pieces on Artificial Intelligence. We will read multiple texts that talk about the need to observe and think critically about what we view and hear, and we will discuss strategies scholars suggest using when engaging with media and information.

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to enter a conversation with the sources we have discussed in class. This project will allow you to create an argument that is supported by critical thinking/reasoning as you engage with other texts (an important aspect of academic writing).

Assignment

The focus of your Essay will be to compare two positions on AI and determine which is more valid:

1. Choose either to evaluate The College Essay is Dead, and The College Essay is Still Very Much Alive,
2. or The Plateauing AI and Transformative AI. These articles are found in the menu item called “Files” in
3. Canvas > AI Articles.
4. Decide which author makes the best case and provide your reasoning.
5. Identify at least two arguments and two counterarguments from the authors.
6. Explain why one argument is better than the other argument.
7. Critique the premise and/or conclusion of each using points from Thinking Fast and Slow and Critical Thinking.
8. Which specific critical thinking strategies helped you most in determining your choice?

Your thesis (and by extension, your essay) must reflect the scope of the assignment, meaning you will need a thesis that you can adequately and fully argue and develop in 4-5 complete pages in APA format. Your claims and argument will need to be critically thinking-based and will require you to explain your thought process to an intelligent but uninformed reader throughout the essay. I want this in your language, not AI text language, please. So, use your own personal critical reasoning, thinking, and writing skills.

Suggested Tasks

• The first thing you will need to do is decide your preferred stance.
• How will you support your position?
• What are the arguments and counterarguments?
• You will want to make sure that you are able to bring in both reading sources, besides the two essays, that we’ve discussed in class as you present your argument.
• Once you choose your position and your supporting arguments (the focus of the essay), find specific passages, quotes, or sections that are especially relevant to your argument.
• Consider how you will use those texts. Will you use them to introduce the conversation? Will they be a main focal point of your argument? Will they be used as counterarguments or support for your own argument?

Final Paper Requirements (Word Docs only, not pdfs)

• 4-5 complete pages, 1200-1500 words in length(Note: This does not include the Cover page, Author’s Note, nor the References page).
• The drafts and final paper References should be in APA 7 format, size 12, Times New Roman Font.
• (Need APA help? See for more….)
• You need a unique title that accurately portrays your essay thesis.
• You need to have a New Author’s Note with each draft submission.
• Besides the essays, you must use at least 2 of the readings we have worked with so far this semester AND you must quote or reference a specific thing that was said/discussed during an in-class discussion.
• Your essay can NOT include any source or reading we have not discussed in class.
• Completion of at least 1 draft prior to submitting the “final” essay. There must be significant revisions from the 1st draft to the “final” essay. Be clear on your deliverables or ask for help.
• ———————————————————————-
• IMPORTANT! How to submit your papers in this class….(Word Doc only)
• LastName_FirstName_ENGR1301_Essay1_Draft1.docx
• Example:Garcia_Maria_ENGR1301_Essay1_Draft1.docx
• ————————————————————————-
• Your Draft 1 can be imperfect, but it must have:
• (1) the cover page, (2) an Authors Note where you ask for help,
• (3) a real draft with paragraphs, and (4) a References page in APA.
• Here is an EXAMPLE Draft 1to review:
• ————————————————————————–
• Due Dates
• Your FINAL essay will be graded based on fulfilling the requirements listed below:
• Draft 1 with Author’s Note: See the due date in Canvas. You will need to submit this draft to Canvas AND bring 2 printed copies to class for the workshop. Word Docs only.
• Failure to turn in draft 1, bring 2 printed copies to class, and/or participate in the Writing Workshop will result in a 10-point penalty on the final essay grade.
• Draft 2 with Author’s Note: See the due date in Canvas. You will need to submit this draft to Canvas AND bring 2 printed copies to class for the workshop. Word Docs only.
• Failure to turn in draft 2, bring 2 printed copies to class, and/or participate in the Writing Workshop will result in a 10-point penalty on the final essay grade.
• Final Essay with a new Author’s Note: See the due date in Canvas. You must submit your final essay to Canvas. Word Docs only. No pfds