The Writing Assignment

Printed Page 274

GUIDE TO WRITING

The Writing Assignment 274
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing 276
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading 286
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading 288

Write an essay arguing a controversial position: Start by learning more about the issue and the debate surrounding it, and then take a position. Present the issue so readers recognize that it merits their attention, and develop a well-supported argument that will confirm, challenge, or change your readers’ views.

This Guide to Writing is designed to help you compose your own position argument and apply what you have learned from reading other position arguments. This Starting Points chart will help you find answers to questions you might have about composing a position argument. Use the chart to find the guidance you need, when you need it.