Chapter 12 Wrap Up Exercises

EXERCISE 12.5

Ask two or three of your instructors whether they consider Wikipedia a legitimate research source. Then, revise the draft of the paragraph you wrote in the template so that it includes your instructors’ opinions.

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EXERCISE 12.6

Write a definition argument on the topic, “Is Wikipedia a Legitimate Research Source?” Make sure that you define the term legitimate research source and that you give examples to develop your definition. (If you like, you may incorporate the material you developed in the template and Exercise 12.5.) You can refer to the At Issue readings earlier in this chapter to find sources to support your position. Be sure to document the sources you use and to include a works-cited page. (See Chapter 10 for information on documenting sources.)

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EXERCISE 12.7

Review the four pillars of argument discussed in Chapter 1. Does your essay include all four elements of an effective argument? Add anything that is missing. Then, label the key elements of your essay.

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: DEFINITION ARGUMENTS

  1. On most campuses, instructors have the right to pursue, teach, and discuss ideas without restriction. This principle is called academic freedom. Do you think that instructors should have academic freedom, or do you believe that this principle should be restricted? For example, are there any subjects or ideas an instructor should not be allowed to discuss? Write a definition argument in which you define academic freedom and take a position on this issue. For sources to incorporate into your argument, see Chapter 5.

  2. Many colleges require students to perform community service before they graduate. Do you think that college students should have to do community service? Before you begin your argument, find a definition of the term community service. Be sure your argument focuses on the definition of this term.

  3. Take detailed notes about the food and service in your campus cafeteria. Then, write an argumentative essay in which you rate the cafeteria as excellent, good, bad, or poor. Keep in mind that you are presenting operational definitions of these terms (see Developing Definitions) and that you will have to explain the factors you examined to form your assessment.