Issue/Problem Paper

Before endeavoring to write this paper, make sure you've read the following essays:


"The Damned Human Race" (pg. 26)

"The Uncritical American; or, Nobody's From Missouri Anymore" (pg. 36)

"Thinking as a Hobby"

After reading the aforementioned essays, read Chapter 4 (pg. 92), for it details how to write an Issue/Problem Paper.

For your first Issue/Problem Paper, you may choose ONE of the following two prompts:


What flaws exist in Mark Twain's "The Damned Human Race?"

OR


Based on William Golding's definitions of Grade I, II, and III Thinkers in "Thinking as a Hobby," is Wayne Booth, based on "The Uncritical American; or, Nobody's From Missouri Anymore," a Grade I, II, or III Thinker?

Remember, an I/P Paper cannot exceed one page.  You are also expected to adhere to the following criteria:


Your point size must be 12.

Your font must be Times New Roman.

You must double-space.

You must parenthetically reference.  In other words, when quoting Twain or Booth, make sure to include the following:  (Booth 33) or (Twain 23).

Your heading must be structured after the examples in Chapter 4.

You must refute the opposition.

You must include a Works Cited page.  This should be on a separate page from your I/P Paper.  Thus, since your I/P Paper should be no longer than one page, your Works Cited page should be Page 2.  Please follow the MLA guidelines as specified in Everything Your Grammar Should Have Taught You.

Before submitting your Issue/Problem Paper, you may wish to note the following tips:


Proofread!  Your I/P Paper is worth 100 points.  Half (50 points) is based on content, and the other half (50 points) is based on grammar.

Follow the format offered by the examples on pgs. 93 and 95.

Remember that the most important sentence in your entire I/P Paper is the claim.  If your claim is compromised, then the structural integrity of your argument will be compromised as well.  (Your claim should be the first sentence of your I/P Paper.)

Diction tips for refuting the opposition can be found on pg. 373-374.

When writing, make sure each assertion ("point") is coupled with an example.  Hence, as noted on pg. 93, you'll have your "claim," then your first "point," and then your first "example."  Following the "example," you should have a sentence of "commentary."  ("Commentary" simply explains the relevance of your "example," and it also links your "example" to your "point" and, most importantly, to your "claim.")  For clarification, simply note the examples on pgs. 97-100.  Both Susan and Joey follow the "Point/Example/Commentary" format.

Adhere to these definitions:  Grade One Thinker = person who offers solutions.  Grade Two Thinker = person who detects contradictions.  Grade Three Thinker = person who "feels" as opposed to "thinks."
Last Updated: 6/3/19
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