Criteria for Writing an Argument Paper/Position Statement

Purpose

Thesis is clearly stated
Purpose is clear or obvious
Main purpose achieved overall

Organization

Main points, coherent and integrated
Look is professional
Organization good overall

Professional Content

Appropriate use of professional sources (relevant, recent, high quality)
Appropriate use of professional vocabulary
Appropriate use of quotes
Evidence of growth as a professional

Persona/Voice

Strong clear voice that is appropriate for purpose and audience

Mechanics and Grammar

Uses correct mechanics
Uses correct grammar

Strong evidence of Maturation and Growth as a Writer

Critical Thinking

Thoughtful with strong evidence of critical analysis
Strong evidence of synthesis across multiple sources
Evidence of appropriate ethical standards

Example of a first draft, Argument Paper - pdf

Critique of the first draft:

12/15 points - Write a concise introductory paragraph clearly stating position on an issue. Identify appropriate audiences for persuasion by the position statement

20/20 points - Provide sufficient factual and observational background discussion for professional/nonprofessional reader to understand terminology, impact and effects of the issue.

12/15 points - Provide defensible documentation and discussion to support an understanding of the issue and a clear rationale for the position.

12/15 points - Present both pros and cons of the issue with supportive documentation.

12/15 points - Synthesize major points in conclusion paragraph.

12/20 points - Apply principles of good composition including appropriate sentence structure, grammar and meticulous attention to details of every aspect of the position statement. Strict APA Format standards will apply. Include a title page.

Total 80 points = B-

Additional Comments

This paper has great possibilities but it truly is a first draft that I have read today. I can tell that you have done a lot of work on this paper and I think you have the potential of turning this into a very good paper with a little bit of work. It is going to take more than just correcting the format and the grammatical errors but I ask you not to get discouraged because the improvements are very possible if you follow the recommendations below:

Rework your thesis. I think what you really meant to say was somethign like this:
     The decreased risk to the health care providers through mandatory HIV testing of all patients do not outweigh the potential negative outcomes associated with mandatory HIV testing.
If you have that thesis then organize your paper under the suggested headings:
     Introduction
     Background
     Pros
     Cons
     Conclusions
Use what you have already written and reorganize your paper so it follows the above format. Type those headings on yoru paper. It will make it less likely that you will put something that doesn't belong under the headings.

Correct the grammatical errors. Be careful about singular vs. plural.
     Example: "The patient/he/she"...not "their"

Correct APA formatting errors.
     Reference list
     Quotes (author, date, page#)
     Internal citation (author, date)
     Reference ideas not your own

Example of a revised draft, Argument Paper - pdf

Critique of the revised draft:

15/15 points - Write a concise introductory paragraph clearly stating position on an issue. Identify appropriate audiences for persuasion by the position statement

18/20 points - Provide sufficient factual and observational background discussion for professional/nonprofessional reader to understand terminology, impact and effects of the issue.

15/15 points - Provide defensible documentation and discussion to support an understanding of the issue and a clear rationale for the position.

15/15 points - Present both pros and cons of the issue with supportive documentation.

15/15 points - Synthesize major points in conclusion paragraph.

16/20 points - Apply principles of good composition including appropriate sentence structure, grammar and meticulous attention to details of every aspect of the position statement. Strict APA Format standards will apply. Include a title page.

Total 94 points = A

Additional comments:

Much Improved paper
Corrected most of the grammatical and structural errors
The Flow and Organization are greatly improved
Brought some of the argument into the background
A few grammatical errors and still some APA flaws.
Good paper, Congratulations

Purpose/Thesis
(indicated by O)
This thesis is clearly stated. The writer takes a definite position which he/she intends to argue. The purpose is obvious and is achieved in the conclusion.

Organization
(indicated by OO)
Use of headings helps to organize the argument. The main points are stated on both sides of the argument.

Professional Content
(indicated by OOO)
In general references are cited appropriately according to APA. Reference list is not formatted properly. Professional vocabulary and resources are appropriate to the topic.

Voice/Audience
(indicated by OOOO)
Voice is strong and clear on the topic from the very beginning. THe writer is addressing both HCW and the general public.

Mechanics and grammar
(indicated by OOOOO)
Some tense problems

Critical Thinking
(indicated by OOOOOO)
Argument is well thought through. Data on both sides of the argument is synthesized. Reflective thinking is apparent.

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