The Argumentative Essay

The argumentative paper requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a thesis/argument on the topic in a clear and concise manner. The argumentative paper differs from the expository paper in that extensive research of literature or previously published material/peer reviewed material is required. As a result, the argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a final project (Purdue Online Writing Lab, n.d.).

In addition to length, the argumentative essay is logical. In other words, the writer cannot write an emotional response to defend their thesis/argument.

The most common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach, which includes all four components of an essay. These consist of:

• An Introductory Paragraph: This typically includes the main features of an introduction, such as a hook sentence, an explanation of the hook sentence, a clear, concise thesis statement/argument, discussion points, and a transition from the introduction to the body paragraphs.

• Three Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph will contain a topic sentence (or the main idea of the body paragraph), example(s) supporting the topic sentence’s claim, an analysis of why the example(s) are important, connecting the body paragraph to the thesis/argument, and a transition from one paragraph to the next.

• A Conclusion: The conclusion goes beyond a summary. It is the writer’s last chance to let the reader understand why the thesis statement is important and to demonstrate how the evidence used is connected and not random.

• Citations: These are used to prove that your assignment is academically honest. At Bow Valley College, most writing assignments will require the student to use the APA citation style. See the Library website: About APA Style - APA Style, 7th Edition - LibGuides at Bow Valley College on how to properly cite references that were used.

Note: While this is an excellent source of reference, students are encouraged to check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all the requirements of an assignment.

Reference

Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Argumentative essays. Argumentative Essays - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University

The Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay requires the student to identify an issue and choose a side/argument. The purpose of a persuasive essay is to get the reader on your side by using facts and emotions. The writer is allowed to appeal to the reader’s emotions, which makes the persuasive essay unique.

The persuasive essay can be broken down into four parts:

• An Introductory Paragraph: This typically includes the main features of an introduction, such as a hook sentence, an explanation of the hook sentence, a clear, concise thesis statement/argument, discussion points (make sure you outline the structure your argument will follow) and a transition from the introduction to the body paragraphs.

• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph will contain a topic sentence (or the main idea of the body paragraph), example(s) supporting the topic sentence’s claim, an analysis of why the example(s) are important, connecting the body paragraph to the thesis/argument, and a transition from one paragraph to the next.

I. One of these body paragraphs will have a summary of some of the opposing views. The writer will give a topic sentence explaining the opposing argument. Next, the writer will provide a brief synopsis of the opposing ideas. After providing generalized evidence, the writer will transition into a rebuttal paragraph that follows.

II. In the rebuttal paragraph, the writer gives a topic sentence explaining that this paragraph expands on the previous one. The writer will present how their ideas are stronger. This is done by presenting evidence directly disputing ideas mentioned in the previous section. Finally, the writer will give a concluding statement summarizing the counter arguments.

• A Conclusion: The conclusion goes beyond a summary. It is the writer’s last chance to let the reader understand why the thesis statement is important and to demonstrate how the evidence used is connected, not random.

• Citations: These are used to prove that your assignment is academically honest. At Bow Valley College, most writing assignments will require the student to use the APA citation style. See the Library website on how to properly cite references that were used.

Note: While this is an excellent source of reference, students are encouraged to check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all the requirements of an assignment.

The Narrative Essay

The main purpose of a narrative essay is to tell the reader about a key event, a crucial interaction, or experience that happened to the author over a limited time period. Therefore, writing a narrative is like writing a story. Most importantly, the narrative must have a purpose (think of this as your thesis!). Other important traits of a narrative essay include:

• It must be written from a clear point of view.

• Clear and concise language is used.

• The use of the first-person pronoun ‘I’ is welcomed. However, do not abuse this exception!

• Body paragraphs must be in a logical order. Typically, this means the narrative will be in chronological order (Purdue Online Writing Lab, n.d.).

The most common method for writing a narrative essay is the five-paragraph approach, which includes all four components of an essay. These consist of:

• The Introduction: Provide a hook sentence that will make the reader want to read the rest of your essay. The introduction is also where the writer will provide a setting and notify the reader of the thesis.

• Three Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph will contain a topic sentence which is the main idea of the body paragraph. The writer will develop and connect details to the topic. Additionally, the writer will provide a transition from one paragraph to the next.

• A Conclusion: The writer will connect the paragraph details to the overall theme. The writer should try to end the narrative in an impactful way so that the reader has no doubt in their mind as to the purpose of the narrative.

• Citations: Some narrative essays will require the students to use citations. These are used to prove that your assignment is academically honest. At Bow Valley College, most writing assignments will require the student to use the APA citation style. See the Library website: About APA Style - APA Style, 7th Edition - LibGuides at Bow Valley College on how to properly cite references.

Note: While this is an excellent source of reference, students are encouraged to check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all the requirements of an assignment.

Reference

Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Narrative essays. Narrative Essays - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University

The Reflection Paper

The Reflection Paper is an assignment that requires the writer to consider how their personal experiences and observations shape their thinking and their acceptance of new ideas or practices. It is discipline and course specific and might take the form of a short paper on course readings, or a response to a service placement opportunity. Therefore, students must check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all the requirements of the assignment.

Key Traits of a Reflection Paper are:

• The writer connects the course readings with their knowledge and experience in order to further comprehend the readings. Therefore, the first-person pronoun “I” is welcomed.

• The writer questions their assumptions about course readings or service placement opportunities; it also challenges the writer to reflect on their previous beliefs and arrive at a more complex, or new understanding of a reading or issue (Trent University, n.d.).

• A reflection paper can have an open format that explores and connects course content with life experience(s).

• While the reflection paper does not need a thesis statement, it is often argumentative.

• The reflection paper does not need to be conclusive, but can identify gaps in knowledge, make connections, or challenge prior beliefs (University of Toronto, 2014).

As with other academic writing, a reflection paper will include all four components of an essay. These consist of:

• An Introductory Paragraph: This will identify the paper’s topic, describe the major course concept/theory and state what the paper is going to explore/argue.

• Body Paragraph(s): Describe the situation or context being analyzed, the writer describes their reaction or experience and then connects the experience to the theory.

• Conclusion: The writer summarizes what they’ve learned and discusses how these lessons may impact or influence them in the future.

• Citations: Check instructions to see which citation style is required.

Note: While this is an excellent source of reference, students are encouraged to check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all the requirements of an assignment.

References

Trent University. (n.d.). How to write a reflection paper. How to Write a Reflection Paper - Academic Skills - Trent University

University of Toronto at Scarborough. (2014). The reflection paper. Writing Support | Centre for Teaching and Learning (utoronto.ca)

The Photo or Visual Analysis Paper

All images possess an idea or claim. In a visual analysis essay, students are provided with a photograph(s) and are expected to describe the image(s) and discuss how the image is put together (also known as the composition). The student will choose a theme that they think the picture(s) is/are trying to make & then analyze the meaning of the image(s).

In order to write an effective visual analysis essay, the student should consider the purpose of the artist, the artist’s audience, the way the image was composed, the historical meaning of the image(s), and evaluate the effectiveness of the image(s) in contemporary times.

The most common method for writing a photograph essay is the five-paragraph approach, which includes all four components of an essay. This consists of:

• An Introductory Paragraph: The writer will provide basic facts about the art. Get the reader interested in the image(s) by using one of the following methods:

•  Describe the image(s) vividly.

•  Discuss how the image(s) was/were created.

•  Explain the purpose of the artist(s).

•  Give interesting or relevant facts about the image or artist.

•  Talk about a controversy or misunderstanding about the art.

•  Your thesis will tell the reader the meaning of this image (Kearney, 2020).

• Three Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph will contain a topic sentence (or the main idea of the body paragraph), example(s) supporting the topic sentence’s claim, an analysis of why the example(s) are important, a linking sentence connecting the body paragraph to the thesis/argument, and a transition sentence from one paragraph to the next.

• A Conclusion: Do not just repeat your thesis. It is the writer’s last chance to let the reader understand why the thesis statement is important and to demonstrate how the evidence used is connected, not random. Kearney (2020) suggests to:

I. Compare the reception of the visual aid by the audience who first saw it with your own ideas, or with the way people today might interpret the picture.

II. Speculate on what the artist would think about the way his picture has been viewed over time.

III. Suggest how this piece of art fits into the works of an artist, or the ad campaign of a company.

• Citation: This is used to prove that your assignment is academically honest. At Bow Valley College, most writing assignments will require the student to use APA Citation. See the Library website on how to properly cite work: About APA Style - APA Style, 7th Edition - LibGuides at Bow Valley College

Note: While this is an excellent source of reference, students are encouraged to check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all requirements of an assignment.

References

Kearney, V. (2020, March 25). How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper. Owlcation. How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper - Owlcation

Single Paragraph Assignment/Expository Paragraph

The expository paragraph provides information. The writer explains a subject, gives directions, or demonstrates how something happens. In expository writing, students generally use linking words like “first,” “second,” “then,” and “finally,” which helps the reader navigate through the paragraph. Other key characteristics of a single paragraph/expository paragraph essay include:

• Indent the first line.

• One central idea for each paragraph (i.e.: If the assignment is about which fruit is the best tasting, the writer should not be discussing vegetables).

• Avoid repetition of words in a paragraph, unless it is a key term: For example, a writer should use a synonym for words like “moreover” such as “furthermore”. However, if the topic is about apples, then the writer will have to use the word “apple” more than once.

• Include a thesis statement: Typically, in a single paragraph essay, this is first sentence, also known as a topic sentence, which is one sentence long and tells the reader what the paragraph will be about.

• Supporting sentences: Each sentence that is written after the topic sentence must be related to the topic sentence and follow one another in a logical sequence of steps. This helps keep the writer on topic and helps the reader better understand the main idea of the paragraph. Supporting sentences provide the reader with details such as:

• Example(s): This allows the reader to get a clearer picture as to what the writer is trying to say.
• An explanation as to why the example(s) used are important.

Note: After providing an example, the writer must immediately state why the example used is important or relevant, before they proceed with the next example.

• A concluding sentence that closes the subject in a clear manner.

Note: While this is an excellent source of reference, students are encouraged to check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all the requirements of an assignment.

Discussion Posts

Discussion boards give students the opportunity to discuss course topics with each other - and with the professor - as they would if they were in a traditional classroom.

To Write an Effective Discussion Board Post:

• Answer the question posed by the instructor directly.

• Provide a clear and thorough answer to the question (incorporating some of the wording of the question in your answer).

• Paraphrase rather than quote, unless the wording is unique or special.

• Give evidence and provide an explanation for your argument. The evidence the writer will provide will be from their text, notes, or outside research (where appropriate) to support their point. Remember to cite all sources used.

• Explain the connection by ensuring the evidence provided supports the writer’s point. Never assume the evidence provided is obvious to the reader.

• Despite discussion posts having an informal tone to them, students are expected to have good sentence structure, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

• Be clear in the subject line so that the reader knows what to expect.

To Write an Effective Follow-up Discussion Post:

• The writer must explain why they agree or disagree with the student’s post and offer their own supporting points and evidence.

• Be Respectful. Do not respond emotionally to what others have said. Rather, respond to the ideas and the argument, not the person.

Note: While this is an excellent source of reference, students are encouraged to check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all the requirements of a discussion post.

The Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography contains a list of sources (in alphabetical order), followed by a summary (annotation) of each source, and provides an assessment of its value or relevance. A key purpose of the annotation is for the student to begin interacting with their sources in order to develop their own opinions and insights that will form the basis of their paper.

An Annotated Bibliography Includes:

• A Proper Reference Citation (APA): Students are encouraged to refer to BVC’s APA Style, 7th edition webpage (About APA Style - APA Style, 7th Edition - LibGuides at Bow Valley College) to learn the steps of how to reference sources, as well as to download a pre-formatted, APA 7 MS Word document.

• A Short Summary: Discuss what the source says in your own words and focus on the scholar(s)’s conclusions. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE.

• Use: Explain how or why the source is useful for your argument. This is where the writer will include facts, statistics, quotes or ideas from the source material that they might include in their assignment.

The Following is an Example of an Annotated Bibliography Entry:

Annotated Bibliography Sample

Hill, T. D., Kaplan, L. M., French, M. T., & Johnson, R. J. (2010, March 24). Victimization in early life and mental health in adulthood: An examination of the mediating and moderating influences of psychosocial resources. Journal of Health & Social Behavior, 51(1), 48-63. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146509361194 

The author found that situations which make children feel less equal to their peers can harm their mental health as adults. One in four children suffer from self-esteem issues; one in three live in poverty that affects their self-esteem.

This is strong evidence from a peer reviewed journal of the effect of poverty on juvenile delinquency: It starts with damage to the child’s self-esteem. Poverty and inequality shape many into maladjusted teens adults. This could be a root cause of juvenile delinquency.

Notes:

Part 1: Citation in APA: Also note the hanging indent. This is a requirement of APA citation.

Part 2: Source Summary: Note the stats provided in the summary. This is an indicator that the writer could use these stats in their assignment.

Part 3: Source Usage: Major discovery in the research and therefore validates the usage of the source.

Note: While this is an excellent source of reference, students are encouraged to check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all requirements of an assignment.

The Response Assignment

In response papers, writers are expected to describe their personal response to a reading assignment and explain why they had this reaction. A response paper is not meant to provide a review or a rating of the reading.

Be selective in what you choose, because if you choose too many reactions to the literature provided, you will be unable to fully explain why you have that reaction. As a result, choose only 1 significant thought you had while reading and explore that thought in depth. Response papers are usually brief and informal and do not necessarily follow the thesis/support model in most other writing assignments. Furthermore, since response papers are about a personal response, most teachers permit the writer to use the first-person pronoun 'I'.

While a response paper is like a personal essay - where the student reflects on their own life and thoughts - the student must ensure that they keep the literature as the main focus.

Since there are no concrete rules about response papers, students must carefully read their instructor’s directions and follow them closely.

Note: While this is an excellent source of reference, students are encouraged to check their syllabus and/or rubric to ensure they include all the requirements of an assignment.