Dr. Mary E. Martin                             CRTW Paper One

For this assignment, you will need to write an essay that shows your ability to explore the first eight of the Elements of Reasoning . I will be grading you on a) how thoughtfully you address each element and b) how well you incorporate all of your ideas into a coherent essay.

Specifically, this essay should be 3-4 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, in 12 point Times New Roman font, and following MLA format.  Please refer to your handbook for MLA guidelines for paper format. Please, no cover page; just follow  MLA guidelines for the first page format.

Please follow the guidelines for Ex. 2.1 on pages 78 in Nosich.  You will analyze a problem in your life (maybe a decision you need to make), or in your field of study.  But remember, apply the first 8 elements to your problem, and write your analysis in essay format.

Make sure your paragraphs develop a single point or focus.  In other words, don't jam too many ideas or points into one paragraph. 

 Side note: Each time you introduce a new element for discussion, put that element in bold. For example, if you are writing a paragraph on your particular Question at Issue (“Should I buy this pair of jeans?” “Can I find a similar pair for less money?” What should I wear on my date tonight?” “Can I pay for them with my dad’s credit card?” “How can I manipulate my parents so that they will give me more money?” “Am I acting irresponsibly – like my sister tells me I do?” “Am I materialistic or just a girl with good fashion sense?” “What does God want me to do?”), somewhere in that paragraph you should acknowledge that you are exploring your specific Question at Issue and put that term in a bold font.

You must submit your paper to turnitin by the day the hard copy is due, by class time.    I will not grade a paper not submitted to turnitin.   The information you will need to complete submission is on the assignment page for CRTW on my website.