EES86 NX Performance Task #2: Argument Essay with Research
Closely read the text provided and write a source-based argument on the topic below. Use two additional outside texts that you determine to be both credible and relevant to the topic.
Topic: In many peoples opinion, to call the link between language and culture sacred would not be exaggeration. The language of our birth, the language of the first words we speak to our parents or those closest to us, creates a powerful bond and shapes our perception of the world. Yet few of us are fully aware of the way our language influences others or the extent to which language is used to manipulate our emotions, our politics, and our decisions.
The power of language adds another dimension to our discussion. Language has deep connections to our thoughts and beliefs. Whether its an advertising campaign or an election campaign, whether people are telling you what to think or what not to say, language is a potent and powerful tool.
Question: What is the relationship between language and identity?
Your Task: Carefully read the text provided. Then, using evidence from that text, plus two credible pieces of research you gather on your own, write a well-developed argument regarding the relationship between language and identity. Clearly establish your claim, distinguish it from alternate or opposing claims, and use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from these three texts to develop your argument. Do not simply summarize each text.
Guidelines: Be sure to:
Establish your claim regarding the relationship between language and identity.
Distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims.
Use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from at least three of the texts to develop your argument.
Develop claim(s) and counterclaim(s) thoroughly and in a balanced manner, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both, anticipating the audiences knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.
Express the appropriate complexity of the topic.
Identify each source that you reference, and use MLA guidelines for in-text citations and a works cited page at the end of the essay.
Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner.
Maintain a formal style of writing.
Follow the conventions of standard written English.
Text: How to Tame a Wild Tongue by Gloria Anzalda on page 725 of The Language of Composition, 2nd Edition
Resources:
A guide for assessing the credibility of online sources:
Who is the speaker? What is their authority, credibility, experience, or bias? Do they have an advanced degree, institutional affiliation, or other qualifications that make them an authority on the topic?
What information is being delivered and is it relevant and accurate? Can you verify its accuracy by confirming it with a primary source or multiple secondary sources? Does the piece cite its sources?
Where was the piece published? What is the credibility of the publication or web site that is delivering the information?
When was the piece published? Is it current and therefore relevant to the topic at hand, or is the information out of date? If there is no timestamp, copyright date, or date of publication, thats a bad sign.
Why is the piece being published? Whats the intended purpose of the piece? To persuade, inform, analyze, or something else?
How is the piece written? What tone does the writer use? Does the piece seem professional, formal, academic, or is the writer biased, exaggerated, inflammatory, or overly informal in their writing style?
MLA General Format
MLA In-Text Citations
MLA Works Cited Page Formatting
MLA Sample Works Cited Page
Standards Addressed:
11-12W1: Write arguments to support claims that analyze substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
11-12W1a: Introduce precise claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from counterclaim(s), and create an organization that logically sequences claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
11-12W1b: Develop claim(s) and counterclaim(s) thoroughly and in a balanced manner, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both, anticipating the audiences knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases. 11-12W1c: Use precise language, content-specific vocabulary and literary techniques to express the appropriate complexity of the topic.
11-12W1d: Use appropriate and varied transitions, as well as varied syntax, to make critical connections, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts. 11-12W1e: Provide a concluding statement or section that explains the significance of the argument presented.
11-12W1f: Maintain a style and tone appropriate to the writing task.
11-12W6: Conduct research through self-generated question, or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate. Synthesize multiple sources, demonstrating understanding and analysis of the subject under investigation.
11-12W7: Gather relevant information from multiple sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas; avoid plagiarism, overreliance on one source, and follow a standard format for citation.
11-12W6: Conduct research through self-generated question, or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate. Synthesize multiple sources, demonstrating understanding and analysis of the subject under investigation.
11-12W7: Gather relevant information from multiple sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas; avoid plagiarism, overreliance on one source, and follow a standard format for citation.
