Project 4: Argumentative Essay
WHAT WE’RE DOING
Writing a essay that argues about
the ethical considerations of hightech multi-domain weapons
HOW WE’RE DOING IT
An essay of at least 1100 words
which uses at least four sources
from which you draw information
WHY WE’RE DOING IT
To practice research skills in
finding information
To practice developing your ideas
with information you’ve
gathered
To discover and critically think
about important ideas
To develop ethical thinking and
responsibility
To synthesize ideas from
material you’ve read
To practice argumentation and
thesis-based writing
To communicate your thinking in
a clear and effective way
WHEN WE’RE DOING IT
Writing Center Draft – 11:59 pm,25
March
Teacher Draft – 11:59 pm, 1 April
Final Draft – 11:59 pm, 15 April
WHAT IT HAS TO DO
Answer the following question
using an argumentative thesis: Are
the weapons of multidomain warfare,
specifically, unmanned drones,
artificial intelligence, and online
manipulation, ethical for use?
Explain the criteria you are using to
decide whether or not something is
ethical
Explain why you believe these types
of weapons are/are not ethical (you
might think some are and some
aren’t)
Explain when use of these types
of weapons would/would not be
ethical.
Be at least 1100 words long (you
can have more).
Use at least four sources in the
essay – these sources must be
explicitly referenced and cited intext. (You may use more.)
Have a works cited page – all
sources must be put on the works
cited page.
HOW I’LL GRADE IT
40 points
WHAT IT’S WORTH
200 points, or 20% of your course
grade.
40 points
30 points
40 points
Assignment features an argumentative thesis statement and
an argument that answers the question of ethics with hightech multi-domain weapons, considering all aspects of the
assignment sheet.
Assignment is organized in a clear, straightforward, and
logical manner, following an appropriate organization
pattern, and without losing focus from the overall topic.
Assignment conforms to standard edited American English
and MLA standard guidelines of citation and formatting.
NOTES TO SELF
A FEW NOTES
Drafts submitted to the Writing
Center and to me are worth 10
Low-Risk Writing points each.
Late papers are penalized 10%
for each day late, including the
day it was due.
Assignments not following the
instructions will receive an
automatic zero.
Assignment uses appropriate academic style, relying on
formal language and tone, while still remaining
understandable to the reader.
Assignment relies on credible sources that are wellintegrated and which are appropriately attributed and cited,
clearly showing where ideas came from.
25 points
Rather than having a revision
opportunity, you’ll submit a
draft to me for feedback
before it is graded for a final
draft.
25 points
Assignment works toward clarity of language, ensuring that
each topic and each sentence are easily understandable
Tip: Don’t just look for sources that talk about these new kinds
of weapons. Look for sources that can give you some guidance
about ethics and ethical considerations, even if they don’t
mention these weapons.
Tip: This isn’t about
whether or not these
weapons are ethical for
the United States to use.
It’s whether they’re
ethical for any country to
use; remember, these
weapons could be used
against you too.
