Compose an annotated bibliography that summarizes 3-5 sources on a specific controversial issue in your field of study that will serve as the focus of your upcoming argumentative essay.
Health Sciences: Should parents be required by law to vaccinate their children?
WRITING TASKS:
Before you begin your essay, you should choose which stance you will take on the topic (i.e., are you for the topic, against it, or some combination of both). Then, develop a strong, specific thesis that argues a specific claim about that topic (i.e., don’t simply argue “I am for ______” or “I am against ______”). Remember that you must argue about a specific change that you want to see happen in order to rectify your issue.
To help build the ethos and logos appeals of your argument, you will be required to use at least five sources in your essay. While you may reference sources like personal blogs or Wikipedia in your paper, three of your five sources must be more credible (e.g., articles and/or images from magazines, journals, or newspapers; books; government websites, etc.).
Consider the audience of your essay. Will your reader be receptive to your argument, or will they be strongly opposed to your claims? Your audience’s reaction to your thesis will determine a number of things in your writing, including structure, tone, and evidence. Also, keep in mind that while recognizing opposing viewpoints certainly lends credibility and ethos to your argument, you don’t want to undermine your own claims. Give credit and acknowledgement to other opinions, but simultaneously reinforce your own ideas.
Requirements: You should submit a typed and double-spaced work cited page containing 3-5 entries, each summary being about 100-200 words. Use Times New Roman font in 12-pt size. Format your paper according to MLA guidelines.
Topical relationship of sources to paper
All sources are clearly related to topic.
Quality and authority of sources selected
Sources appear reliable, authoritative and of good or high quality.
Variety of information sources in terms of discipline, format, time, level, etc.
A wide variety of sources represent relevant and significant perspectives.
Identification & description of authority of sources
Annotations largely, or fully, characterize author, audience and publisher of sources.
Quality & clarity of the summary of ideas in sources
Main ideas of sources, including nuances and subtleties, are clearly summarized.
Representation & discussion of relevance of sources to paper or project
Relationship of ideas in sources to paper topic or project clearly described.
Quantity of sources cited
Includes the required or a thorough number of sources.
Accuracy of the citations
Citations are complete and errors minor.
Research strategies & tools
Description of research strategies employed, and tools consulted demonstrates superior skill and effort.