English Composition

For this essay, you will select one of the sources that you intend to support your argument. Which source you choose is up to you; however, it should be substantial enough that you will be able to talk about it at length, and intricate enough that it will keep you (and your reader) interested.

The introduction of this paper will involve introducing the source: After you recap your research paper’s central argument, provide the author, the title, and the context (where you found the source, where it was originally published, who sponsored it, etc.)

You will then go on to evaluate the source on two levels:

Credibility (at least one full paragraph): Evaluate the source’s authenticity and reliability. Look at all the information that you can find about the source to establish the author’s (or sponsor’s) trustworthiness.

Usefulness (at least one full paragraph): Using a combination of summary and analysis, examine the source on a critical level. Determine what the source’s purpose (thesis) is, and how it arrives at that goal. Examine its value to you and the project you are working on. How will it help you prove your own points? How might it come in handy to back up a claim (or address a counter-claim)?

Finally, you will include a conclusion which shows your final assessments on both counts.

A. Assignment Guidelines

DIRECTIONS: Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.

1. Source Identification

   The introduction of this paper will be introducing the source:

   ❒ Have you recapped your research paper’s central argument?
   ❒ Have you provided the author’s name?
   ❒ Have you provided the source title?
   ❒ Have you provided the context (where you found the source, where it was originally published, who sponsored it, etc.)?
   ❒ Have you ended the introduction with a thesis statement that sums up your evaluation of the source’s credibility and usefulness?

2. Source Evaluation
   ❒ Have you provided an evaluation on the source’s credibility in at least one full paragraph?
   ❒ Have you used specific examples from the source to illustrate your evaluation on credibility?
   ❒ Have you provided a judgment on the source’s usefulness in at least one full paragraph?
   ❒ Have you used specific, cited examples from the source to illustrate your evaluation on usefulness?
   ❒ Did you include a reference list with complete source data such as author(s)’ name(s), date of publication, title, publication outlet or journal, an URL address (if available)?
3. Reflection
   ❒ Have you answered all reflection questions thoughtfully and included insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses?
   ❒ Are your answers included on a separate page below the main assignment?

B. Reflection Questions

DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.

What types of questions did you ask yourself when evaluating the credibility and usefulness of your source? (2-3 sentences)
How do you feel this evaluation practice will help you as you continue to move through the research process? (2-3 sentences)

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To approach your English Composition assignment about selecting and evaluating a source for your research paper, you should follow these steps:

1. Select a Source: Choose a substantial and intricate source related to your research paper’s central argument. This source should be detailed enough to be discussed at length and to keep your readers interested.
2. Introduce the Source: Start your essay by briefly recapping your research paper’s central argument. Then introduce the selected source by providing the author’s name, the title of the source, and its context, which includes where you found the source, where it was originally published, and who sponsored it. The introduction should end with a thesis statement that summarizes your evaluation of the source’s credibility and usefulness.
3. Evaluate the Source’s Credibility: Write a full paragraph evaluating the source’s credibility. Examine the author’s reliability and the source’s authenticity by analyzing all the available information about the source.
4. Evaluate the Source’s Usefulness: Write a separate paragraph about the source’s usefulness. This evaluation should include a combination of summary and critical analysis. Determine the source’s purpose (or thesis) and how it achieves that goal. Evaluate how this source will help you prove your points in your research paper and how it can be used to support a claim or address a counter-claim.
5. Conclusion: In your conclusion, summarize your evaluations about the source’s credibility and usefulness.
6. Follow Assignment Guidelines: Make sure that your essay meets all the assignment guidelines mentioned in the question, including providing the necessary details about the source, evaluating its credibility and usefulness, using specific examples, and citing the source correctly.
7. Reflection: After your main assignment, answer the reflection questions in 2-3 sentences each. Consider the types of questions you asked yourself when evaluating your source and how this evaluation practice will help you in your ongoing research process.

Review your work for clarity and cohesion before submitting it.