Name: _______________________________________                        Block: ___________

Mastery Work #1 (Marking Period 2): Final Research-Based Argument Paper

Your Task: 

Research an issue that has come about through your reading of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. After you have conducted research on a specific issue and seen the multiple perspectives that people have, you will write a research-based argumentative paper. This is an academic essay that incorporates your research as well as presents an arguable claim.

In crafting your paper, include a precise thesis statement that is derived from your research and supported by relevant and sufficient evidence and valid reasoning. Be sure to use evidence from at least three of your identified sources, being sure to distinguish claims from alternate and opposing claims (counterclaim). Use your research, the rubric, any additional materials and previous versions of your research-based argument paper with peer comments to guide the creation of your final draft.

What must be included in your paper:

• An introductory paragraph that has a precise thesis statement that is derived from your research.
• Evidence from at least three of your identified sources (Minimum of three body paragraphs).
• A counterclaim paragraph.
• A concluding paragraph that addresses the relevance of your issue and your thesis (total of six paragraphs).
• A detailed, MLA style works cited page.

Standards for the paper:

• Your essay must be written in academic language.
• You must explain your evidence with detail and context! Write as though your reader has no background information about your topic.
• Imagine you are writing your piece for a journal or newspaper, you want to have a similar kind of style and language.
• Both the first and final drafts must be typed. If you have the improper format, you will lose points on the essay!

• Times New Roman
• 12 pt. Font
• Double spaced

DUE DATES

• First Draft: December 19, 2016
• Final Draft: January 17, 2016

You must also submit this handout with both your FIRST DRAFT and FINAL DRAFT. The rubric must be facing FORWARD.