Description
INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE USE OUTLINE ATtACHED BELOW
Topic Overview
For this assignment, you will attempt to debunk, dispute, or disprove a hoax, conspiracy theory, or incorrectly held common belief. There are many ways for you to interpret this concept. You can interpret this concept literally–as in literal conspiracies or hoaxes (9/11 truthers, Bigfoot, JFK assassination conspiracies, etc.), or you may interpret it metaphorically, academically, scientifically, socially, medically, etc., as in semi-widely held beliefs that are nonetheless wrong (examples: you can flush “toxins” out of your body using special cleanses or foot baths; the earth is only 6000 years old; you can cure diseases with essential oils; the symptoms of a heart attack are the same for men and women, etc.). You should consider how to categorize your questions and topic using critical thinking/question categories and strategies of argument discussed in your handouts, notes, and readings.
Assignment Process and Instructions
For this assignment, you will focus on strategies for counterargument, counterclaims, and contradiction. You will also integrate visual media into your essay in the form of photos, charts, maps, graphs, trees, or graphics. You will compose an essay with a strong thesis statement and evidence, coherent body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion. You are required to use five sources for this assignment. The sources can be anything you want (photo, audio, map, article, website, video, interview, survey, census, data, graphs, trees, art, literature, book, etc.) as long as they meet the following two parameters: A) You must have sources from at least two different modes (ie-print and digital, textual and visual, etc.) and B) One of your sources must be accessed through our library (catalog, database). As long as they meet those 2 criteria, your source selection is entirely up to you. You should choose the sources that have the most credibility, accuracy, and relevance to your topic. You should choose the best sources to answer your research question.
*Your audience for this assignment is an interdisciplinary audience of college students, scholars, and inquisitive adults (the kind who watch PBS). The genre for this assignment is a researched argument.*
In order to complete this assignment, you should go through the following steps:
Invention and Critical Thinking: Come up with a topic, conduct background research, and develop a research question.
Research your question. Carefully choose five sources. Read and make notes as you go.
Develop a working thesis statement based on your research.
Draft body paragraphs and outline the conclusion of your essay.
Draft your introduction and conclusion. As part of the introduction section, revise your working thesis statement into a more polished thesis based on your essay draft.
Get feedback on your essay from a peer, friend, tutor, the Writing Center, or professor.
Revise your essay based on the feedback you received. Solicit a second round of feedback if necessary and revise.
Edit and proofread your paper for submission. Check your formatting.
Evaluation Criteria (Rubric)
An essay that achieves excellence on this assignment will be distinguished in the following criteria:
The writer has a clearly defined purpose and argument demonstrated with a strong thesis statement.
The writer illustrates the significance or importance of his or her topic.
The writer uses five sources, including sources from at least two different modes and at least one from the library.
The writer engages responsibly and appropriately with research that he or she uses as specific evidence and examples.
The writer’s evidence supports his or her argument directly and is the best evidence for the research question the writer chose.
The writer effectively employs strategies for counterargument, counterclaims, and/or contradiction.
The writer effectively incorporates a visual into the body of his or her essay, such as a chart, graph, photo, graphic, map, tree, or image.
The writer cites his or her sources effectively using summary, paraphrase, and/or direct quotation.
The writer’s paper is succinct and tightly composed, with coherent body paragraphs.
The writer’s essay is appropriate for a general academic audience.
The writer meets the standards of clarity, accuracy, logic, significance, fairness, precision, and relevance.
The writer uses appropriate spelling, grammar, and mechanics.
The essay is in MLA format, including for the Works Cited page and overall document design.
The essay is approximately 1100-1200 words
Unformatted Attachment Preview
1
Debunking the Flat Earth Theory
I. Thesis Statement: Despite the persistent beliefs of the Flat Earth movement,
overwhelming scientific evidence and observations firmly establish that the Earth is spherical in
shape.
A. Historical Background
1. Ancient civilizations’ beliefs
2. Revival in modern times
B. Arguments and Claims of Flat Earthers
1. Perceived flat horizon
2. Lack of curvature in long-distance observations
3. Alleged conspiracy and cover-up
II. Scientific Evidence for a Spherical Earth
A. Observational Evidence
1.Circumnavigation and exploration
2. Lunar eclipses and Earth’s shadow
3. Curvature visible from high altitudes
B. Theoretical Explanations
1. Gravity and the Earth’s rotation
2. Planetary motion and orbital mechanics
3. Global weather patterns and air currents
2
C. Satellite and Spacecraft Observations
1. Photographs and videos from space
2. GPS and satellite navigation systems
3. International Space Station and cosmic observations
III. Addressing Common Flat Earth Arguments
A. Perceived Flat Horizon
1. Explanation of Earth’s curvature and horizon
2. Atmospheric refraction and visual limitations
B. Lack of Curvature in Long-Distance Observations
1. Earth’s massive size and curvature calculation
2. Perspective and optical illusions
C. Alleged Conspiracy and Cover-Up
1. Implausibility of a global conspiracy
2. Scientific consensus and peer-review process
3. Independent verification and observations
IV. Consequences and Implications of Flat Earth Beliefs
A. Impact on Scientific Literacy and Education
1. Undermining scientific methods and principles
2. Promoting pseudoscience and misinformation
B. Societal and Cultural Implications
1. Distrust of authorities and institutions
2. Potential for harmful ideologies and beliefs
3
C. Importance of Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Reasoning
1. Evaluating claims and verifying information
2. Promoting scientific literacy and education
3. Encouraging open-minded yet skeptical inquiry
V. Conclusion
A. Reaffirming the Overwhelming Evidence for a Spherical Earth
B. The Importance of Embracing Scientific Knowledge
C. Encouraging Continued Exploration and Scientific Advancement
4
Purchase answer to see full
attachment
