CMPT 880 Optional Writing Assignments
These two optional assignments will give you practice in organizing logical arguments, and using claims, reasons, warrants, and evidence.
Due date: Anytime up to November 30
Hand in your assignments at any 880 class up to the end of November; I will get you feedback as soon as possible.
I suggest that you hand in one assignment, wait to see your feedback, and then complete the second.
What to do
Write out the structure of an argument for one of the following positions:
Computer users should learn shell commands
Computer users should use graphical interfaces
(You should choose the same main claim that you chose for your first writing assignment; if you complete the second optional assignment, choose the other main claim)
Write claims, reasons, warrants, and evidence for your argument.
Do not write in paragraphs; instead, please write out individual ideas and label them with the one of the following labels: Main claim, Claim, Reason, Warrant, Evidence, Objection, Transition.
An example of what to do.
Use real evidence where possible; make up the evidence if you have to (but you must make it sound believable)
For the first of the optional assignments, you do not have to address any potential objections to your claim.
Notes:
You do not need to write in complete sentences and paragraphs.
Please write one idea (which may be a part of a sentence) for each statement
Use your main claim as the title of your assignment
You do not need to include references
Use 1.5-line spacing, 12-point Roman font, and 1-inch margins
Maximum of two pages
Marks:
The optional assignments will be worth any marks; they are for feedback only. Nevertheless, you should check for the following in your submission:
Clear logical flow of the argument
Clear connection between the various parts of the argument
Correct written English (although complete sentences are not required)
How to hand in:
Hand in a printed version of your paragraph at any 880 class.
Make sure your name and nsid are written at the top of the assignment.