![Thesis Review: Look at yours
What are you arguing?
Who is marginalized?
How is he or she marginalized?
Why is he or she marginalized?
What coping mechanisms or behavior results emerge
from the marginalization?
Consider the articles you read
How does this compare to the real world or real life?
Is it racism? sexism? homophobia? Or is it like one of
these marginalizing factors?
[B]y the end of The
Chamber of Secrets, a
reader who pays close
attention to how [Myrtle]
is shamed, isolated, and
rejected cannot help but
see her as a symbol of the
damage and trauma that
patriarchy inflicts and the
position of helplessness
that it produces.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/ewrt1atclass8-200204161752/85/Ewrt-1-at-class-8-5-320.jpg)
![A Well-supported position
Moaning Myrtle’s name in itself is an example of how emotional expression is
shamed and used to discredit people in patriarchal culture.
Myrtle’s bathroom itself is a site of patriarchal marginalization. Most of the
time, she lives in a toilet, another item that is frequently the object of jokes
and ridicule because its only purpose is to contain and move human waste.
Rather than addressing the cause of Myrtle’s tantrums, everyone in the school
chooses to isolate, ostracize, and ignore her
The total social rejection of Myrtle, in conjunction with the discounting of her
reactions to it as hysterical and overly emotional, leaves her few options for
challenging her marginalization.
The bathroom is left out of order because of Myrtle’s “tantrums.”
[B]y the end of The Chamber of Secrets, a reader who pays close attention
to how she is shamed, isolated, and rejected cannot help but see her as a
symbol of the damage and trauma that patriarchy inflicts and the position
of helplessness that it produces.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/ewrt1atclass8-200204161752/85/Ewrt-1-at-class-8-6-320.jpg)
![Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle, and
when doing so is unavoidable, treats Myrtle with condescending politeness, calling out “How are
you, Myrtle? [...] It’s nice to see you out of the toilet. […] Just saying – saying—how nice you look
tonight” (134). It is clear to Myrtle—and to the reader—that Hermione is not interested in making
a personal connection with Myrtle, though she does seem aware that going along with others’
marginalization of Myrtle is troubling when she “sadly” comments “Oh dear” (135) while watching
Peeves heckle and chase Myrtle away. But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted
sympathy, it remains clear that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful
way. (Student 4).
Let’s return to the essay sample to look at the counterarguments there. Note the
sentence strategy: the writer offers a concession followed by refutation
In this example from the argument, the writer concedes that a different reader
might argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene; but, in a quick
turn, the writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by
pointing out that “Hermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtle”; ultimately,
Hermione also contributes to Myrtle’s marginalization.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/ewrt1atclass8-200204161752/85/Ewrt-1-at-class-8-8-320.jpg)
Ewrt 1 at class 8
- 2. Agenda HP Discussion Review: The Argument Essay Intro, thesis, reasons and support Counterarguments The Ending: Conclusions Putting it all together Quoting and citing outside sources Preparing the final draft
- 3. Discussion: Harry Potter in college? The Harry Potter series is fun (I hope you agree). But why might it be worth reading in college and by adults? In your House, consider and discuss: In what ways do you personally relate to aspects of the Potter universe? (Come up with several examples.) How can Rowling’s world help us understand our own? Why is “fantasy” popular as a genre? Why might it serve an important social function?
- 4. Review: Basic features of an Argument Essay 1. A Well-Presented Issue 2. A Well-Supported Position But you still need to focus on these parts: 4. An Effective Counterargument 5. The conclusion What you should have written or noted these parts already:
- 5. Thesis Review: Look at yours What are you arguing? Who is marginalized? How is he or she marginalized? Why is he or she marginalized? What coping mechanisms or behavior results emerge from the marginalization? Consider the articles you read How does this compare to the real world or real life? Is it racism? sexism? homophobia? Or is it like one of these marginalizing factors? [B]y the end of The Chamber of Secrets, a reader who pays close attention to how [Myrtle] is shamed, isolated, and rejected cannot help but see her as a symbol of the damage and trauma that patriarchy inflicts and the position of helplessness that it produces.
- 6. A Well-supported position Moaning Myrtle’s name in itself is an example of how emotional expression is shamed and used to discredit people in patriarchal culture. Myrtle’s bathroom itself is a site of patriarchal marginalization. Most of the time, she lives in a toilet, another item that is frequently the object of jokes and ridicule because its only purpose is to contain and move human waste. Rather than addressing the cause of Myrtle’s tantrums, everyone in the school chooses to isolate, ostracize, and ignore her The total social rejection of Myrtle, in conjunction with the discounting of her reactions to it as hysterical and overly emotional, leaves her few options for challenging her marginalization. The bathroom is left out of order because of Myrtle’s “tantrums.” [B]y the end of The Chamber of Secrets, a reader who pays close attention to how she is shamed, isolated, and rejected cannot help but see her as a symbol of the damage and trauma that patriarchy inflicts and the position of helplessness that it produces.
- 7. Counterarguments: Acknowledge/Refute/Accommodate Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument. Writers have three options in anticipating readers’ alternative positions and objections: they can simply acknowledge readers’ views; they can accommodate them by making concessions they can try to refute them. Anticipating readers’ positions and objections can enhance the writer’s credibility and strengthen the argument. When readers holding an opposing position recognize that the writer takes their position seriously, they are more likely to listen to what the writer has to say. It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and interests with the writer, building a bridge of common concerns among people who have been separated by difference and antagonism.
- 8. Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle, and when doing so is unavoidable, treats Myrtle with condescending politeness, calling out “How are you, Myrtle? [...] It’s nice to see you out of the toilet. […] Just saying – saying—how nice you look tonight” (134). It is clear to Myrtle—and to the reader—that Hermione is not interested in making a personal connection with Myrtle, though she does seem aware that going along with others’ marginalization of Myrtle is troubling when she “sadly” comments “Oh dear” (135) while watching Peeves heckle and chase Myrtle away. But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy, it remains clear that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way. (Student 4). Let’s return to the essay sample to look at the counterarguments there. Note the sentence strategy: the writer offers a concession followed by refutation In this example from the argument, the writer concedes that a different reader might argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene; but, in a quick turn, the writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that “Hermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtle”; ultimately, Hermione also contributes to Myrtle’s marginalization.
- 9. One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that she faces. However, this objection ignores the unfair irony that, just before her murder, Myrtle was privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girls’ bathroom, and she took the brave action of shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom. She paid with her life for revealing herself and speaking out against him, as that boy was Tom Riddle/Voldemort, speaking in Parseltongue to the snake, and when Myrtle opened her stall, she was killed by the snake’s deadly stare. In this situation, standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in Myrtle’s death. (Student 5) Here, in the first sentence of this paragraph, we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper. This time, the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase, “however.” This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not considered—When Myrtle did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom, she was murdered by a male who asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females.
- 10. As you draft, you will need to move back and forth smoothly between arguments for your position and counterarguments against your readers’ likely objections and preferred positions. One useful strategy for making this move is to concede the value of a likely criticism and then to refute it immediately, either in the same sentence or in the next one. The following sentences from essays we’ve read illustrate ways to make this move (the concessions are in italics, the refutations in bold): The primary goal of a professional athlete — winning — is not appropriate for children. Their goals should be having fun, learning, and being with friends. Although winning does add to the fun, too many adults lose sight of what matters and make winning the most important goal. (Statsky par. 5) And it is perfectly obvious how important competitive skills are in finding a job. Yet the ability to cooperate is also important for success in life. (Statsky par. 10) But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy, it remains clear that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way. (Student 4). In these examples from different stages in their arguments, the authors concede the importance or value of some of the readers’ likely objections, but then firmly refute them. Counterarguments (concede, then refute)
- 11. The concession-refutation move, sometimes called the “yes-but” strategy, is important in most arguments. Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves:
- 12. Counterarguing Readers’ Objections: in- class writing List Possible Objections. Look for places where your argument is vulnerable. For example, think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share. Imagine how people in different situations — different neighborhoods, occupations, age groups, living arrangements — might react to each of your reasons. Accommodate a Legitimate Objection. Choose one objection that makes sense to you, and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument. You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument. If the criticism is more serious, consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it. If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument, however, you may need to rethink your position. Refute an Illegitimate Objection. Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument, and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it. Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one. Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument. You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid.
- 13. “Yes, but” counterarguments In your House, brainstorm or share a possible counterarguments (accommodate a legitimate objection and refute an illegitimate objection). If you can’t think of a counterargument to your own argument, perhaps a housemate can help you out!
- 14. The Ending: What do you do in your conclusion? Be sure to reiterate your main point in the essay. But don’t just restate your thesis verbatim. Find another way to say it. After you reiterate your main point, you need to do more. Two strategies: 1. Answer the question “So what?” Show your readers why this essay was important. 2. Propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or questions for further study. Redirect your reader’s thought process and help them apply your ideas to the world or to see the broader implications. Tell them what they can do. Use one (OR BOTH!) of these to fill in your conclusion.
- 15. Sample Conclusions: Statsky 1. What does Statsky do in her conclusion? 2. Where does she reiterate her main point? 3. Then what does she add? 1. How does the ”Moaning Myrtle” sample essay conclude? 2. Does it reiterate the main point? Where? 3. Does it provide a “So What?” Where? Does it suggest a course of action? If not, how it could it more clearly do so?
- 16. In-class writing: Your conclusion How will you end your essay? You can reiterate (but do NOT repeat verbatim) your main point in the essay. You can answer the reader’s “So What?” You might propose a solution, a course of action, or next steps. You might consider combining both strategies for an even better finish!
- 17. How and When to Cite Sources Avoiding Plagiarism
- 18. Avoiding Plagiarism: Writers — students and professionals alike — occasionally fail to acknowledge sources properly. The word plagiarism, which derives from the Latin word for “kidnapping, ”refers to the unacknowledged use of another’s words, ideas, or information. Students sometimes mistakenly assume that plagiarizing occurs only when another writer’s exact words are used without acknowledgment. In fact, plagiarism also applies to such diverse forms of expression as musical compositions and visual images as well as ideas and statistics. Therefore, keep in mind that you must indicate the source of any borrowed information or ideas you use in your essay, whether you have paraphrased, summarized, or quoted directly from the source or have reproduced it or referred to it in some other way. Remember especially the need to document electronic sources fully and accurately. Information, ideas, and images from electronic sources require acknowledgment in even more detail than those from print sources (and are often easier to detect as plagiarism if they are not acknowledged). Some people plagiarize simply because they do not know the conventions for using and acknowledging sources. Others plagiarize because they keep sloppy notes and thus fail to distinguish between their own and their sources’ ideas. If you keep careful notes, you will not make this serious mistake. Another reason some people plagiarize is that they feel intimidated by the writing task or the deadline. If you experience this anxiety about your work, speak to me. Do not run the risk of failing the course or being expelled from school because of plagiarism. If you are confused about what is and what is not plagiarism, be sure to ask me.
- 19. Integrating Quotations: MLA Style 1. Every time you paraphrase, summarize, or directly quote a source (in this case the novel), you must identify the material as quoted. 2. For quotations that refer to one character and are under four lines of text, we can use "Quotation Marks." 3. Always introduce the scene or character who is speaking. For example, you might write: When Harry, Hermione, and Ron are caught in the hallway with a petrified cat, Filch insists, “You did it!” (Rowling). 4. We must include the name of the source to which we refer. The citation will come between the last quotation mark and the period.
- 21. Heading: Double Spaced Your Name Dr. Kim Palmore EWRT 1A 22 Month 20__ Title Original Title (not the title of the film we saw or the book we read) No italics, bold, underline, or quotation marks Centered on the page No extra spaces (just double spaced after your heading and before the body of your text)
- 24. Basic Rules: Works Cited Begin your Works Cited page on a separate page at the end of your paper. It should have the same one-inch margins and last name, page number header as the rest of your paper. Label the page Works Cited (do not italicize the words “Works Cited” or put them in quotation marks) and center the words “Works Cited” at the top of the page. Double space all citations, but do not skip spaces between entries. Indent the second and subsequent lines of citations by 0.5 inches to create a hanging indent.
- 26. Review: Essay #2: Complete draft due for Workshop Extend your insights to contemporary society. How does this character’s marginalization compare to others you see who are also marginalized? REQUIRED: 3 quotes from the book 2 quote from two other sources (could be a dictionary definition or one of the other articles you read on marginalization. ) Choose a character from Chamber of Secrets or Prisoner of Azkaban who has been marginalized in some way. Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book (and maybe even examples from the first movie). Analyze ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or unproductive and why.
- 27. Take a break after writing your draft. Do a spellcheck of your second draft. You should revise your paper in terms of misspelled words, typos, and accidental word repetitions; look for punctuation errors. Do a grammar check. Grammatical mistakes are far less obvious than spelling errors. Correct run-on sentences, fragments, faulty parallelisms, problems with noun-verb agreement, dangling participles, improper usage of passive voice, and so on. Preparing the Final Draft
- 28. Next, check the technical aspects. This includes the formatting style, your works cited page, and in-text citations. Read the whole piece of writing once again. Since it is the last time you will read through it with an intention to make corrections, be extra-attentive and check every detail in the text. Evaluate the structure of your essay, the way your arguments are organized, and the credibility of these arguments. Check for weak transitions between paragraphs, grammar, stylistics, syntax, and punctuation one last time. Preparing the Final Draft (cont.)
- 29. Homework Read HPPOA (Ch. 13) HW Discussion #11: Post your counterargument and your conclusion. These should be two, separate paragraphs. Please label them. Bring two copies of essay #2 (one can be electronic) Your draft should be complete and ready to turn in before you come to our next meeting. This is a draft of your essay for peer review (not your final draft yet), but you should have at least three, compete pages, your formatting should be correct, and your works cited page should be complete.