INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the final exam is to allow you to not only obtain information and knowledge about immigration and justice, but also transition you into thinking about what you do with this knowledge. You will write a (5-8 pages double-spaced) persuasive/argumentative essay. A persuasive/argumentative essay uses reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. This type of essay must present evidence, facts, empirical data, statistics, theories, or examples, in order to defend one’s claims. You are required to use data you have gathered from your readings over the course of the semester. Outside research is welcomed, but you will be graded on how well you summarize, integrate, and utilize information from the required readings from this course.
ESSAY QUESTION: You are writing a legal argument to be delivered in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court is considering an immigration law that would provide amnesty for 12 million undocumented immigrants currently residing in the U.S. Your role in the argument is to support or oppose amnesty for undocumented immigrants based on evidence from the required readings. You will be graded on your ability to connect the required readings from class to your argument. Please provide concrete examples from the readings to defend your claims.
DIRECTIONS: Please submit your Final Exam Essay (5 to 8 pages double-spaced) in the assignment dropbox located in the assignments tab of blackboard in the final exam section.
ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
The guidelines for the assignments are as follows:
-5-8 pages in length
‐Double‐spaced
-Using Times New Roman 12pt Font
-Please no messing with the margins
-Formal grammar, syntax and organization are expected
-Citations are required using the APA or MLA format
PERSUASIVE/ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY INFORMATION
Steps:
1. Write your thesis statement
2. Gather background information on the topic (from readings)
3. Gather and organize evidence
4. Connect supporting evidential claims
5. Anticipate counterarguments
6. Refute arguments opposed to your view
7. Conclude by restating your argument and thesis
Structure:
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Background Information
Body
Supporting Evidence #1
Supporting Evidence #2
Supporting Evidence #3
Counterargument
Conclusion
Restate and readdress Thesis Statement
Tips:
• Provide a clear, concise, and defined thesis statement in the introduction
• Include clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion
• Provide background information in order to describe the issue at hand
• Give concrete examples for your supporting evidence
• Conclusion does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided