Writers Den

Elements of Reasoning and Intellectual Standards

For our assignment this week, you may choose eitherOption A or Option B. Regardless of the option you choose, be sure to
read through the entire assignment directions before crafting your essay.

Additionally, use the Week Six Assignment
Organization Guide to help you organize your paper.

HU260 W6 Assignment Organization Guide

Option A

Using the Eight Elements of Reasoning that were
outlined in week two (purpose, problem, information, concepts, assumptions,
inferences, points of view, implications, or consequences) choose a news
article and break it down according to those elements. Make sure you address
each of these elements. If one of these elements does not apply to your article
(rare), address that in your essay and explain how the article could have been
improved by including it or how the author is justified in leaving it out.

Option B

Describe how each of the Eight Intellectual
Standards (clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, and
fairness) were used or not used in the article, supported by an example. If one
of these standards does not apply to your article (rare), address that in your
essay and explain how the article could have been improved by including it or
how the author is justified in leaving it out.

For either
option you choose:

Write an introduction identifying the reasons for
choosing either Option A or Option B and justify your reasoning.

In the conclusion of your essay, describe how you
feel the article is biased.

Keep in mind,
for either option you are being asked to analyze the article/author
itself/himself/herself, NOT the topic discussed. Do not
include your own opinion/position on the topic being addressed.

Your completed assignment should be 500-750 words
in length. If you use sources in your writing, be sure to identify them. If you
use any direct language from a source, be sure to place those words in
quotation marks.

Grading Criteria Assignments	Maximum Points
Meets or exceeds established assignment criteria	40
Demonstrates an understanding of lesson concepts	20
Clearly present well-reasoned ideas and concepts	30
Mechanics, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling that affects clarity, and citation of sources as needed	10
Total	100