Does your argument establish and follow a clear, logical line of reasoning?

Prompt:
Much attention has been given lately to the presence of cell phones in school. Many people – especially teachers – regard them as distractions that divert attention from learning and that they have no legitimate place in the classroom. Others, including an increasing number of teachers, claim that they have found ways to incorporate their use into classroom lessons to facilitate teaching and learning. Opponents of the first position suggest that those teachers are old-fashioned and should adapt themselves to the technologically driven world in which we live; opponents of the second group suggest that teachers are merely capitulating, giving in to corporate interests, administrative pressure, or student demands and even “addiction”.
Consider carefully the effect of cell phones in the classroom. Are they distractions? Should they be banned? Should their use be restricted? Can they be used effectively for learning? Should they be permitted or encouraged? Write an essay that develops a position on the use of cell phones in your school or in schools in general. Use evidence from your reading, observation, or experience to support your argument.

Step 4: Write your essay.

a) Draft an opening hook. Think about the risks you might take.
b) Expand on the hook to write your introduction. Include your counterargument thesis.
c) Write three paragraphs to present your evidence. Be sure to address your counterargument.
d) Brainstorm a powerful statement that reaffirms your position on the topic.
e) Write a concluding paragraph around this statement.
Step 5: Use this checklist to evaluate your project.

If you can check each box below, you are ready to submit your project.

Did you lead with an interesting hook?
Did you argue a clear position in response to the prompt?
Did you synthesize information from multiple sources?
Did you include appropriate attributions and citations?
Does your argument establish and follow a clear, logical line of reasoning?
Did you provide sufficient, relevant evidence to support your thesis?
Did you use transitional elements to create coherence?
Did you combine rhetorical appeals and take well-executed risks?
Did you conclude your essay in a satisfying way?
Is your essay free of grammatical errors, misspellings, and typos?

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