***PLEASE NOTE:  YOUR COMMON CORE ASSIGNMENT IS DUE NO LATER THAN MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST.

Grade 11 Common Core Assignment: FALL 2014

Directions: Closely read and analyze several research articles and write a source-based argument on the topic below.

Topic:    Should mentally ill offenders be held responsible for their actions?

Your Task:            Carefully read several research-based texts. Then, using evidence from six texts you have chosen, write a well-developed argument regarding mentally ill offenders and accountability for their actions. Clearly establish your claim, distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims, and use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from all texts to develop your argument. Do not simply summarize each text.

Guidelines:

Be sure to:

• Establish your claim regarding mentally ill offenders and their accountability for their actions
• Distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims
• Use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from all texts to develop your argument
• Identify each source that you reference
• Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner
• Maintain a formal style of writing
• Follow the conventions of standard written English

Required:

• A 6-7 paragraph essay based on a thesis statement about mentally ill offenders and accountability for their actions (1000-1200 words) in MLA format
• Use/Citation of at least 6 sources (evidence from each text you have chosen)
• ALL assigned graphic organizers, completed
• Draft(s) with peer edits
• A properly formatted Works Cited page
• A list of at least 15 vocabulary terms that you have defined independently based on your sources
• An electronic submission of your paper through Turnitin.com