Parental Influence on Career Choice

Assignment 3 Mini-Paper #1: Argumentative Essay Due Date: Sunday of Week 9 Value: 15% of final grade Through your readings, research, and class discussions, you have been exposed to a variety of CYC(child and youth care) topics, as well as to a number of current debates within the CYC field. While you are new to CYC, you probably find that you are beginning to develop your own opinions on some of the topics you have read about and discussed. This assignment gives you a chance to develop and defend a thesis on a CYC topic or debate of your choice in a brief argumentative essay of approximately 750 words (3 typed, double-spaced, 12 pt pages). For this assignment, you can choose any topic that relates to historical or contemporary CYC, though you are especially encouraged to choose a topic that relates to the ecological or strength-based perspectives, since by you will have explored those perspectives in some detail by the time you complete this paper. In choosing your topic and in developing your thesis, remember to stay focused: in 750 words, you only have room to state and defend a very specific thesis effectively. As you work on this assignment, use the research and writing skills reviewed in the course notes (see Weeks 1-4, though see Week 3 in particular for this assignment). With a paper this short, organization is key, so you are strongly encouraged to develop an outline for your paper: every sentence counts! Below is a rough guide you can use in completing this assignment. Your final paper should include: A brief introductory paragraph (approximately 200-250 words) in which you describe the relevant background for your topic, including the citation of at least two relevant course readings or additional articles, book chapters, or credible websites, leading to your thesis statement; One paragraph (about 250-300 words) in which you defend your thesis statement with 2-3 key arguments; A brief concluding paragraph (about 200-250 words) in which you paraphrase your thesis statement and succinctly describe the implications of your thesis and arguments for CYC practice. Save your assignment as either a Word or RTF document with the filename "Assignment3-yourname" and submit it to the instructor using the assignment tool located on the left navigation bar in your course website. Grading Criteria Content (10 marks) Addresses and describes a relevant topic or debate within historical or contemporary CYC. Makes reference to at least two course readings and two additional articles, book chapters, and/or credible websites. Contains a clear thesis statement that is reasonable and compelling. Thesis statement is effectively defended in the main body of the paper. Implications of the writer's thesis for CYC practice are clearly stated in the conclusion. Presentation (5 marks) Structure of paper and presentation of material is clear, logical and congruent. Spelling, grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, pagination, punctuation and clarity of writing are at a 1st year University level. References in text and in bibliography are complete and according to APA standards