Ramsey Arram
Professor Canada
Eng. 106
Sept. 1, 2001

    
    I.  In past English classes I have received good grades resulting from a well  defined thesis     backed by quality research.

    My last English Professor, Jolene Hamil, enjoyed talking to me about my research while I was     writing and researching for my papers because I always had new interesting facts, or interviews I     had on our scholarly academic articles.     

    When writing papers I try to attend meetings that deal with the community on the issue and I get     interviews so my  paper is backed with an expert’s perspective of  the subject.
    
    I’ve strived to collect excessive research because I know that an argument based on facts will be     stronger than one based on anything otherwise.

    II.  I approach arguments with a logical perspective of all sides of an  argument.

    I remain open-minded when approaching an argument, and identify any opposing parties and the     Strengths and weakness’ of their argument to prove how much stronger my claim is.
        
    I understand that many arguments are dismissed because they don’t recognize reality, such n    as anti - nuclear activists, and their  to realize what crisis we would be in without nuclear plants.      On the other hand I believe it would be better for us to search for a better answer to our energy     crisis.  

    
    III.  Utilization of paraphrases and direct quotes strengthens my paper’s argument.  


    In past writings I have known that the more quotes that I use to support my argument, the better     result in the paper and my grade.  

    Paraphrases and quotes from various sources shows a support for your argument from many of     he collegues in that field.

    IV.  I gather excessive research to further my knowledge on a subject to create a well-rounded     claim (thesis).

    When teachers require that I get a certain number of sources for my paper, I always end up with     countless extra sources because I want to extend my knowledge of the subject I am writing on.  

    


    V.  I have a record of reliability, which has always benefited me throughout my school career.  
    

    The attendance of class is  mandatory for the full education and understanding of that class.  
    Throughout school and work my colleagues, teachers, and professors have always commented on     how my outstanding attendance has helped my environment and it’s benefits to me.
    
    VI.  In compliance with our composition policy at UNCP, I have always believed that plagiarism     only results in a loss of knowledge.  


    Plagiarism is illegal, and I have always respected the rules of authority and the rights of any     individual who has written their own work and doesn’t want it to be stolen.   

    I have read our policy for plagiarism and understand the results of anyone guilty of it.  

    I believe one’s own personal writing from their own research will benefit their knowledge, rather     than the loss of knowledge and self-respect from plagiarism.

Ramsey Arram
Professor Mark Canada
Eng. 106
September 1, 2001

    During my school career I have always received exceptionally high grades in English because I create solid papers that are backed by research and well explained ideas.  I believe I will deserve at least a B for my papers in this class because I will meet all requirements of this course, attend class daily, and fulfill the objectives of argumentive writing.  In past English classes my professors and teachers have enjoyed my ambition to learn about any subject we may write on.  I also enjoy practicing on my freehand writing and my style, which I believe contributes to any writer’s ability to persuade a reader in an arguementive paper. 
    A well defined thesis backed by quality research has been the backbone of my writing in past English classes.  I have changed schools frequently and every teacher I’ve had has rewarded my well researched papers with high grades.  I believe this will continue in the future, especially since research and facts will enhance my writing in an arguementive paper (facts, proof, and logic results in a good argument).  Professor Jolene Hamil always enjoyed talking to me about my ongoing research in her English class because she knew I extensively researched by assignments, and I always learned new and interesting facts everyday.  Extensive research will also result in a better perspective of all sides of the subject your studying. 
    I believe in my writing that an open - mind to all arguments will result in a more convincing argument of your own. For example in “Good Reasons,” by Lester Faigley and Jack Selzer, Shelby Steele points out the strengths of his opposition before revealing his argument.  His argument that affirmative action will adversely bring the morale of our society down and further more hurt the black community, is strengthened by his logical approach to confront the opposition.  He claim is that “under affirmative action, the quality that earns us (blacks) preferential treatment is an implied inferiority,” (Failgey 159) This is one very important approach to an argument that I want to utilize in this course. 
    Utilization of paraphrases and direct quotes strengthens my past writings.  I believe that paraphrases and quotes from various sources shows a support of your argument from many of the colleagues and experts in the field you are writing in.  I show my use of  many quotes in past English courses in college, many quotes are from interviews that I believe to be a big factor in my writing.  You can even see my use of quotes and paraphrases in the previous paragraph. 
    To show further reason  for at least a B in this course is the compliance I will show with our English composition policy at UNCP.  The UNCP policy implies about attendance and plagiarism, and the results of absence and plagiarism.  As an English student, I have believed that attendance of class is mandatory for the full education and understanding of that class.  When I have missed a class it has only been a hassle to catch up and you do miss out on class activities.  I’m in college to learn about the world and further my education in many fields including writing, and I believe it is only a self inflicted loss of knowledge to miss a class.  Throughout my past school and work career my colleagues, co-workers, and supervisors have always enjoyed my reliability.  Plagiarism is very similar to absences in the effect that they both result in a loss of knowledge.  Plagiarism is heavier in punishment though, because it the direct violation to the rights of the authors that wrote the book, essay, etc. that you are stealing their words from.  One’s own research and writing is the only way to learn and further their education, absences and plagiarism only result in a loss of knowledge. 
    I believe that the reasons I have given in this paper should be sufficient reasons for an A on this paper.  My past writings and my ambition to learn more will only prove myself in future assignments.  My regular attendance and my original and unique style of writing will result in an enjoyable year for me. The objectives in this course cover perspectives and styles of writing that appeals to me.  I know that the knowledge that I will learn in this course will only benefit my future, because it provides  information on how to better my arguments, and arguments are an everyday occurance, no matter what the type.