Argumentation
Begin by reading:
“Why Not Get Rid of Grades?” by Daniel Pink
The writing assignment:
The author claims that our current system of letter grades has several built-in problems.
Write a response to Pink’s claim. How would you fix things? Do they even need fixing? If
you do not think the current system needs fixing, why do you think that?
Advice:
You need to be answering the right question. The question is not whether you are angry that you
didn’t pass high school algebra. Try to keep some control. And when you are proposing a way to fix
things, try to come up with something that would actually work. If you believe that the current
ABCDF system is really the best one, fine—go ahead and explain why you think that, in some
detail.
Mechanical details:
-
The final product will be typed and double-spaced according to
MLA format.
- The essay will be at least 1300 words long. (That’s about 4 pages in standard format.)
-
If the paper does not meet the minimum length requirement, it will be penalized. If you can’t
think up enough material for four pages, ask for help! Go to the
Writing Center! Ask the instructor for advice!
-
The final copy of the paper will be submitted through the
Blackboard drop box. To
submit your essay, open the Course Essentials folder at the top of our Blackboard page and
find this essay’s drop box in the Written Assignment Drop Boxes folder.
Due dates:
-
Peer Editing: Bring
two paper copies of your
rough draft of Essay #2 to class Monday, October 5, 2026
- Final Copy Due: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
This essay is worth 100 points.