The Theory of Evolution

The essay must present an argument i.e. one claim about some aspect from or related to the reading along with three pieces of valid and directly relevant evidence to support the claim. Your claim could be
something in the reading that you agree or disagree with, followed by three reasons why you agree or disagree,
a claim that the author makes, but in this case, be very careful that ALL your writing is in your own words (word-for-word copying or close paraphrasing from the source is plagiarism).
something that came to mind as you read the excerpt even if your idea is not specifically mentioned in the reading. However, in this case, limit your claim to one for which evidence is given in the excerpt. It is not necessary or desirable for you to need or use additional sources for project IA & IB. That said, if you do present specific information from other sources, you do need to cite them.

Begin by clearly and explicitly stating your claim (aka thesis statement) along with the three lines (or pieces) of evidence in the FIRST paragraph. The first paragraph can begin with the statement of the claim or with a brief introduction followed by the statement of the claim. Then, in one or more subsequent paragraphs, discuss each line (or piece) of evidence and explain how it supports your claim. End with a brief recap of your claim and evidence in the last few sentences or last paragraph. This 500-650-word essay is likely to include at least 3 paragraphs, but the number of paragraphs is your decision. Just keep in mind that one or two sentences do not make a paragraph. You need a minimum of three sentences for a paragraph.

The length of your Project I essays must be between 500 and 650 words. If your essay is <500 words, you need to expand it by adding additional specific detail, not just words. If it >650 words, you need to cut it before submission. A 1st SUB that is significantly over the 650-word limit will be returned for cutting before I edit it.

Use the following multistep process.

RESEARCH & PREPARATION: Early in the week, read the excerpt and jot down (or make mental notes if you can depend on your memory) of ideas that come to you as you read.

CONTRIBUTE TO THE DISCUSSION BOARD: After reading the excerpt, contribute at least one substantive question or comment and two substantive responses to others’ postings on the Discussion Board about the reading. Post your question or comment by 8 am on THU. Then, read all postings and post your two responses by the end of the week. Use the Discussion Board to help you formulate your ideas about the reading; answer questions you have about the reading; and/or identify a single, significant claim, for which you have sufficient, correct, and relevant evidence, and that can be the topic of your essay in response to this reading. The evidence should come from the reading. I do not expect you to do additional research on this topic.