ENG 101: Evidence, Research, Paragraph Structure

​15 Minute Warm Up in Achieve: Review of the Planning Process and Thesis Statements (Submit to Achieve for Classwork Grade)

​1. Suppose you are writing a comparison essay to determine whether TCTC should add another paved parking lot or build a parking garage should they decide to expand parking options. Using the "Ask question" method for planning the essay, determine a series of who, what, when, where, why, and how questions to begin generating ideas for the paper. The textbook reference for this is Ch. 4.

​

​2. The following thesis statement needs improvement. Revise it. The textbook reference for this is Ch. 5.

A student's choice of where to attend college should be based on cost, location, and their goals. ​

​

Review the Evidence Chart on p. 129 (Table 5.1, Ch. 5) (10 minutes)

​With your group, prepare three types of evidence to support the following claim, which supports a thesis that colleges and universities should decrease their enrollment numbers in the coming years. Make a list you can share with the whole class during discussion.

​

For types of evidence that would require research, you can describe what you would need to locate--like the type of statistic you'd need. Remember to vary the types of evidence you are generating.

Class sizes have a significant impact on student learning and engagement, with a smaller number of students being the most ideal.

Cost is important to consider when deciding between a parking garage and paved lot. The higher cost of building a parking garage makes it less preferable to the addition of another paved lot. Both options will require labor and materials; a parking garage will require clearance of a large space on campus or within the vicinity, and so will a paved lot. Labor and equipment costs will result. However, unlike a simple paved lot with painted spaces, only requiring clear markings, a parking garage will require more features, resulting in higher costs. Levels must be equipped with access points in the form of stairs and elevators; the technology to track entries and exits will also be needed along with a high-end security system. This distinction means thousands versus millions. RS Means Data assesses that the average cost of building a parking garage given labor and material fees is over 8 million dollars ("Construction Costs"). However, according to the Michigan Concrete association, "a 200-spot lot would range from $174,000-$490,000" ("How Much"). Of course, these costs would differ based on number of spots and number of levels; yet still, the cost difference would still be vast.

​

Additionally, It is also likely that a parking permit for a student will cost more given these features, as the school will need to make up for such high building costs. Would it be fair for a student to have to park further away from their classes because they could not afford the cost to park in the garage? This has the potential to lead to more inequities than opportunities As such,. it is significant that a parking solution be cost-effective so as to avoid additional burdens for faculty, staff, and students; therefore, a paved lot is the superior option in this regard.

​

Considering the accomodation of faculty, staff, and student needs, though, a paved lot is less likely to disrupt on-campus activity, particularly obstruction of learning spaces. ​

​​

Searching the Internet for Quality Sources

​The development of the essay should come from your own critical thinking as well as 1-2 credible sources (no more than 2). At least one source should be obtained from the TCTC or Clemson library databases/print material obtained from the library. The other may come from outside the databases, but must meet the guidelines for source credibility:

·       Timeliness

·       Relevance to topic

·       Sufficient author credentials/expertise

·       Objective/fair approach to the topic and/or clear acknowledgment of bias

·       Verifiable support for claims

​

​Searching Library Databases

​

​There are five main types of library databases useful for our class:

​

General: All subject-areas in one place

Subject-Specific: think psychology or history-specific angles on topics/events

News/Current Events: can offer a timeline of development on a topic, address a topic in real time. ​

eBook: Lengthier, more detailed studies of a topic​

Data: polls of public opinion, statistics ​