Prompt
This assignment offers the opportunity to join an academic or civic conversation and present an argument on an issue that matters to you. Research an issue of your choice, and present an argument that proposes a solution to the problem. You will need to consult 3-5 secondary sources for this ess/ay: At least 3 of them must be peer-reviewed sources, such as articles from academic journals or chapters from scholarly books. Read and respond to others’ arguments on this issue to hone your ideas. Take care not to simply report facts about your topic or summarize other writers’ claims. This ess/ay aims to use sources purposefully and responsibly to support an original argument. Your ess/ay should defend a clearly-stated, contestable thesis that not only reflects your stance on the issue but also hints at a “so what?” statement (i.e. the broader implications of your argument) that you will elaborate upon in the conclusion. Your ess/ay must include a call to action.
Requirements
- Address the prompt.
- Write an ess/ay of 1500-1800 words, excluding heading, title, and Works Cited.
- Adhere to MLA general format.
- Do not plagiarize: Cite sources according to MLA style for in-text citations and Works Cited pages.
- Include a title that describes what your ess/ay is about.
- Include an introduction that introduces your specific topic, explains why the issue is problematic and significant and presents a thesis statement with a clear call to action.
- Closely read and annotate at least three scholarly, critical sources representing a range of perspectives on your topic.
- Refine your thesis as your thinking on the issue evolves.
- Craft cohesive body paragraphs with clear topic sentences and properly-documented supporting evidence.
- Use body paragraphs to defend the primary points offered in support of your thesis.
- Anticipate and respond to counterarguments.
- Write a conclusion that discusses the broader implications of your thesis and elaborates on your call to action.
- Meticulously proofread and edit your ess/ay to correct errors in grammar, usage, mechanics, and documentation.
Requirements
- Address the prompt.
- Write an ess/ay of 1500-1800 words, excluding heading, title, and Works Cited.
- Adhere to MLA general format.
- Do not plagiarize: Cite sources according to MLA style for in-text citations and Works Cited pages.
- Include a title that describes what your ess/ay is about.
- Include an introduction that introduces your specific topic, explains why the issue is problematic and significant and presents a thesis statement with a clear call to action.
- Closely read and annotate at least three scholarly, critical sources representing a range of perspectives on your topic.
- Refine your thesis as your thinking on the issue evolves.
- Craft cohesive body paragraphs with clear topic sentences and properly-documented supporting evidence.
- Use body paragraphs to defend the primary points offered in support of your thesis.
- Anticipate and respond to counterarguments.
- Write a conclusion that discusses the broader implications of your thesis and elaborates on your call to action.
- Meticulously proofread and edit your ess/ay to correct errors in grammar, usage, mechanics, and documentation.
IMPORTANT
Make sure you include these sources:
– Carla T. Main, The Minimum Legal Drinking Age Should Not Be Lowered (PDF provided).
– Michelle Minton, The Minimum Legal Drinking Age Should Be Lowered (PDF provided).
