Overview: For the last few weeks you have been learning about your topic. As you have studied the resources, you have had an opportunity to consider why your topic is controversial. 

The purpose of this essay is to make an original argument about your topic and support it with evidence. The essay must choose a position regarding the topic, synthesize sources, and acknowledge the counterarguments of those with a different position.  

Audience: Imagine this scenario: You have been asked to present your research findings as well as make a recommendation about what should be done to improve the situation. Your readers will include several elected officials with power to make positive changes and local advocates for the cause.

The essay should be written for an academic or intellectual audience, which means that first person (I, me, my, and our) nor second person (you and your) pronouns should be used. 

Task and Purpose: Working with a topic of your choosing, you will write an essay that uses at least five sources explaining the topic and presenting your position. Your essay will include 

An introduction that ends with your original thesis statement that makes an argument about the research findings. 

Supporting body paragraphs with developed topic sentences where multiple sources are used to support your position. Supporting source ideas (paraphrases and quotations) are properly cited with in-text citations and on the works cited page. 

At least one paragraph in which counterarguments are addressed. 

A concluding paragraph that restates the thesis and challenges the reader to think deeper or take action, 

An MLA style works cited page that includes a proper entry for each article in MLA format with the hanging indent. 

Length Requirements and Sources: The essay should be at least six pages, not including the works cited page. You must include at least three sources located through the library databases. At least one source must be peer-reviewed. 

Format: MLA formatting is required. Your finished paper should be double spaced with an MLA heading in the upper left (name, instructor, course, date) and a title centered between the heading and the paragraph. Page numbers should be included.

Grading: The assignment will be graded using the attached rubric and is worth 25% of the course grade.