Write an essay discussing three of the greatest challenges facing the United States today. If you like, you may refer to the essays, letters, TED Talks, or visuals that we have discussed this semester. In addition, you must use at least three online sources from DCCCD library databases.

Write an essay discussing three of the greatest challenges facing the United States today. If you like, you may refer to the essays, letters, TED Talks, or visuals that we have discussed this semester. In addition, you must use at least three online sources from DCCCD library databases.

FirstThink of three issues about which you believe people can actually DO something.
Examples:
Obesity in Americapeople should eat less fast food, cook meals at home, shop for whole and not processed food, be more active, etc.
Economic stimuluspeople should shop local, support small businesses, etc.
Environmental concernspeople should recycle, carpool, monitor water use, etc.

Essay Objective: To research your chosen topics, compile information from a variety of sources about it, synthesize the information, draw conclusions regarding that information, develop an assertion from your conclusions, and persuasively present your argument/assertion (thesis) with evidence in the form of a well-developed and properly documented essay.

Format Requirements:
2000 words minimum
Multi-paragraph format
Ciceros Six Part Oration structure
Adheres to proper MLA form (heading, spacing, title, etc)
Follows MLA conventions for parenthetical documentation and works cited

Content Requirements:
Introduces the issues which your paper addresses as well as the debate at hand
Asserts a clear, strong thesis/claim regarding your position
Begins each body paragraph with a clear reason that supports your argument
Cites SIX minimum sources, three must be from the DC databases. The other can come from other reliable sources.
Includes evidence/support in each body paragraph. TWO sources minimum per paragraph to pass!
Embeds all direct quotations using Graff templates (They Say, I Say). This means that all quotes must be introduced, explained, and connected to argument.
Uses proper MLA parenthetical documentation for your citations
Has a Works Cited page for sources in proper format
Demonstrates clarity and organization of ideas
Develops thesis with sufficient evidence
Offers possible solutions to the issue
Adheres to proper mechanics and grammar
Maintains formal style and tone (slang, 1st or 2nd person)automatic 50 on essay
Avoids F-Words: vague language (thing and its compounds, stuff) and absolutes (always, never, everyone, no one, etc.).
Uses active voice (few to-be verbs), transitions, sentence variety.
Your Style/Tone: Formal, clear, impersonal, objective

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