Write an original argument based on a relevant and current social, political, or cultural issue you care about and one that you want to educate others about.

Context You will develop the skill of basing opinions on evidence and reasoned arguments rather than emotions or group affiliations. Prompt For this final research essay, you will write an original argument based on a relevant and current social, political, or cultural issue you care about and one that you want to educate others about. Your ideas will be based on your personal views and insights gained by doing extensive research on this topic. You will need to create an original, specific, argument thesis based on the topic, and argue and support your thesis throughout the essay. Your 6-8 page essay will Clearly define your issue and provide necessary background information Argue your perspective on the issue Use strategies studied in class: logos, ethos, and pathos Persuade the audience Uses at least five sources, out of which at least four need to be academic, scholarly articles Present a call to action or solution (what needs to be done?) Use a colon and semicolon correctly Include one piece of figurative language Tips for the Research Essay Thoroughly research your issue. Use credible sources. The library and library databases are the safest places to find sources. Beware of random websites that may have inaccurate information. You must use at least two scholarly, peer-reviewed articles in this essay. The final draft must include at least 5 outside sources and be 6-8 pages in MLA format. Your essay must include a works cited page. Clearly introduce and follow up all quoted and paraphrased material; show readers how your sources support and prove your points, so they do not have to make those connections on their own. With any formal academic essay, you are expected to use the appropriate tone, point of view, style, and diction. While you may use “I,” for example when providing a personal experience, for example, avoid using the second person (“you”). Formal academic essays, unless otherwise instructed, are usually written in the third person. Document each source you use: note the author and page number and list the source on the Works Cited page to avoid plagiarism. This MUST be done if you quote, summarize, or paraphrase a source – Thesis/Claim Contains an arguable claim that develops fresh insight and challenges the reader’s thinking – Introduction Introduction grabs readers’ interest with an attention-getter. Introduction includes relevant background information that helps readers understand the issue and make a decision – Support Reasoning The writer includes all 3 rhetorical elements (logos, pathos, ethos) in the development of ideas. Essay is well supported with evidence. – Opposing Viewpoints Author acknowledges the opposing view and argues it logically. – Structure & Organization Body paragraphs connect to thesis; transitions guide the reader smoothly through the text. Twist tie transitions are used to connect body paragraphs. – Sources/Documentation Uses at least 5 sources to support, extend, and inform, but not substitute writer’s own development of ideas. Source material is announced by a signal phrase and ended with intext citations – Outcome Conclusion Conclusion clearly and accurately i) Restates main ideas ii) Includes reflection iii) Connects back to introduction – Style Essay is not overly wordy and follows all style rules (no 2 nd person, no slang, jargon etc.) – Grammar/Mechanics Essentially free from mechanical, grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. – Works Cited Page Includes a perfectly formatted works cited page of at least 5 sources – Insight – Connection to thesis

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