provide a critical summary of major rifts, differences, and contrasting views or opinions relating to at least two DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES on ONE serious ISSUE.

Write a research-driven essay of NO FEWER THAN 500 words and NO MORE THAN 750 words that responds to a contemporary issue, debate, or problem as outlined below.
For the topic you select, please provide a critical summary of major rifts, differences, and contrasting views or opinions relating to at least two DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES on ONE serious ISSUE. Please try to summarize this observation in the opening claim.
Please also make sure that your thesis statement is based on the research you have done, not just your own personal preferences, opinions, or feelings. You may certainly choose an issue or viewpoint with which you agree, but remember that you are responding to arguments others have made relating to different sides of an controversy.
Where to Begin:
First, please select an issue or controversial topic from the OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS database available here.
Then, please take some time to explore the debates around this subject more fully using any of the other STLCC library database resources located here:
Library databases with large collections of magazine and journal articles on a wide variety of topics:
Academic OneFile (Gale) – after searching, you can limit by date, subject, or additional words. Magazine, journal, and news articles appear in separate lists.
Academic Search Elite (Ebsco) – after searching, you can limit by type of source (magazine, journal, or newspaper), subject, date, and more.
Other useful library databases:
ABI/INFORM Global – includes the latest business, management, finance and economic news from a large collection of magazines, journals, and newspapers.
Access World News – browse topics or search for newspaper articles from local sources or around the world.
Credo Reference – articles from over a thousand different encyclopedia and dictionary sources. This is a great place to get background information or explore related topics and to use as a highly credible alternative to Wikipedia.
Once you have identified your topic and sources, please draft an essay that uses specific credible evidence (such as quotations, research facts, and related specific details or statistics) to summarize and evaluate these debates.
Offer some of your perspectives on major concerns or differences of view, and take some time in your essay to consider or reflect on potential opportunities for resolution, progress, or consensus in future.
Help with Using Databases
For help using any of these databases or other information resources, use Ask a Librarian. Email, chat, text, and phone options are available as well as virtual scheduled appointments.
Help with Developing Your Essay
It is highly recommended that you focus your research on a smaller issue, specific example, or case study within the larger controversy.
For example, the ongoing debates concerning gun control, traffic cameras, and police officers’ body cameras often focus on a conflict between individual rights and public safety. Therefore, you might focus on one single concern or controversial case that emphasizes individual freedoms OR you might explore how the public good is a more significant concern.
A successful essay will:
Immediately introduce the specific issue and your particular perspective on its conflicts and concerns, preferably in the very first sentence.
EXAMPLES:
If you are working with animal rights and chemical testing, you might simply construct a thesis that reads: “Animal testing for both medicinal and cosmetic practices remains controversial.”
You are also welcome to focus your viewpoint more directly if you wish: “Animal testing remains a cruel and unethical practice, no matter how it is used for research.”
Get right to what you think is most significant about the research you have done relating to this issue.
Carefully and effectively integrated quoted and/or cited credible evidence into your analysis.
Provide a clear and evocative concluding claim that is informed and empowered by your research findings.
Include an accurate works cited list of all credible sources used in the body of the essay.
Objectives:
To learn strategies for:
gaining proficiency with STLCC database research and source assessment
Integrating credible sources accurately and effectively into your research writing
Practicing accurate use of MLA quotation, citation, and documentation formatting in a short research summary
Additional Notes:
Keep in mind that you, of course, want to follow the conventions of the language, which means use good grammar and apply the rules of punctuation appropriate for academic writing.
Once you have finished drafting, please post the 1st Draft of your Research Synthesis Essay in the Discussion Board Thread titled M04: 1st Draft Research Synthesis Essay/Peer Reviews.
Please avoid each of the following types of non-credible sources and unethical sites:
Schmoop
Snopes
Gradesaver
Enotes
Sparknotes
Course Hero
Master Plots
Monarch Notes
Beamingnotes
Cummings Study Guides
Cliffs Notes
Bartleby
“DON’t FORGET! WRITING can be difficult. THE Online Writing Center can help! Open the STLCC Online Writing Center web page for more information.
“DON’T WORRY! WRITING can be stressful. COLLEGE is hard. If you feel overwhelmed, open the STLCC Counseling web page to see the resources available to you.
Final Essay Checklist:
Each essay MUST include an interesting title, intriguing first sentence, and worthwhile conclusion.
It should begin with an engaging and precise thesis claim and conclude with a rewarding summary or summation of your analysis.
Each essay MUST incorporate no fewer than 2 separate quotes from reliable, authoritative sources.
Remember to revise and proofread thoroughly to insure the removal of all careless errors and typos.
Please make your best effort to provide clear and accurate MLA style attributions, quotations, and citations within the text of the essay, as well as a complete and correctly formatted MLA Works Cited page.
Your bibliography does NOT count in your essay word count.
Good luck and happy drafting to all. May your sources appear plentiful and the grades rise to meet you!

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