Essay Assignment
Step 1:Decide on a topic.
1. poverty
2. spousal abuse
3. death penalty
4. conditions in prisons
5. child predators
6. animal testing
7. internet censorship
8. merit-based pay for teachers
9. child support issues
10. dress codes in the workplace/school
11. dangerous drivers
12. child abuse
13. dangerous elderly drivers
14. bad public schools
15. recession
16. corruption in leadership/government
17. bigotry and discrimination
18. environmental issues
19. animal cruelty
Step 2: Draft your essay, collecting information as you need to. Please follow the format.
Format:
The paper should have four distinct sections: 1) What I Know, Assume, or Imagine; 2) The Search; 3) What I Discovered; 4) Conclusion. The three-part format of this paper should be labeled with the appropriate sections.
Part I: What I Know, Assume, or Imagine
Before you begin the research process, write a section in which you explain to the reader what you think you know, what you assume, or what you imagine about your topic. For example, if you decide to investigate teenage pregnancy, you might want to offer some ideas about the causes of teenage pregnancy, provide an estimate of the severity of the problem, and discuss what you think to be the implications of the issue. In other words, how does this problem lead to other issues. Be sure to end your introduction with a clear focus question/working thesis statement (with hesitation).
Part II: The Search
Test your knowledge, assumptions or conjectures by researching your topic thoroughly. Consult useful books, magazines, newspapers, films, and library databases for information. Write about your search in a narrative form. Do not feel as though you have to offer painstaking details, but do highlight interesting findings and facts you uncovered that contributed to your understanding of the topic. You will need to consult at least three sources (these can include interviews) you have not yet consulted. Document sources of information using MLA citations when appropriate and necessary.
Part III: What I Discovered
In this section, you will step back from your research and compare what you thought you knew, assumed, or imagined with what you actually discovered and draw some conclusions. You want to maintain your narrative tone here and discuss how your thoughts on your topic have evolved through this research process. You want to be sure to avoid absolute closure and resolve about your topic, but this is a good opportunity to consider a potential solution.
Part IV: Conclusion: Now what?
How do your findings in this essay fit in your broader discussion of the topic? In this part of the essay, you need to describe all areas of the issue in which you are interested in pursuing possible solutions. In other words, where do you plan to go from here? Use this as a bridge to your proposal.
Works Cited page and In-text Citations:
Your essay should use a minimum of three sources, either by quotation, paraphrase, or display of information documented in MLA style. No long quotations are permitted. The essay also requires a Works Cited page that follows MLA specifications. Your essay should be no less than three pages, not including your Works Cited Page.
Audience:
Address your paper to peer-scholars who might be interested in your subject and could be interested in your analysis and/or findings.