Major Research Essay
Select an issue that is of interest to you, that is controversial, and that is narrow enough for you to develop a cogent presentation of your position on the issue within the length specified (1200-1500 words).
To explain the issue effectively, you should first introduce your reader to the issue by providing background information or telling an anecdotal story or citing surprising facts or statistics. You can quote from authorities in the area or define terms. Your introductory paragraph should lead up to your thesis statement, which is the main point you want to make about the issue.
For example, if the topic is gun control, the essay might begin with an anecdotal story about an incident with a gun, or with startling statistics, or background information such as recent legislation on the issue or the second amendment to the Constitution, etc. The introduction should end with the point you want to make: second amendment rights should be protected (or the opposite view, second amendment rights should be restricted).
Be sure to avoid the logical fallacies, especially the either-or fallacy, hasty generalization, oversimplification, post hoc fallacy, name calling, and bandwagon appeals. See if you can point out any of these fallacies given in arguments by those who oppose your viewpoint.
Develop your body paragraphs with sufficient details, facts, examples, testimony from experts, statistics, definitions of terms, background (historical or other kinds), visual images, charts, or any other information relating to the topic so that the reader will have an accurate understanding of the subject, why it is controversial, and why your analysis is fair, objective, and compelling.
Your conclusion should bring the discussion to closure in an effective way. The essay should also have an interesting and effective title.
When you research the topic, keep in mind that not all sources have equal authority and credibility. Choose those that have solid credentials and offer support for the information that is presented (peer reviewed journals and well-researched books are a good reference source). You need at least five academic sources.
Follow MLA convention for the essay. When citing a source, your essay must have in-text citations, proper paraphrasing of material that you obtain from another source but do not quote directly, careful and accurate direct quotations, citations for any charts or images you include in your paper, and a proper MLA works cited page. You should not have any block quotations.
Remember, the purpose of the essay is to explain your perspective on a current issue facing the nation, with the following supporting elements:
definitions of words or concepts that need clarification
use of quotations from authorities on the subject
a compilation of facts and statistics to support your viewpoint
and an objective analysis of significant objections to your viewpoint.
