An inquiry paper is a polished, 4 page (1200 words not counting Works Cited) essay that is guided by a question. It is different from a reflection paper: you may not use the words “I” “me” “mine” “in my opinion” or “you.” This is not an opinion paper, nor is it a paper that simply reports information. It is an analytical exploration of a topic/question that does not have one simple answer.
Prompt: Since Jessica Mitford published her critique of the funeral industry in her book The American Way of Death, there has been an ongoing debate in American society about the best way to respectfully dispose of our dead. How and why are our burial practices changing? Outline the contemporary debate about how to dispose of our loved ones and the different arguments for and against each option. Ultimately, what underlying values and beliefs (cultural and/or religious) seem to be shaping individual, personal preferences?
