The Prompt
For your third essay, you will consider a current social issue that interests you, perform research into that topic, and build an argument that takes a position on the issue. Your job is to pose an effective argument on the topic of your choosing using the research you conduct into the matter as your support. When considering the social issue you wish to write about, I suggest you choose something you have a connection to or great interest in. Note, this does not mean that you write about your connection to the topic. Rather, this is so that you choose to write about something you have an interest in and will, therefore, be motivated to research and write about.
Keep in mind the scope of the issue—whether it is global, national, or local—and determine how you want to approach it. Many social issues have a broad reach. While some can apply across the entire globe, you may want to consider how it specifically affects your local community or the United States specifically. As you decide on the scope you want to approach the issue, determine if you will be able to effectively discuss the issue, along with counterarguments and a proposed solution within the parameters of this paper.
Finally, as you consider your topic, be sure to choose something that is relevant within the last two years. To be clear, you may discuss an on-going issue that has been taking place for longer than two years, but if the issue has not been recently relevant (within the last two years), do not write about it.
What do I mean by argument?
I want you to create an argument about your topic. This means you must go further than simply stating something is a social issue. Instead, you can create a an argument about the causes or effects of the issue, an argument for a specific solution for the social issue, or for or against one side of the argument, for example.
Your essay must include:
A strong, clearly stated thesis that makes an argument about your topic. (Beyond that it is an issue.)
Examination of 1-2 counterarguments and a refutation of those counterarguments.
Incorporation of 8 sources
At least 5 of those sources must be scholarly/academic found through the library databases
A strong conclusion that comments on the importance of the topic discussed and provides a call to action
Goals
Effectively argue a position about a current social issue
Construct a strongly worded thesis statement that makes an argument about your topic
Conduct academic research on your topic and analyze sources for credibility
Assess sources for credibility and relevancy
Incorporate academic sources to provide support for your argument
Engage with at least one counterargument to demonstrate and refute an opposing point of view
Construct the argument through a series of distinct paragraphs that set up the main claim, support the argument, and conclude with a strong call to action
Guidelines and Requirements
8-10 pages: a minimum of 8 full pages, not including the Works Cited page
Incorporation of 8 sources; at least 5 must be scholarly, peer-reviewed sources
MLA format
Include a creative/thoughtful/relevant title
Written in 3rd person only
Works Cited page
Details to Include in the Essay
A full explanation of the social issue and why it is a social issue
Include who is affected by the social issue
An overview of current viewpoints about the issue, including opposing sides
Historical background about the social issue
How it came to be an issue, the current state of the issue
Causes and effects of the issue
Your argument about the issue
Strong supporting points for your argument
A counterargument to your position and a refutation of that counterargument
A solution or a call to action
