Third person voice throughout (no “I” or “you” or “we”, etc.), except in reflection.
o Minimum of 5 strong sources (found in your annotated list of sources). Proper MLA citation throughout, including both in-text citations and a works cited or references page at the end.
o Stay objective in your essay (don’t pick sides) until you propose your solution.
o Respectful and professional tone throughout
o Written in correct, standard English with no grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors.
· Parts of the Essay:
The essay should follow this organizational pattern carefully and should use the Final Research Essay template posted in Moodle (note that these are sections, not necessarily paragraphs):
1. Introduction—Discuss the basics of your topic/issue and how it affects you and/or society. Introduce some of the arguments surrounding the issue and then state your solution in a thesis statement at the end of the paragraph.
2. Research and Background on Issue—In this section, give your reader more detailed background information on your topic and why it is important to address and research. Share relevant research with your reader, citing your sources and using direct quotes, pieces of evidence, statistics, etc., as needed. The goal here is to inform your reader about the issue/topic and what is currently happening within your community.
3. Explanation of Arguments Surrounding your Issue—In this section, explain at least 3 major arguments surrounding your issue and discuss/analyze each argument. Consider these questions:
a. What do other people argue about this issue or propose as a solution to this issue?
b. How do different viewpoints/perspectives/worldviews influence others’ arguments about this issue?
c. What are some strengths and weaknesses of these common arguments?
d. Do any of these arguments contain logical fallacies? If so, explain.
4. Your Proposal—In this section, explain your proposal to this issue. What should be done to help solve this problem and who should implement the solution? Include evidence and research to back up your solution, using quotes, facts, statistics, and your interview to help show the reader why your solution is the best option.
5. Critical Thinking Reflection—In this section, reflect on how your thinking changed on your topic/issue throughout the semester. Did your original hypothesis become your actual solution? Why or why not? What did you learn about thinking and investigating issues and controversies throughout this project? *You may use first person voice in this section*
6. Conclusion—In your final section of the essay, wrap up your thoughts by reiterating the importance of the issue, reminding the reader how your solution can help solve the problem, and reflecting on what else needs to be done.
*****the proposal i used was : Addressing the Growing Homelessness in Urban Areas in the United States
****these are the sources:
1.
“The State of Homelessness in America” by the National Alliance to
End Homelessness
This
comprehensive report provides an in-depth overview of the homelessness crisis
in the United States. The National Alliance to End Homelessness, a renowned authority
on the issue, offers a detailed analysis of the current state of homelessness,
including statistics on the various homeless populations, underlying causes,
and effective solutions. The report covers topics such as:
*
Demographics: breakdowns of homeless populations by age, gender, veteran
status, and more
*
Causes: poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, substance abuse,
and domestic violence
*
Solutions: housing-first approaches, supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and
homeless prevention strategies
As
a trusted and credible source, this report serves as a foundation for
understanding the complexities of homelessness and will provide essential
context for the final project.
2.
“Homelessness: A Review of the Literature” by the Journal of Social
Issues
This
peer-reviewed journal article presents a meticulous review and synthesis of
existing research on homelessness. The authors examine a wide range of topics
related to homelessness, including:
*
Poverty and income inequality
*
Housing affordability and availability
*
Mental health and substance abuse
*
Healthcare and social services
*
Criminal justice involvement
The
journal’s rigorous peer-review process ensures the article’s credibility and
academic integrity. This source will inform the root causes of homelessness and
potential solutions, providing a solid foundation for the final project.
3.
“Homelessness Data in Health and Human Services Mainstream Programs”
by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
This
report offers a detailed analysis of homelessness within various health and
human services programs, including Medicaid, SNAP (formerly food stamps), and
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). The report provides:
*
Statistical data on homeless populations within these programs
*
Trends and patterns in homelessness
*
Analysis of service usage and outcomes
As
a government source, the data and information presented are reliable and
credible, making it an excellent source for statistical evidence and potential
solutions.
4.
“Housing First: A Review of the Literature” by the Journal of Housing
and the Built Environment
This
peer-reviewed journal article evaluates the Housing First approach to
addressing homelessness, exploring its effectiveness and limitations. The
authors examine:
*
The philosophy and principles behind Housing First
*
Research on housing stability and tenancy outcomes
*
Impact on health, mental health, and social services utilization
*
Challenges and limitations of implementation
The
journal’s expertise in housing and built environment issues lends credibility
to the source. This article will inform potential solutions and evaluate the
effectiveness of current approaches in the final project.
5.
“The Impact of Affordable Housing on Homelessness” by the Urban
Institute
This
research report investigates the relationship between affordable housing and
homelessness, analyzing the impact of housing affordability on homeless
populations. The report covers:
*
The role of affordable housing in preventing homelessness
*
The effect of housing affordability on homelessness rates
*
Case studies of successful affordable housing initiatives
*
Policy recommendations for increasing affordable housing options
As
a nonpartisan research organization, the Urban Institute ensures credibility
and objectivity. This source will inform potential solutions and evaluate the
effectiveness of affordable housing initiatives in the final project.
