Any topic (writer’s choice)

Using the research you began in the Annotated Bibliography, write an essay that is 12 – 15 pages, plus a Works Cited page. Use MLA format. You should continue to conduct research and should have 10 or more sources on your Works Cited page (Links to an external site.). You can also look here for instructions on how to cite sources you find through the HCC Library website. You need to include an in-text citation (Links to an external site.) when you use material in your essay from one of your sources, even if you are paraphrasing. Review the course “Using Sources” Powerpoint presentation for instructions on conducting your research.

The Introductory Section:

As this is a longer essay than your first one, it may take more than one paragraph to introduce the argument. The intro may be two or three paragraphs, and take a page or so to complete. Still, there are specific elements that need to be included. Quality, in all cases, is determined in terms of accuracy and precision. Things to consider:

1) How well does the intro identify the controversial issue? It presents evidence of a problem and may explain how it is relevant to the public interest. There should be some current news story about it showing that something is currently at stake.

2) How well does the intro present the nature of the problem, or the dispute over the nature of the problem? How well does it describe the relevant voices in the public conversation? Voices may include those of groups directly impacted by the issue, of media representation and analysis of those groups positions, of the authorities with the power to decide what will happen, and of general public opinion.

3) The intro should suggest which voices are more persuasive.

The Body of the essay:

4) Usually, the early part of the essays body evaluates the arguments put forth by the various voices in the discussion. How well does the essay present these voices? How methodically does it evaluate them? Does the essay fact check claims (premises), and consider the validity of arguments? Does it consider the relevance, sufficiency, and credibility of evidence provided? In cases of inductive arguments, are Mills Methods applied? The essay shouldnt use term Mills Methods (or logos, pathos, etc.) but the concepts should be applied when appropriate.

5) How well does the essay express the relationships between the various relevant arguments?

6) As an essay moves forward, it typically examines various proposals for resolution of the problem. How well are the various possibilities expressed and evaluated? How well does the essay make a case for a specific course of action?

7) Does the essay follow MLA guidelines for quotations, in-text citation, and the Works Cited page?