research paper
Essay #3: Inequality 5-6 pages Annotated bibliography: 11/5 in class Draft due:11/10 online by 11:59pm Final draft due: 11/19 online by 11:59pm Choose one of the following prompts and write an evidence-based argumentative essay.
--What do you think is the biggest barrier to economic stability or upward mobility is in the U.S.?
--Debunk any aspect of the American Dream. Examine a specific cultural mythology.
--Think about how the media represents inequality and class by analyzing a specific television show or film. What ideologies is your subject reinforcing or rejecting? In order to earn a C or above, your essay should include:
● a minimum of 5 FULL double-spaced pages (not 4 and ½, or even 4 and ¾. Every available line should be used) Do not include a cover page.
● 12-point Times New Roman font and 1” margins. See sample student paper used for peer review training.
● an introduction that sets up your argument ● a thesis that makes a specific, debatable claim about the topic you have selected. ● effectively organized paragraphs with strong topic sentences and transitions ● Reference to or example from any of the assigned readings (can be a summary or paraphrase in
your own words and sentence structure, or a brief, correctly integrated direct quotation)
● At least 3 pieces of credible research (1 piece from PCC databases) ● Proper MLA page headers ● Proper MLA in-text citations for all paraphrases and direct quotations ● a conclusion that does not merely restate your thesis but that leaves the reader with further ‘food
for thought.’ · a works cited page in correct MLA format (which does NOT count towards your page minimum) Additional criteria:
● Clear argument or position on the issue you have chosen. ● A balance of the three rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos, and pathos) ● Demonstrated understanding of analyzing texts, strategies of persuasion, and composing
arguments. ● Demonstrated understanding of finding and evaluating sources. ● Effective essay structure ● Clear and precise sentence-level rhetoric (grammar and structure)
Tips and Reminders:
● Your method of development will vary depending on which essay topic you choose. ● Be sure to backup your comments with specific details from a text we’ve discussed in class and
from your Internet research. In other words, support what you are saying with paraphrases, and quotes from the texts.
Assignment Steps and Due Dates: All assignment steps should be typed in a word processing program and saved to a place you can easily find them.
Annotated bibliography (20 points) due in class on 11/1
Rough Draft (50 points) Due 11/6 in class Bring 2 printed out copies (no late drafts accepted--won’t receive feedback) Final Draft (150 points) Due 11/13 by 11:59pm on Canvas
Your final draft should be the result of careful, multiple revisions informed by feedback from me and from your peers. Take care to ‘put your best foot forward in terms of accuracy and presentation. No late work!!