For Prof Martin

In this 3-page essay, you will write about an issue on which there is disagreement by taking a clear position and backing your position up with reasons and evidence. By issue, I do not only mean a large issue like health care reform—frequently, the best writing comes from a combination of knowledge, passion, and a specific subject. You may want to write about a smaller, more localized issue. Remember that this paper is only three pages, so you must limit the scope of your paper. 

Though you will state your opinion, be sure to also support it. As always, be sure to engage your reader throughout your essay, especially in your introduction, and also make sure to edit carefully. 

Later in the course, you will be working on a research paper tied to your major, and this essay is a great place to get started thinking about a topic that you might like to explore.  You are not required to connect the essays in this class by topic, but it is a great strategy. 

Basic Requirements
     o APA or MLA format (12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1" margins, double

            spaced)

     o 3-page essay, remember that this refers to full pages not partial pages, for

            APA format, the cover page is not counted toward meeting the page

            requirement

o At least three sources total, cited in MLA format.

o At least one book from a respectable source.

o Include a full Works Cited (not part of the page count) with both the draft and the final paper.