reasons marijuana should be legalized across the U.S.

This paper must have an argumentative focus. Think of a problem that impacts our society, why this is a problem, and provide solutions or policy changes that would solve this problem. It should be something meaningful, like solving the national debt vs. putting “Merry Christmas” on Starbucks cups. You could also argue that something isn’t a problem or issue.

Use third person pronouns. (No we, you, our, us, or I.)

Don’t use contractions! Spell out numbers under 10.

Use MLA format. This means that it’s in Times New Roman, 12pt. font; utilizes in-text citations (do not put all the info in the sentence to avoid this), uses scholarly sources.

The argument should be narrow, but not so narrow you run run out of things to write about.

Make a claim and take a stand in your thesis. We don’t want to read that abortion, for example, is okay. Sometimes. Maybe.

You must be able to support it with facts. Don’t base arguments on emotion/religion. While there are questions of value in argument, that can’t be your sole argument. You should have a minimum of 4 sources. Include one short quote, one long quote, and at least one paraphrase/summary. You may not have more than two long quotes. You must also use at least one book, one journal or database, and one website. The website should be scholarly (Examples: Google Scholar, .gov, org, or .edu).

You must refute the opposition at least once to show you have an open mind. Example: There are some advocates who claim uniforms will decrease gang activity. However, as argued in an article by Dennis L. Evans, “Wearing school uniforms will hardly change students’ gang mentality, despite prohibitions on gang attire” (Evans 115-116). Despite the fact that gang members may not be able to display their “team colors” while wearing a uniform, that will not prevent them from flashing gang signs nor will it erase the memories of rival gang members. Opposing gangs will look past the uniforms and continue to see an enemy. In fact, uniforms may simply make it harder for administrators to identify gang members if necessary (Evans 115-116).