Research Essay

8 PAGES OF RESEARCH PLUS A WORKS CITED PAGE. HAVE TO USE TEN DIFFERENT SOURCES. NEED A MINIUM GRADE OF A 85. 

Essay V: Research Essay

Communities, no matter how large or small, face problems. And oftentimes, multiple solutions present themselves. The solutions are often contradictory, which creates conflict.  Because of this, many critical problems are left unresolved.  For this essay, I want you to select an issue that has two  (or more) contrasting solutions/points of view. First, you want to summarize credible, rational arguments for each side. Then, you want to offer a clear plan that judiciously, and comprehensively, compromises. I want you to be as objective and fair as possible; search a solid middle ground.

You are welcome to select any topic. However, I would encourage you to avoid social issues (gay rights, abortion, and etc.). These arguments tend to be more moral and emotional, which makes balance and objectivity difficult. Also, you must work within the frameworks of the law/Supreme Court. For instance, one position can't be "banning all guns" or "making abortion illegal." 

The essay should be a minimum of 8 full pages in length (this does not include the works cited page). You must pull from at least 10 credible sources. You are not required to use sources in your compromise. However, it is recommended.  

Compromise: 30pts

• Multi-faceted: the compromise spans multiple paragraphs
• Comprehensive: all issues addressed in the range of positions are factored into the compromise
• Fair: the compromise creates a fair middle-ground that moves the issue forward

Objective/Neutral Tone: 10 pts

• No use of 1st person
• No language is used that shows bias or favoritism
• Equal voice is given to both arguments in the range of position and compromise
• All ideas in the range of positions are clearly attached to a particular group or speaker.  Author distances herself from the arguments. 

Credible Sources: 20pts

• The range of positions pulls from the most credible, authoritarian voices in the field. 
• The sources selected concentrate on particular elements of the issue. (For example, an essay on gun's rights that writes in depth about mental health as opposed to a general argument about gun's rights.)

Developed paragraphs (range of positions): 25pts

• All ideas in the paragraphs are fully developed. 
• Each paragraph incorporates enough outside evidence/research to support the topic. 

Organization/topic sentences: 15pts

• Each paragraph is centered around a specific topic, which is explicitly presented in the topic sentence
• The essay avoids any digressions or blending of topics

Intro: 15pts

• The introduction contextualizes the issue and the conflict, as well as potentially the need for compromise
• The introduction prepares the reader for the essay. 
• The tone remains unbiased.

MLA Format: 15 pts

• Citations are properly formatted in-text and in the works cited page
• Paper meets all MLA citations (heading, pg #s, double spacing, and etc)

A Few Potential Topic Areas:

• How to handle ISIS
• Free College
• Tax Policy
• Maternity Leave
• Minimum Wage