ENC1101 Issue Analysis Essay

ENC 1101 Issue Analysis Essay    

The overall purpose of this essay is to analyze a significant issue or topic of discussion in a field of study or meta-major or planned career. First, you will explore and consider various viewpoints on the issue through reading, researching, and writing.  This exploration will include three elements: your perspective, the perspectives of others in the field, and the perspectives of various authors of articles you have read.  Then you will craft a specific thesis in regard to the issue, utilizing academic resources to support your position and to explore various perspectives of the issue. Finally, you will propose a possible answer or solution(s) to the issue. Please read the specific prompt for this assignment below.

    

Characteristics of the Issue Analysis Essay  

A successful essay  

· provides an engaging introduction that offers the reader some background information on this issue.  

· presents a thesis that offers a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of this issue as it relates to your meta-major or chosen career path.  

· supports the thesis through well-developed paragraphs that are organized strategically.  

· presents an objective stance by the use of third-person voice.  

· includes specific details and evidence with regard to the problem.  

· correctly integrates quotations and conforms to MLA documentation and format guidelines.  

Assignment Topic:  Now that you have viewed one of the TedTalks, select one of the below prompts:

· Discuss factors students should consider when choosing a college major.   

· Explore reasons students find it hard to decide on a college major.

· Discuss some of the benefits/problems of choosing a major in the arts.

· Discuss some of the benefits/problems of choosing a major in a STEM area.

· Explore why it may be more beneficial to pursue a career in a technical trade.

· Explore some of the reasons people do not attend college.

NOTE: Regardless of the topic you select, you should be prepared to offer a discussion that include research, examples, and your observations.

 

Important features to include in this essay:  

· Use and integrate a minimum of three secondary sources.  At least one of your sources must come from the TCC library database.   

· For one of your sources, you may also interview someone to provide an “inside” perspective.  You must cite the interview within the text and on the Works Cited. 

· Avoid second person (e.g., you, your, imperative sentences)  

· Prepare a Works Cited section on the last page of the essay for the primary and three secondary texts.  

Length of Paper: 3 – 5 pages  

MAKE SURE YOUR PAPER HAS A TITLE.  YOUR TITLE IS NOT THE REWORDING OF THE PROMPT.  YOUR TITLE SHOULD REFLECT YOUR THESIS, OR THE PREMISE OF YOUR ESSAY!!!!!!!  

Other reminders: Font Times New Roman / Size 12; Double Spaced; Include Page Numbers (top right corner of page); and NO COVER PAGE.  Your first page should look like this:  

Submission:  Please submit your essay through canvas. Do not email your final papers! REMEMBER to save your paper to a USB drive.  

  

Possible Outline  

The following outline offers a suggested guideline for organizing your issue analysis essay.   

Introduction (1-2 paragraphs)  

1. Create a lead-in “hook” to engage your readers’ interest (e.g., a striking quotation gleaned from your exploratory research, an anecdote or scenario, a related current event).  

2. Provide brief background information to bring your readers up to speed: Why should readers care about this topic as a subject of inquiry? What relevance does it have to their lives/careers today?  

3. Provide a brief overview of different perspectives on the topic.  

4. Present a focused and specific thesis with regard to the issue.  

Body (3-5 paragraphs)  

1. Identify specific reasons that provide an explanation of your thesis.

2. Discuss each idea separately in different paragraphs.  

3. Begin each perspective/idea with a clear topic sentence.  

4. Include and comment on the importance of others’ opinions.    

5. Support all viewpoints with details and specific examples, possibly making use of comparison and contrast.  

6. Include the required outside sources. Paraphrase ideas more than quoting them.  

7. Include transitions between each paragraph

Conclusion (1-2paragraphs)    

1. Bring closure to the topic.

2. Reiterate the significance of the issue/topic.

3. Discuss ways people can continue to engage the topic

4. Propose possible solutions or remedies to this issue.   

5. Propose a course of action, if applicable.   

If you have any other questions, please see me during my office hours, or email me.  

Thank You!  And Happy Drafting!!!