English 102 third essay

Ms. C. Badeaux

ENGL 102-I1

Spring 2021

Essay III: A Controversial Issue

Now consider a different perspective on your topic (without necessarily changing your own position). What is a controversial issue within your topic area, or some serious opposition or disagreement that causes division or makes it more difficult to resolve the issue? Thoughtfully explain the controversy, then clarify your own position and why you hold that position. What supportive evidence do you have? It is very important that you clearly and respectfully explain more than one side of the controversy, including your own stance. Consider tone and audience awareness as well as evidence. While you do not need to actually resolve an issue, you are arguing about the significance of this issue and may be strongly in favor of one position, while understanding the concerns of those who take a different view. Make sure the reader is clear on where you stand and why all this matters to the reader as well. See your Composition and Rhetoric Guide (and class notes) for specific details about this paper.

As with your previous essay, do not just jump into the topic: begin with a general stage-setting to introduce the topic and give a general idea of the controversy, then argue for the significance, either of the controversy or of the issue in general. Use the individual paragraphs or blocks of paragraphs to describe the controversy more, develop your points, and provide support (using resource materials). Remember to tie each section back into your thesis statement, to keep the reader focused on your argument. Your conclusion will sum up your argument but also develop the significance more. Organization will be very important so you avoid confusing the reader with your position in the controversy. You do not need to give equal time to all sides of the controversy, but need to give enough information for the reader to understand the conflict. The bulk of your “evidence” should support your position, and the organization should keep your intended focus clear.

As you incorporate your sources into your own writing, follow ethical procedures. As always, the best help is in your Seagull handbook, the mla.org website, Purdue OWL, the MSU library website, the Write to Excellence Center, and your workbook. Poorly-formatted essays and plagiarism are unacceptable in college-level writing.

Also, make sure your Works Cited page is part of the same electronic document as your essay so it uploads smoothly into Turnitin. Do not “orphan” your Works Cited page. It is on a separate page from your essay, but is on the same electronic file.

Get assistance from me or the WTEC tutors if you have questions or concerns. And don’t wait until the last minute.

Source requirements:

3 sources minimum (5 maximum)

· 2 scholarly secondary sources (may be all academic journal articles)

· 1 primary source

· If additional sources are used, they cannot substitute for the above, required sources. See Essay II Source Requirements for suggested types of sources that may be also used.

Please see me if you have questions about your sources.

Other Essay II requirements:

· 1,000-word minimum length (NOT counting the Works Cited page).

· MLA format.

· Submit final draft only in correct submission link, then rough draft and electronic copies of all sources, links as one file in other link (see Essay II for instructions, and let me know if you need help). These must be done on time.

· Due date: Friday 26 March 2021.

Re-read all instructions here and in Comp. Rhet. book.

Avoid 0 for not following directions!