Racial Equality

For Writing Project 3 (WP3), a possible 15 points, select a topic or an issue of your choice from one of the class topics to write a documented (researched) argumentative essay.

• Written text: 1200-word minimum;
• Three different types of sources are required, one of which is a scholarly journal article from one of TCC's databases;
• One multimedia element such as an image, a chart, a graph, an audio, a PowerPoint, or a video;
• MLA Style documentation
• A title (more than three words) centered;
• Organization/Development of Essay;
  • The introduction needs to capture the reader's attention;
  • Thesis statement with Blueprint (your narrowed topic, your opinion, and three subtopics--reasons);
  • One paragraph that presents the opposing viewpoint and a counter-argument (refutation) either after the introduction or before the conclusion;
  • Three body paragraphs with your three reasons;
  • Topic sentences in each body paragraph (each topic sentence presents one reason);
  • Conclusion: restate your thesis statement and then conclude your argument in a satisfying manner;
  • Speaker tags that introduce sources and sentences before a quote that introduce or explain the quote and/or sentences after a quote that explain the quote;
  • In-text citations to cite sources.

Avoid the following topics: Gun Control, STDs, Abortion, Euthanasia, Death Penalty, Marijuana, Obesity, Video Gaming, and Cigarette Smoking.

Checklist-To-Review Before Submitting the Argument Essay

• Place your student/class/date/assignment information in the top left side of the first page.
• Insert headers with your last name and consecutive page numbers.
• Center a title (more than one-word title).
• Double space your text.
• Place your thesis statement at the end of your introductory paragraph as the last sentence. 
• Write your own topic sentences: avoid beginning topi sentences with source material.
• Use transitions between body paragraphs for a better flow of ideas, for example, "One problem...Another problem... 
• Avoid using pronouns such as "I", "you", "we", and "your" since this is an academic paper.
• Avoid beginning sentences with "It" or "There" since these are passive constructions (voices). 
• Insert a noun after "this" for a clear referent. 
• Do not include the year of publication for MLA Style.
• Place the period after in-text citations (Marits). 
• Do not include personal experiences in an academic paper.
• Use Times New Roman, 12 point, for your font.
• Avoid writing "In conclusion" at the beginning of your conclusion. 
• Place your Works Cited on a separate page.
• Use a hanging paragraph indent format for your Works Cited entries.

REVIEW the MLA Style video for MLA Style Guidelines for documentation and format.