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For this essay, you are going to write a 3-page (minimum) essay arguing a topic. The idea is to not just present information about the topic, but to construct a well-reasoned argument supported by research. Choose ONE of the following:

• Should smartphones be allowed in classrooms, or do they disrupt learning?
• Does social media do more harm than good in creating and nurturing personal relationships?
• Should governments have the right to access citizens’ personal data in the name of national security?
• Do school uniforms improve student behavior and academic performance, or do they unnecessarily restrict student individuality?
• Should standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) continue to play a significant role in college admissions, or should schools rely more heavily on other factors?

Requirements:

• Thesis: Develop a thesis statement that clearly states your topic/the issue and presents the claim you will be arguing in your essay.

• Evidence: Support your claim with a substantial number of summaries/quotes/paraphrases from three credible sources (minimum). Meaning, avoid using a one- to two- sentence stand-alone quote from each of your sources. Show mastery of your sources and be sure to integrate them fully into your essay with sufficient evidence. Make sure it is also clear how each piece of evidence illustrates your points and supports your thesis. . Also, for this essay, make sure you include all components of your argument (claim, supporting evidence, opposing views, rebuttals, etc.)

• In-text Citations: Make sure to include MLA parenthetical citations after each reference throughout your essay, as well as signal phrases such as “According to the [author/article/etc.] …” when introducing your evidence.

• Structure: Organize your essay with a clear introduction (providing background/context and presenting your thesis statement; avoid including analytical evidence in the introduction), body paragraphs that expand on your thesis (each paragraph should present a clear topic and include supporting details and analysis), and a conclusion that restates your thesis and reflects on your overall analysis without introducing new information. Make sure you include the claim, then your evidence, the opposing view(s), followed by a rebuttal, and then your conclusion (unless your argument works best with the Rogerian method, to which you would follow that structure).

• Length: 3-5 pages (3 full pages minimum), double-spaced

• Works Cited Page (Page 4 of essay): MLA-style works cited page on next page once essay is done, featuring your three sources (minimum) in alphabetical order. Make sure this page follows MLA format like the rest of your essay, but with hanging indentation for each source listed. Also, make sure to remove the hyperlink so your links are not clickable.
• MLA Format: Times New Roman size 12-point font, double-spaced (with no extra spaces either before or after any paragraphs/headings), 1″ margins all around, proper MLA heading (with last name and page number in document Header), each new paragraph indented properly, etc.
• Grammar and Mechanics: Revise your work for errors in grammar and mechanics. You can utilize the Editor feature on your word processor as well as having me and/or a tutor review your writing. There should be minimal to no errors in your final draft. Your work must also be written in third person with no contractions.