This is your final research essay assignment. You will select one of the topics below. The length
of the paper has changed. It should be from 5-7 pages. As before, you should develop a clear
argument and use appropriate documentation in your essay.
1. Education reform (one specific proposal, for example. improving readings scores on standardized tests in K-12, increasing student retention rates in college, streamlining remedial coursework)
2. Election reform (one specific proposal, for example, abolishing the Electoral College, restricting PAC funding)
3. Immigration reform (one specific proposal, for example, building a wall, “extreme vetting”)
Your essay must clearly convey the urgency of the issue. In addition, as with all argument
essays, you need to clearly communicate what is at stake (in other words, “So what?”) so the
reader will care about what you have written. Remember you can also use the topics listed as a
springboard to a related topic that interests you as well.
Writing Requirements:
• include quotes and paraphrases (within the text) from at least three (3) academic
research or professional appropriate sources; you will definitely need to research your
topic for support.
• clear thesis, clear description of the problem, effective argument, and a convincing
explanation of what’s at stake
• between (5-7 pages); use at least three (3) in-text citations; use at least five (5) sources
for your “Works Cited” page.
• effective introduction and conclusion paragraphs
• title that accurately describes your essay
• a clear organization – grouping of ideas and order of ideas
• free of major grammatical and spelling errors
• MLA documentation
