The “for” or “against” side of any current issue.

LENGTH 1,500-2,000 words (excluding references) Write an essay taking the “for” or “against” side of any current issue. Assume that the reader has feelings opposite to yours and attempt to persuade the reader to adopt your point of view. You will do this by making a strong THESISstatement at the beginning and supporting that idea with at least 4 REASONS: THESIS Reason evidence Reason evidence Reason evidence Reason evidence CONCLUSION TOPIC Choose a topic which is of interest to you. Narrow your topic down as much as you can—your paper will be more persuasive that way. Present a PRESCRIPTIVE thesis (what should/shouldn’t be), not a descriptive one (what is/isn’t). OUTSIDE SOURCES Use at least eight quotations from at least five outside sourcesto illustrate and defend your thesis. These must be chosen from at least three of the followingcategories. Periodical (magazine or journal) Television program Daily newspaper Government publication Book (limit 2) Live lecture Other Internet source Pamphlet Personal interview (limit 1) DVD =an expert, not an average citizen= Support your opinion with inarguable FACTS. Give supporting evidence that is free of logical fallacies, assumptions, and biases. Naturally, your own commentary must be free of these weaknesses and above all rational and non-emotional. DOCUMENTATION Cite your sources using the MLA style of documentation as shown in Rules for Writers. Give parenthetical references within your text and include a “Reference” list at the end of the paper with full publication data on each source.