Topic:
Choose one essay from the textbook, and then choose one of the following options:

Agree with the author but focus on a point or idea the author should have addressed but did not. Argue that the author should not have ignored the issue of ______ because ______.
Agree with the author but focus on a point the author makes that you agree with but prove it in a way that is different from how the author proves it.
Disagree with the author’s point. Create your own argument that opposes either a minor or major point the author makes.

NOTE: Do NOT create an argument that just repeats what the author says. You should be focusing on an angle the author did not address or disagreeing with the author. The more specific your argument, the stronger your argument will be. Make sure you have clear areas of support.
Source requirements:

In choosing the essay from the textbook, start by reviewing the essays we already read since those are more familiar to you. However, if you’d like to use an essay from the book that we didn’t read (whether it’s from a unit we covered or not), that’s an option.
Not counting the essay from the textbook, you must have a minimum of three sources (total of four sources minimum).
You must refer directly to each of these four sources at least once somewhere in your paper. I will be looking for a minimum of one in-text citation for each of your four required sources, and they must also be on your Works Cited page.
At least one of your sources must be a scholarly article from a scholarly journal. This source cannot be a book review, a short article (only a few pages), or an editorial from a scholarly journal. It must be a lengthy article with a clear description of the author as an expert in the field, and it must include citations, references, or sources. Your scholarly article must come from one of the databases in the library. I can help you determine if the source you find can be considered scholarly.
At least one of your other sources can be an article or electronic book chapter found in the library; it can be from a scholarly journal, e-book, or newspaper, magazine, or other popular source (such as a traditional book). If you have used and cited at least three scholarly articles from scholarly journals in the library, then you can skip this requirement.
One source can be from anywhere that you think is appropriate to help you back up your argument. It can be a regular website. You can interview someone or conduct a survey. Your fourth source can also be another article from the library databases. It can also be a book, film, television show, or other form of media. If you have used and cited at least three scholarly articles from scholarly journals in the library, then you can skip this requirement. However, please note that you may NOT use Wikipedia or similar sites. If you are not sure whether a site is acceptable or not, feel free to see me so we can discuss it.
You may use more than one essay from the textbook, but it will not count toward your four required sources.

Requirements for organizing and supporting your argument:

Your introduction must refer directly to the essay from the textbook, and your argument (specifically your thesis) must respond directly to some aspect of that essay.
Your thesis should clearly state your argument plus your areas of support. Three to five areas of support would be appropriate. You will need to devote a few paragraphs to each area of support. Make sure you write clear topic sentences and develop smooth transitions.
You must clearly introduce your sources and help your reader understand why you find these sources reliable and useful.

Essay format requirements:

5-7 pages long, word-processed, with 1″ margins, double-spaced, Times New Roman, font size 12
proof-read, spell-checked, with as few grammar errors as possible
MLA in-text citation in the body of the paper. Every time you quote directly or paraphrase from a source, you must use in-text citation.
MLA Works Cited page at the end of your paper (does not count toward page requirement). Your Works Cited page should have a minimum of your three required sources, plus the essay from the textbook.
The final copy should be in a folder with rough drafts, materials from the peer workshop, and the rough draft I wrote on