Essay

Essay length: 1000 to 1200 words

Instructions

Choose one topic from the list below and write an essay of approximately 1000 to 1200 words (about four double-spaced typed pages). Expect that if your essay goes over the length requirement, your essay could be returned to you for revision.

Begin your research. You might start with a general Google search and then a Google Scholar search, but you will also need to visit the AU library databases to find sound academic articles.

Find two to four reputable secondary sources and review them carefully. At least one source should be from a peer-reviewed journal article accessed through the AU library databases.

AU library databases: http://library.athabascau.ca/resource/browse/all

Develop a straightforward thesis that is sufficiently limited in scope (meaning something you can do justice to in a short essay).

Create an outline and consider speaking with your tutor to review your thesis and outline. We strongly encourage you to do so.

Write your first draft and include all of the following:

An introduction that includes an interesting lead-in and an explanation/summary of what the issue is. (As necessary, convince your audience that the problem or issue exists and that it matters to others-or should.) Then, still in the introduction, briefly summarize EACH side of the issue, and finally, add a thesis/essay map that takes a stance and clarifies the purpose of your discussion, without any kind of announcement. You practiced this skill in your second session of the discussion forum, so review your previous work and any suggestions your tutor might have made.

Body paragraphs that develop your viewpoint. The more thorough and detailed this section, the better. Don't leave any stone unturned. Use specific, logical examples and integrated paraphrases, summaries, and quotations from your research.

Opposing arguments/rebuttal.

A conclusion that does not repeat your thesis. Instead, write a suggestive conclusion in which you offer implications for the reader's further consideration. Remember that this is your final opportunity to impress your reader.

Make use of at least two (and no more than four) secondary sources within your essay by adding quotations and paraphrases. Then, every time you paraphrase or quote, follow the four steps listed in the research essay instructions document.

Create a Works Cited or References page, and as we have reminded you previously, do not guess, and do not use a software program. Just pay careful attention to detail, and ask your tutor for help as required.

Revise and edit your draft. You should have produced and edited at least one preliminary draft before you hand in the final copy.

Consider using the Write Site's coaching services. Tutors are not expected or encouraged to review your drafts, but reviewing drafts is one of the mandates of the Write Site

Study the assignment checklist and answer the questions honestly.

When you're ready, upload your assignment through the assignment drop box.

Essay Topics (Choose One)

Has hockey in Canada been improved or ruined?

Are existing policies in Alberta regarding pet ownership fair and reasonable? Choose one policy on which to focus your argument.

In retrospect, should Wiebo Ludwig be considered a hero or a criminal?

Do the economic benefits of the Alberta tar sands outweigh the environmental costs?

Should teachers be allowed to give students failing grades, or should schools' no-fail policies be upheld?

Should Canadian judges be elected or appointed?

Facebook's initial public offering was made at $28/share. In early trading, it traded as high as $41 and fell as low as $26. Was the IPO a failure?

Should Canadian health-care workers (such as nurses) be able to refuse to work with certain patients on the basis of "conscience rights"?

Should Canada's health care system move towards greater privatization?

In Canada, should a member of a religious group have the right to refuse a blood transfusion on behalf of his or her child?

Should the Canadian government fund safe injection sites for people with drug addiction?

A Canadian prime minister's annual salary is set by legislation at $315,462. In contrast, the president and CEO of RBC received over $10 million last year. Is the Canadian prime minister adequately paid?

Was the Occupy movement an effective means of protest?

The Government of Alberta is currently suing cigarette makers to recoup public health costs related to problems associated with smoking. Should cigarette companies be required to compensate provincial governments for health care costs associated with treating smokers' diseases?

During the Iraq War, only "embedded" journalists were permitted to cover news from the war zone. Does being embedded compromise a journalist's objectivity, credibility, and integrity?

Is the dominance of Internet news over print news leading to the death of journalism or the revival of journalism?

Should Aboriginal communities move toward more or less self-government?

Is the restorative justice approach more or less effective than Canada's conventional approach to justice?

Should grade schools accept funding from private or corporate sources?

Should Canada, like the U.S., ban the slaughter of horses?

A Canadian citizen should be able to carry a licensed, concealed handgun if he or she wishes. Discuss.

Do Western nations have an obligation to intervene in other nations' genocidal wars (Rwanda, for example)?

Should banks be allowed to engage in proprietary trading (i.e. trading for their own gain or loss, and not simply as a middleman)?

Should the Government of Alberta offer tax credits or other incentives for "health-promoting" behaviours?

Read "Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain," by Jessica Mitford. Defend or oppose the procedures of embalming and restorative work on the deceased in order to present the corpse for viewing.

Should every able-bodied citizen be required to serve for a certain period of time in some branch of the military service?

Should the government subsidize our Olympic teams?

Should donors or their families be compensated for organ donations?

Recent elections have been characterized by small turnouts of eligible voters. Some democracies-Australia, for example-require their citizens to vote. Should such a policy be adopted in Canada?

Is torture ever acceptable?

Are nurse practitioners a benefit or a potential liability?

Considering two markedly different approaches to training a dog (or a horse), argue that one is superior to the other.