Option 2
In Mark Twain's classic essay, "Two Ways of Seeing the River," he questions the cost of knowledge. What is lost? What is gained? You might want to use this essay to establish an argument in favor of a liberal arts education or perhaps some alternative form of learning.
You can find this essay by clicking on the link below.
http://grammar.about.com/od/60essays/a/twowaysessay.htm
Option 3
If you are the poetic type, you might appreciate this option. In the opening line of Robert Frost's "The Mending Wall," it reads, "Something there is that doesn't love a wall." Is this true? Do walls make "good neighbors?" Ponder this question in light of Trump's proposed wall between Mexico and the United States. Quote and paraphrase lines from the poem to illustrate your points or to refute opposing points. Use the forward slash to indicate line breaks in the poem. Also, include the line number(s) in the parenthetical citation.
Example of Using Forward Slash to Indicate Line Breaks:
"Something there is that doesn't love a wall, / That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, / And spills the upper boulders in the sun" (Lines 1-
https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/mending-wall
Option 4
Read the full text version of Dr. King's "Letter from Birmingham City Jail. You can access this document on several sites on the Internet. This is a powerful document. In 2017, what do you see as the greatest threat to civil rights in this country? Cite from Dr. King's letter to illustrate your points and to refute opposing points.
Option 5
Read NASA's mission statement and create an argument in favor space exploration. I want to read your ideas. But incorporate a brief summary, quote(s), and paraphrase(s). Make sure you cite the mission statement in text and on the Works Cited. (Loved watching the launch of Juno!)
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/solarsystem/Why_We_01pt1.html
Option 6
In his Meditation XVII John Donne wrote,
No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.
"Am I my brother's keeper?" Really think about this question. Does the United States have a responsibility to assist with the humanitarian crises in the world, for example, in Aleppo, Syria? You might want to read about times when the U.S. did / did not get involved in humanitarian issues.
http://www.online-literature.com/donne/409/
Open Letter to President Obama from 15 Remaining Doctors in Aleppo, Syria.

Warning: The videos on this site contain graphic images.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/11/middleeast/aleppo-syria-doctors-letter-obama/
Option 7
Are most of us suffering from nature deficit disorder? Establish an argument for spending more time in nature. Identify a few of the benefits. Read and cite from Henry David Thoreau's Walking or you might want to summarize a chapter from his book Walden. The entire book can be found on the Project Gutenberg website.
http://faculty.washington.edu/timbillo/Readings%20and%20documents/Wilderness/Thoreau%20Walking.pdf
Option 8
Find an article on your favorite mathematician or mathematical theory. You might find an article on The Engines of Our Ingenuity. Too often teachers hear students say, "Why do I need to learn math? How will learning math help me in ‘real life.'?" Create an argument that shows the beauty of learning math for a greater understanding of our world.
http://www.uh.edu/engines/


Here's the guideline.

For this essay you are using two sources, one essay from the Course Topics list in the Assignments section (choose a new option) and one article of your choice (it must be on the same topic). To locate this second source, you might want to use one of the library databases, such as EBSCO, ProQuest, Opposing Viewpoints, or Google Scholar. You may even use one of the Ted talks; use the transcripts to cite information.

Essay requirements are 3-4 pages, standard 12 point font, such as Times New Roman, and formatted in MLA style. To see how to format your essay check out the Sample MLA Essay w/Two Sources + Works Cited in the Course Resources Folder.

Here's how to set up your essay:

(Note: Although you are not required to develop an outline before you write your essay, it is a good method for organizing your ideas.)

I. First Paragraph

A. Begin with a captivating opening line.

B. Briefly summarize both articles. Make sure you introduce the authors and titles of both essays. Place essay titles in quotes.

C. At the very end of this first paragraph lead into your thesis. Take a clear stand and overview three reasons to support your position. In other words, where do you stand on this issue and why?

II. Second Paragraph

Develop the first reason from your thesis. Then incorporate quotes and/or paraphrases from one or both of the essays. You may use quotes and/or paraphrases to illustrate points of agreement or to refute opposing points. Source information must be surrounded within the context of your voice and properly documented in MLA style. Do not fill up an entire paragraph with quotes and/or paraphrases; your voice should dominate. Use source information wisely and sparingly.

III. Third Paragraph

Transition to the second reason from your thesis. Then incorporate quotes and/or paraphrases from one or both of the essays. You may use quotes and/or paraphrases to illustrate points of agreement or to refute opposing points. Source information should be surrounded within the context of your voice and properly documented in MLA style.

IV. Fourth Paragraph

Transition to the third and final point from your thesis. Then incorporate quotes and/or paraphrases from one or both of the essays. You may use quotes and/or paraphrases from one or both of the essays to illustrate points of agreement or to refute opposing points. Source information must be surrounded within the context of your voice and properly documented in MLA style.

V. Fifth Paragraph - Conclusion

Reinforce your thesis statement. Remind your audience why your argument is a good one. You might want to refer back to something from the summary in your introduction paragraph. Or, you might conclude with a plea for some action to be taken or for more attention to be given to the issue. Do not introduce additional points; simply reinforce the support you used for your thesis. Regardless of how familiar you may be with your chosen topic, you need to document all source information in the body and in the Works Cited.