Qusetion: Imagine you are writing an opinion piece for the Sunday Review section of The New York Times or for a similar publication such as The Guardian, The Atlantic, or National Review.

In 2500 words, using 6-8 sources, you should

• persuade your readers that the issue is a problem

• identify the cause(s) of the problem

• propose a solution to the problem (based on the cause(s) you identify)

• refute at least one arguments against your proposed solution (such as another possible solutions), and

• encourage the reader to take action toward your proposed solution.

You will be graded according to the English 1 Essay Rubric. Please read it again now to remind yourself of essay expectations.

Writing Instructions:

• underline your thesis statement

• use a combination of ethos, logos, and pathos

• persuade your reader that this is actually a problem: what effect is this situation having on who, and why should we care?

• explain the cause of the problem and connect your solution to that cause

• focus on a solution for the problem - this your thesis and what you want your audience to take action on

• refute at least one specific counter-argument (either a reason your reader might not think this is a problem or why another solution doesn't work).

Submission Instructions:

• underline your thesis statement

• make sure your MLA in-text citations are correct

• make sure you have smoothly and correctly integrated sources

• make sure your Works Cited page is in MLA format

• save your file in .doc, .docx, or (preferably) .pdf format and submit to the dropbox via Canvas

• double-check that your submission is in the dropbox

• check your email frequently in the days following submission - the professor will contact you if there are any issues with your submission.

Topics and Questions

You may choose your own topic to research, but don't waste too much time deciding a topic. It needs to be a problem with several possible solutions. More focused topics (homelessness in L.A.) work better than big topics (global warming). Topics that you are interested in and/or are related to your major work really well; make this meaningful for you!