This essay explores the persuasive mode, one of the more common kinds of writing you'll experience throughout your college and professional career. Your goal is to persuade your audience to consider your position on a controversial subject. Understand, there is seldom a definitive right or wrong answer in anything. You should anticipate the real possibility that some of your readers will not initially agree with you on your stance. Part of this essay requires that you take opposing viewpoints into consideration when making your argument. By truthfully representing the strengths of your opponent's point of view, you show that you have considered more than one option when making your decision. This gives you more clout with your audience. 

Criteria
The final draft of your essay should contain the following basic features:

A well-defined issue that is controversial by nature 
A clear thesis statement that demonstrates the position you will be taking throughout the essay 
A treatment of at least three sources drawn exclusively from the EBSCO database, at least one of them supporting your claim 
A counter argument with at least one credible source defending the opposing viewpoint 
A refutation to or compromise with the counter argument 
In addition to the above, the final draft of your essay should be:

Nine-hundred to 1200 words in length, typed in Times New Roman, 12pt. font, double-spaced, with one inch margins 
Formatted according to APA style 
Edited for spelling, mechanical, grammatical, and typing errors 
Please note: you will have the opportunity to revise and perfect this essay, but you should do your best to make this draft as complete as possible so you can receive more relevant feedback from your instructor.