Write a 500-750 word essay on one of the following topics. Aim for a 5-paragraph essay structure ( introduction with thesis, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion). Your essay should be formatted in MLA style, including double spacing throughout. All sources should be properly cited both in the text and on a works cited page. As with most academic writing, this essay should be written in third person. Please avoid both first person (I, we, our, etc.) and second person (you, your). Be careful that you don't create a "cut and paste" paper of information from your various sources. Your ideas are to be new and freshly constructed.

Whatever topic you choose you will need a debatable thesis. A thesis is not a fact, a quote, or a question. It is your position on the topic. The reader already knows the story; you are to offer him a new perspective based on your observations.