You have selected a topic that you would like to write about. You have also located at least one reputable (quality) source to use in your final paper. For this assignment, you will write a brief argumentative research essay. The goal of this assignment is for you to clearly state your opinions and use at least one outside source to support your ideas. Note: You must include a references list in APA format which includes the source(s) that you used in your paper. Write your paper as an essay.

The first draft (1) of your research paper should contain the following parts (*follow directions carefully):

Introduction (4+ sentences). Answer the following questions for your introductory paragraph:

1. Introduce topic. What topic (e.g., junk food) are you discussing in your paper? How does it relate to healthy eating and/or the diet crisis in America? Explain the problem: Why is it an issue? Why is it important (e.g., costs, causes/effects, advantages/disadvantages, possible long-term costs to health)? [Note: Look at Rhetorical Conventions handout in Resources folder in Oncourse]

2. Summarize key points. What are some opinions about your topic? What do some experts say about your topic?

3. Provide a thesis statement. Why are you discussing this topic in your paper? What is your solution to the diet crisis and healthy eating in America?

Body Paragraphs (6+ sentences each, minimum of 1 paragraph). Answer the following questions:

1. Provide a main idea (What reasons will you give in support of your topic/thesis?)

2. What do the experts say about your topic? Do you agree or disagree with the experts? Why or ?why not? Clearly explain yourpoint-of-view.

3. Provide supporting details (e.g., examples, observations, opinions, expert opinions, facts, explanation, description, or definition). When you use outside source information in your paper, do the following: ?(a) summarize (in your own words)? (b) paraphrase (use synonyms, no 2-3 of the same words in the same order, no quotation ?marks) or? (c) quote (use same words and sentence structure as original, quotation marks, signal ?phrase with author and year, and write the page number) the information.

4. Use the appropriate in-text citation (author/ title, year) for summaries and paraphrases. Only use ?the title of the source if there is NO author given.

5. Make sure you cite at least one outside source that supports (PRO/FOR) your main idea.