Evidence is incredibly important to making your argument work. However, evidence should not overtake your essay. For every bit of quoted info, have a sentence or two of reflection (or glue), indicating how this evidence supports your topic sentence. Yes, the more evidence, the better, but you should not simply have an entire paragraph of quoted info.
Be sure to integrate quotes into your own writing. Rule #1: Quotes should never be their own sentence.
You may want to avoid positions which are based heavily on faith instead of debatable conclusions. For example, a topic like school prayer will not work well for this assignment if the support for ones position is based solely on pure religious faith (which isnt debatable). This is not to suggest that ones religious beliefs cannot play a part in supporting ones thesis; they should not, however, be the only support.
The sources you find are meant to support and amplify your own ideas, not to BE your ideas. It is still your responsibility to come up with your own position (thesis) on the topic youve chosen, and you still have to provide your own rationale for your points as well as your own specific support and warrants.
Your paper must include:
An introductory paragraph that leads into your thesis statement
A specific thesis statement, stating the overall main idea of your essay
Each body paragraph should be focused on one main supporting point (topic sentence)
Clearly stated reasons (points) for the claim made in the topic sentences
Logical explanations (support) for the reasons (points) state
Must utilize at least five sources (fewer than five will result in zero). All sources must be reliable, academic material.
Sources are meant to support your ideas, not be your ideas
A conclusion including: a summary, a restated thesis (echo), and a final thought
Must have a properly formatted Works Cited page as last page of essay (not having a Works Cited page will result in a zero)
Must use parenthetical references (in-text citation) to indicate use of any idea which is not your own or not common knowledge (not using parenthetical references will result in a zero)
Good editing to eliminate errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
A title that fits your essay
Proper format (typed, double-spaced, titled, stapled)
Each of us has something that we are passionate about: a cause, an issue, or a policy. This interest could take the form of gun control, the legality of medical marijuana, red-light cameras, or animal welfare, to name just a few. Often our opinions about these issues goes unheard, and we find ourselves wishing we could do more to express ourselves to those responsible for making decisions about these matters.
Extra Credit: You may compose a professionally written email asking a particular official or qualified person a certain question pertaining to your topic. People to contact include
Government representatives
Policy making groups
School boards
City councils
Federal
State
Local
The list goes on.
The purpose of this assignment is to show you just how powerful communication can be and how good it feels to have your voices be heard by the policy makers. Once you have received a reply from your communication, it would be great if you could share your correspondence and reply with the class.
I hope to have many opportunities for you to present your findings in class and see just how potent your voices are.
I am happy to review your correspondence with you before you send it.
Good luck.