Is Recess Important ?.
In this paper you will research a policy (rules, regulations, legislation, etc.) that is relevant to your experience/personal life. You will research the subject in order to be informed, choose an argumentative stance on the policy, and write an argumentative/persuasive essay regarding your argumentative stance (which is your writing focus). *Failure to focus your argument on a policy will result in 30+ point deductions. General Requirements: This assignment fulfills course objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4 Typed in MLA format Word range: 1000-1200 Choose a relevant and current cultural or social issue: Avoid topics that have been discussed for so long that no original points could be made (abortion, capital punishment, gun control). 3-5 researched sources Required: Primary source: originally published policy Required: Scholarly article (from the ULM database) or a book/e-book (primary and/or secondary sources) Consider: NON-online articles as sources–documentaries, interviews, radio/TV interviews, podcasts, textbooks, surveys, court cases etc. (secondary sources) Failure to meet source requirements: -5 points each Balance your original thinking with synthesis of your sources and with counter arguments and/or yielded argumentative points. Topic checklist and lessons from the past: Make sure your topic is argumentative. An argumentative topic can hold to opposing viewpoints. Ex: Should voodoo be considered a religion? Make reasonable claims and avoid speculations (speculations will cost you points!) A reasonable claim should be able to hold up in a court of law. Ex: How do horror movies affect viewers psychologically? Ex: Homosexuality is a sin! Allow your research to guide your argument. If you change your mind about your argumentative stance mid-research, then just change your thesis statement! Ex: The natural gas pipeline should be built for job creation. Avoid ‘duh!’ arguments/topics. These are arguments that fall under, hopefully, common knowledge. Ex: Meth is bad for your health Fast food is bad for you People should exercise more.