For this essay you will write a 1500 word (not including your title and heading) Argumentative essay over your approved topic.  Review discussion post and Argumentative response essay for additional information. 

Remember emotion has no room in this essay. Stick to the facts to support your argument. You must include aspects of personal responsibility and decision making in the choices of your argumentative topic. In your essay you will evaluate choices and actions, and relate consequences to your decision on the stance of your topic.  Feel free to include similar comments about personal responsibility regarding the opposing side of your topic.   

You will have to use at least three outside sources (No Wikipedia or social media sources:Twitter, Facebook etc.).  You must correctly cite all sources in MLA style both within your essay and on your Works Cited page.

Your 1500 word essay will contain a supporting a thesis statement which argues one side of a two-sided issue.  Your choice of topics is very important.  There should be an opposing view to your point of view.  Most of the words in the paper should be your own.  The introduction should provide interesting lead-in information and/or background about the topic.  The points of argument (at least three) that you have chosen to address should be clarified here. The thesis statement should clearly state your position.  A forecasting statement (essay map) can be included mapping the main reasons for your opinion on the subject  which you will then support in well-developed body paragraphs.  You may use examples, analogies and quotes from authorities to clarify and add credibility to your argument.

Topic selection is a key to success.  The most important feature of the topic is that it must be a two sided issue, that is, reasonable people could make a case for both sides.  There should be an opposing view to your point of view.  Most of the words in the paper should be your own.  The introduction should provide interesting lead-in information and/or background about the topic.  The points of argument (at least three) that you have chosen to address should be clarified here. The thesis statement should clearly state your position.  A forecasting statement (essay map) can be included mapping the main reasons for your opinion on the subject  which you will then support in well-developed body paragraphs.  You may use examples, analogies and quotes from authorities to clarify and add credibility to your argument.