Social Issue Essays
3rd Quarter
A. Prewriting Consider laws, problems, policies to investigate and to resolve.
Brainstorm in the following areas, and write a few possibilities for each
school/age-related
city, county
state,
nation
worldwide
B. Expository paper will document that your issue is “significant.” You need to
gather the following data
1. The status quo—what is the current situation—laws on the books, general
positions
2. Define terms needed to discuss and resolve the problem (maximum 5)
3. Use statistics to document the severity of the problem. If you find
contradictions in this data, say so; that’s part of #4.
4. Identify the key players and incidents in the past (the history and
background for the problem) and/or the authorites/experts on the problem
now and give their explanation of the issue or their side of the argument.
Be as unbiased as you can in explaining all positions.
5. Use the Works Cited format on our class’ website to keep a list of your
sources.
6. If, as you research, you come across any solutions you think are good or
programs that might solve the problem, write down where they come
from—you need that for the second paper!
7. Paper will be formatted according to our MLA on the website and
submitted to turnitin.com. Minimum
4th Quarter
C. Solution/Persuasive Essay You will discuss an answer to your issue, giving its parts
and advantages, then defending it against opposition (your reasons for your choice)
turnitin.com and Works Cited also Due date: the day after Prom (ha-ha!)