Issue Analysis Essay
Format MLA
Volume of 900 – 1100 pages (4 pages)
Assignment type : Essay
Description
The purpose of this essay is to identify and analyze a significant issue or topic of discussion in your field of study or meta-major or planned career. First, you will explore and consider various viewpoints on the issue through reading, researching, and writing. This exploration will include three elements: your perspective, the perspectives of others in the field, and the perspectives of various authors of articles you have read. Then you will craft a specific thesis in regard to the issue, utilizing academic resources to support your position and to explore various perspectives of the issue. Finally, you will propose a possible answer or solution(s) to the issue. Characteristics of the Issue Analysis EssayA successful essayprovides an engaging introduction that offers the reader some background information on this issue.presents a thesis that offers a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of this issue as it relates to your meta-major or chosen career path.supports the thesis through well-developed paragraphs that are organized strategically.presents an objective stance by the use of third-person voice.includes specific details and evidence with regard to the problem.correctly integrates quotations and conforms to MLA documentation and format guidelines.Essay Requirements900 – 1,100 words (roughly three or more pages)minimum of two secondary sources, including one source accessed from the TCC library databasesrecommended: one primary source (an interview with an off-campus professional)MLA format for presentation (typed, double-spaced, 12-pt. Times New Roman font, 1” margins) and source documentation (in-text citations and Works Cited page).ProcessReading and Pre-Writing Much of your work in writing this essay will take place before you begin writing a first draft. The very first thing to do is to engage a sense of whole literacy by combining reading and writing in order to explore your initial feelings/views regarding a potential topic. Follow this plan:Read and annotate Chapter 35, 350-354, “Analyzing Causes and Effects” and Chapter 48, 473-477, “Synthesizing Ideas” in The Norton Field Guide to Writing (NFGW). As you read, make summary and critical notes.
Read some professional writings as designated by your instructor. As you read, make summary and critical notes, write down interesting quotes, and be on the lookout for interesting points from the texts which you might address in your essay. Label these “Reading Notes.”Think about, and list on a sheet of paper, several possible topics for your essay. Choose the one you think works best for this assignment. Once you have settled on a topic, write for at least five minutes about your related viewpoints, biases, observations, and experiences; this might help you begin to find a focus question. Label this free-writing “My View.”NOTE: Turn in these notes – one and two above – to the discussion board on Canvas. ResearchingLocate, read, evaluate, and take notes on at least two secondary sources for developing your analysis, including one source accessed from the TCC Library.Bring your research to class on October 12/13th. DraftingUsing your above notes, try to write a rough draft of your essay. Read Chapter 28 “Drafting”, 298-300, in NFGW. Bring a rough draft to class on October 19/20th. The following outline offers a suggested guideline for organizing your issue analysis essay. Introduction (one or two paragraphs)Create a lead-in “hook” to engage your readers’ interest (e.g., a striking quotation gleaned from your exploratory research, an anecdote or scenario, a related current event).Provide brief background information to bring your readers up to speed: Why should readers care about this topic as a subject of inquiry? What relevance does it have to their lives/careers today?Provide a brief overview of different perspectives on the topic.Present a focused and specific thesis with regard to the issue.Body (minimum of five paragraphs)Discuss each perspective or idea separately in one or more paragraphs.Include and comment on the importance of others’ opinions.Include transitions between your discussions of each perspective/idea.Begin each perspective/idea with a clear topic sentence.Support all viewpoints with details and specific examples, possibly making use of comparison and contrast.Include the required outside sources. Paraphrase ideas more than quoting them.Conclusion (one or two paragraphs)How can the issue be resolved? Make suggestions.Propose possible solutions or remedies to this issue. Propose a course of action, if applicable.Seeking Feedback and RevisingOnce you have completed a rough draft of your entire essay, let it sit awhile. Read Chapter 29, “Assessing Your Own Writing,” 301-305, NFGW. Then read your draft, while considering areas that might be further developed or improved. Write while you read; applying whole literacy to the revision process is essential to improved results. Think about the big picture: clarity, development, and coherence. Feedback is a most helpful element in the revision process. Letting other people read your work can help you identify specific areas for improving, as well as recognize specific strengths in your writing. Read Chapter 30, “Getting Response and Revising,” 306-312, in NFGW. Recommended options for feedback:*Submit essay to Smart thinking for feedback by the deadline suggested by your instructor. *Complete a “Self-Review” of your essay as indicated by your instructor. *Participate in a “Peer Review” as indicated by your instructor. *Consider taking your essay to the Learning Commons for additional support and feedback for content development. Editing and Proofreading .After you have revised for content, think about the details of writing clarity and correctness: sentence clarity, word choice, grammar and punctuation. Read Chapter 31, “Editing and Proofreading,” 313-317, in NFGW. To help you address sentence-level clarity and correctness of your writing, as well as the technicalities of MLA documentation and format, consider visiting the Learning Commons for a conference. Submitting the
