Include the following elements within the paper:
a. An introduction paragraph that engages the reader (hook), provides context (background information), and presents an debatable argumentative with a solid claim and sound arguments. (ACT → Attention Grabber, Context, and Argument)
b. Background in the introduction paragraph that provides information to the
readers in order to understand the issue. Background can include definition of key
terms, explanation of key people associated with the issue, or perhaps necessary
historical background. Those are just examples.
c. Body paragraphs dedicated to the explanation of each argument that was
presented in the thesis along with a discussion of the solution for the issue
(dedicate 1-2 paragraphs to the solution and researched support for that solution).
Arrangement of your arguments must follow the order established in thesis, and
the order must be arranged with intent – stronger arguments need to outshine
weaker ones. Depending on the length and degree of the argument, it is possible
that one argument could require two body paragraphs.
Body paragraphs will always begin with solid topic sentences and then move onto provide evidence from sources in the form of direct quotes, summary, or paraphrase. Inclusion of source material always requires an in-text citation as credit has to be given to the person responsible for the original idea. Analysis always follows the evidence as it is your task to explain how the evidence supports the point being made. The closing sentence in the body paragraph summarizes the discussion. Follow the
MEAL plan to build solid body paragraphs. Note you are capped at two lines of quoted material per page. Two lines, not two sentences.
d. 1-2 body paragraphs that present each counterargument to your paper’s primary
argument (1-2 counterarguments should be sufficient).
e. A conclusion paragraph that briefly restates (not repeats) the thesis and reviews
the paper’s key points and, more importantly, offers either a call to action on the
part of the reader or a prediction of what could happen if the issue is not
addressed (or both).
2. You must include a separate References page formatted to APA standards. A minimum of five sources are required. All sources must come from the FTCC online library or any other library you have access to (look for journal articles) – no exceptions. Papers that do not include both in-text citations and a Works Cited page will earn a zero – no exceptions.
3. The paper must be written in 3rd person. The paper is not about you or the reader, so remove yourself and the reader from the text.
4. Review the SafeAssign report before you walk away from your submission (submit the file, wait a few minutes, and then review the report once it’s ready). Plagiarized papers will earn a zero. You can find the FTCC plagiarism policy under the “FTCC Policies” link in Blackboard.
Keep in mind not all topics are appropriate for this paper. Avoid saturated topics in the “Off
Limits Topic List” below:
gun control
death penalty
abortion
religion in school
religion at work
the Bible
legalization of marijuana/drugs
euthanasia/assisted suicide
raising minimum wage
lowering/raising legal drinking age
lowering/raising legal voting age
lowering/raising legal age to join military
immigration/illegal immigrants
global warming
LGBTQIA rights marriage, adoption
universal healthcare
free college/university tuition
paying college athletes
homeschooling
school uniforms
private/public schools
sex education in schools
technology in classrooms
screen-time/social media for children
animal testing
recycling
violent video games/video games
vaccines/immunization/Covid-19
veganism/plant-based food
