ENC 1101 Issue Analysis Essay

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 Essay

A successful essay

· provides 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.

Topic: Now that we have read the primary text, discuss factors students should consider when choosing a major. As you explore this topic, you may consider some of the below questions:

· Why is it hard for some students to select a major?

· What are some pros and cons of choosing a major in the arts?

· What are some pros and cons of choosing a STEM major?

· How did you arrive at your decision to enter your major?

· Should money be a determining factor in deciding a major/career?

· Should student debt influence a student’s decision when selecting a major/career?

Length of Paper: 3 – 5 pages

Important features to include in this essay:

· Research and integrate a minimum of five sources into your essay. Each source must be referenced and cited in the essay as a quote or paraphrase and cited as a tag reference or parenthetical citation within the essay. As you search for your sources, please adhere to the following:

1. Of the five sources, reference at least one academic journal.

2. Of the five sources, reference at least one magazine article.

3. Of the five sources, reference at least one interview of a student not enrolled in the course.

4. Of the five sources, reference at least one interview of an academic advisor or faculty member.

5. Of the five sources, locate at least one source from the TCC database.

6. No Wikipedia sources

· Avoid second person (e.g., you, your, imperative sentences).

· Prepare a Works Cited section on the last page of the essay for the primary and three secondary texts.

MAKE SURE YOUR PAPER HAS A TITLE. YOUR TITLE IS NOT THE REWORDING OF THE PROMPT. YOUR TITLE SHOULD REFLECT YOUR THESIS, OR THE PREMISE OF YOUR ESSAY!!!!!!!

Other reminders: Font Times New Roman / Size 12; Double Spaced; Include Page Numbers (top right corner of page); and NO COVER PAGE. Your first page should look like this:

Submission: Please submit your essay through canvas. Do not email your final papers.

Possible Outline

The following outline offers a suggested guideline for organizing your issue analysis essay.

Introduction (1-2 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 (3-5 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 (1-2paragraphs)

· How can the issue be resolved? Make suggestions.

· Propose possible solutions or remedies to this issue.

· Propose a course of action, if applicable.

If you have any other questions, please see me during my office hours, or email me.

Thank You! And Happy Drafting!!!