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English 1A/1AS - Judith Castillo

This guide supports Professor Castillo's English 1A/1AS Argument Research Essay assignment.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Research Guide for Prof. Castillo's English 1A/1AS class!  Use the navigation tabs to the left to check out the helpful tools for you to use when you research.  Please feel welcome and encouraged to visit or contact the ECC Library kif you need any help.

Your Assignment

Instructions

Write a 6-7 page Argument Research Essay on one of the topics listed below.

Topic Choices:

  • Impact of Technology on...

  • Racism

  • Sexism

  • Education Technology

  • Mental Health

  • The Ethics of AI in 

  • Law Enforcement

  • Universal Basic Income

  • Role of Media in...

Note: When selecting a topic, consider narrowing your focus to a specific aspect or question within the broader topic. For example, if you choose "Technology," you might focus on " The Impact of Technology on the Workforce."

Assignment Requirements:

Length & Format: Your essay must be a minimum of 6-7 full pages (not including Works Cited), double-spaced, in 12 pt Times New Roman.

Argumentative Thesis: Your essay must have a clear and focused argumentative thesis statement that takes a definitive stance on your chosen topic.

Sources: At least five sources should be included; three of them must be different types of sources as follows:

  • At least one source must be from an ECC library database.
  • At least one source must be a book, anthology or textbook.
  • At least one source must be from a credible website, appropriate for academic use.

The essay should not rely on any one source for most of the information; instead, it should use multiple sources and the student should synthesize the information found in them. Students must document sources in MLA format, cite them in the body of the paper, and formulate a works cited page (which does not count towards the minimum page count).

Counter-Argument: Acknowledge and rebut at least one counterargument to your main point. This will demonstrate your ability to consider multiple perspectives and strengthen your argument.

MLA Formatting: Include a correctly formatted MLA Works Cited page for your outside sources. All in-text citations should follow MLA guidelines.

Organization: Your essay should have a compelling introduction, body paragraphs that clearly relate to your thesis statement, and a satisfying conclusion that reinforces your argument.