Write a research-based, argumentative essay in which you argue the idea that the American family is an evolving entity that consists of differing and often complex relationships. In your argument explain why society needs to adapt and evolve along with these families . Show your reader how these issues might involve them even when they don’t believe it does. Argue what is at stake if nothing is done. Finally, explain what should be done to help society adapt and evolve along with these families. Use the excerpts from Becoming Nicole and/or Loving as one/two of your sources. Use two or three additional sources *, which you cite directly, for a minimum total of four academic sources supporting your argument.
For all prompts, establish your own thesis that is inspired by the source(s) identified in the prompt. Do not cite/mention a source in your introduction—this will ensure that your t stands out, and it does not appear you are simply echoing or repeating the source. Your thesis is the next step in the argument. You are not writing an analysis or explication of the source essay(s) of the prompt—doing so would limit your grade to no better than a C. The article(s) identified in the prompt is no more important than the other research you will include. Your thesis needs to establish the context and purpose of the argument, identify what’s at stake, and establish a claim about what should be done.
Format your paper per MLA guidelines. Do not include a separate title page—follow MLA guidelines for title and identification . Your essay must begin with an introduction that contains a clearly defined, purpose driven, and arguable thesis. The introduction should clearly identify any supporting main ideas that will support the thesis. Body paragraphs must begin with minor claims (topic sentences) that advance controlling ideas and that support the thesis. All ideas should be supported with research(sources). Your paper must cite examples from the stated texts in the prompt and from your outside sources*. Each paragraph must be supported with critical thinking that explains the significance of the chosen quotation/citation as is relates to your ideas (hint: do not end paragraphs with quotations). In your conclusion make a final statement that clearly identifies why what has been shown in your essay is important and explain what is at stake.
*additional sources must come only from the following: an article from a journal database provided by the Reedley College Library ; an article in a major newspaper or magazine; a book . Sources that do not meet this criteria may be used, but will not count toward the minimum required sources; failure to include the minimum required source material—from appropriate academic sources—will result in a failing grade.
In order to earn a passing grade your paper must:
include an original title that speaks to your thesis; do not copy a source’s title or simple use “Essay 1”;
be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman 12pt font;
be formatted according to MLA: heading info; margins; page numbers; etc.—see pages 176-186 of A Pocket Style Manual 9th Ed. (no separate title page should be included);
be a minimum of 4 full pages;
contain a minimum of 4 cited sources that meet the criteria for academic research as stated in this prompt;
use MLA guidelines for in-text citations and Works Cited page;
be written using strictly an academic, third-person point-of-view (no I, me, my, we, us, our, you, or y’all).
