Q Investigate a topic from Outliers or Know My Name. Present your argument/opinion about that topic in an essay. This is a research based essay. Use a mix of paraphrase, summary, and quotation to support your points. The issue must be related to one of the books we have read this semester. We have just started Know My Name, so I know that you can't possibly talk about the whole book. You must have a clear, arguable opinion expressed in the thesis and supported in the body. Clear opinions can include: arguing for a point, arguing against a point, arguing that a certain issue is a problem and presenting why it’s a problem, presenting a problem and possible solutions to the problem. Your job is to pick a topic; then, find out from your research what different opinions scholars have about the topic. Decide what your opinion is based on your research. Present that with the research. I highly recommend that you research a topic that connects to your major and/or personal interests! Criteria: I will cover all of the points below. It' s okay if you don't know what I am talking about when you see this list. By the time the final draft is due, you will understand each of these points. I will not accept a final draft if you have not also submitted a first or second draft a few days prior to turning in the final draft. Engagement in the writing process. Your research and drafts will count as homework points. 1500-1750 words (6-7 pages) (2250 word max!). This is the longest essay you will write in ENGL 105 this semester; you’ve got this! If you reuse writing from a previous essay from my class or another previous class, those reused words will not count in your word count. At least six outside sources: At least three articles from the library databases (Each source must have a minimum 1000 words or 2 pages, be up-to-date, reliable, originally in English, and not Wikipedia). One of the six sources could be Gladwell or Miller. All evidence (quotes, paraphrases, and summaries) must be cited using MLA format for both in-text and reference citations. Each paragraph must have specific, concrete examples to illustrate your points. Quotes should be introduced with signal phrases/reporting verbs and be in a “fat synthesis sandwich.” Clear thesis statement, TEA paragraphs, introductory hook, and well-thought-out conclusion Works Cited at the end of the essay (on its own page) MLA formatting: header on first page and your last name and page number in the top right of all subsequent pages Double spaced, 12-point font; Times New Roman, Garamond, Arial, or Calibri font Style. The essay should not include: any passive voice, announcement language “In this essay, I will talk about . . .,” over generalizations including: “you”/"we all"/"all people" (I will cover the above grammar topics.) Proofread especially for run-on sentences, comma splices, use of FANBOYS, capitalization of “I” and spelling.