We have looked at three main topics in this second unit. They are-_broadly- the Joe
Rogan/Spotify controversy; using homicide prosecutions as a way to address the opioid crisis;
and the banning of Maus in McMinn County, TN.
You will use one of these general topics as the genesis of your second essay. These three issues
raise many questions, and there are many ways we can explore and discuss each of these broad
topics. Your job in this second paper will be to define your territory-
essentially, what do you
want to explore in relation to any of these topics? You will then conduct your own research to
add new voices to this conversation- voices that help explore the angle you are discussing.
The quality of the conversation you pursue will most likely affect your overall grade on the
paper. (An obvious or simplistic discussion will not be as successful as a discussion that finds a
compelling take or adds to the conversation in an interesting way.) Remember, you should use
our class conversation to seed the conversation in your paper- this means it should be related in
some meaningful way to what we’ve discussed.
You will have to find and incorporate at least two new sources (and at least three total) for the
paper. You will need to carefully select those sources to ensure they add depth and nuance to the
conversation. Also, be sure to adequately summarize these articles and quote them when
necessary. You will also need to correctly cite these articles in a works cited page.
Here are some things you might try to accomplish in this essay:
Personalize the issue or topic, though this does not mean with a personal narrative. Show
why your perspective matters.
Clearly present and develop your position.
Respond to other authors who have written about this issue.
Anticipate opposition to your key claims, and use naysayers to develop your ideas.
Find new territory and new ideas as you explore the topic-
or, in other words, learn
something as you write.
Connect to bigger issues/ideas.
Early on, be sure to establish that you are responding to a particular idea presented by a
particular author. You might discuss the topic in general terms, but do not delay in developing
your own position. Also, the opening move is the ideal time to use style and imagination to
engage the reader.
When you engage with the ideas of others, use summary and paraphrase to provide your reader
with the context needed for understanding the authors’ claims. Use quotations to present the
most crucial claims the claims you wish to directly address. Follow the quotations with
explanation and then turn to your response.
Provide the essay some sense of closure and return your reader to the central idea, but try to
avoid obvious repetition. Show how your additions to the conversation relate to a bigger picture.
It’s okay to be innovative and creative.
NEED ASSIGNMENT HELP?
We guarantee plagiarism-free and AI-free writing services. Every assignment is crafted with originality, precision, and care to meet your academic needs.
Ready to get started? Place your order directly on this post!
Let us help you achieve excellence—authentic work, every time.
Leave a Reply