Write a 2-page paper on a topic which you feel is important, and about which you have an opinion.  Your goal will be to persuade your reader to see this topic or issue from the same perspective you do.  You want your reader to share your opinion, after they have read your paper.

You do not need to do any research for this first paper.  If you do use any information from other sources, however, you must document them.  I suggest that you choose a topic that is something you already know about.  That way, you can focus on using persuasive techniques, and not worry about documenting for now.  We’ll do that on our next two papers. 

Your paper must follow MLA format.  MLA format requires one-inch margins on all sides, Times New Roman 12-point font (or similar), double spacing, and first lines of paragraphs should be indented using the Tab key.  Your title will be on the first page of your paper.  Your name and "Persuasive Essay" will be in the upper left corner.  Your title should be no more than two lines below your name and essay type, and your first paragraph should begin no more than 2 lines under your title.  There should be no more than one line between paragraphs.  When in doubt, check the sample paper in Course Materials.