Instructions: For this essay, you will compose an argumentative piece of writing in the style of an editorial or an op-ed. Use the learning resources from the unit that provide guidance for how to compose an op-ed or editorial piece. Choose one of the essential questions to focus on for the argument. Once you identify the issue you would like to address, consider the appropriate audience to direct your editorial or op-ed. For example, you might write for a local newspaper or community health bulletin. Essential Questions (choose one): What was the initial intent of the public education system and what challenges does public education currently face? What needs must be met by the public education system, and how should they be addressed? Why are families opting for alternatives to public education after the pandemic? Are these alternatives practical? Criteria: Length: 750-1000 words Style: Editorial or Op-Ed Audience: The editorial or op-ed should be directed at readers of a newspaper or magazine who are invested in the issues you are writing about (families, educators, community members) Content Development: Include an introduction, conclusion and a minimum of three body paragraphs Include a thesis statement in the introduction paragraph that expresses your opinion, claim, or stance about the health topic. This statement is the answer or response to the essential question Body paragraphs should provide support for the thesis statement in the form of evidence and examples Include a refutation or counterargument (see note below) Source Integration: Integrate at least two learning resources from the unit Research and integrate at least two additional sources Include MLA style in-text citations in all sentences with direct quotes or paraphrased information from a source Include an MLA style Works Cited page at the end of the essay (not included in word count minimum) Note about Persuasive Writing: Also known as the argument essay, a persuasive essay uses logic, reason, and sufficient support to show that one idea is more valid than another. Essentially, this type of writing defends a particular position on a debatable subject. In your thesis, you should clearly state your position on the issue, and in your body paragraphs, support your thesis with facts, relevant examples, and details. To reiterate, it is important to make sure that your topic is debatable. That is, someone could agree or disagree with it. For example, the topic "smoking is bad for one's health" is not a good topic because everyone, including smokers, agrees that smoking is harmful to their health. A better persuasive topic to defend would be, "Smoking should be banned in all public places, including all bars and restaurants. There would be supporters and opponents of this topic. While providing extensive support for one's argument, it is equally important to acknowledge the opposing point and show how this point is weak. This act of proving the opposing point false or weak is called a refutation. It is a good idea to add a refutation paragraph just before the conclusion to acknowledge and disprove an opponent's point