WRITE AN ESSAY

Length: 5 or more pages plus a Works Cited page with at least three recent sources, preferably from library databases.

The highlights:

• 5+ pages minimum
• Works Cited with at least 3 sources
• Three options to address the problems that your thesis brings up

Please make sure to save all work as either .docx or .pdf. Canvas can't read Google docs or .pages.

There are only two thesis statements that I ask you not to write about: same-sex marriage and legalizing marijuana.

You may include up to a single page in background information if it is needed. The background information may be the pro and con arguments that your options address.

Only papers with at least three recent (no older than five years) sources from the library databases will earn As, though not all of your sources need to be from the library databases and more recent.

Here is a link to the library research guide for this project.

What counts as an option?

• An option is a specific action that has been used in some way, at some time and has had measurable, successful results.
• An option examines one element of the issue and has shown improvement in that element.
• An option makes allowances for both sides.
• A good option will focus on proven programs, laws or policies with some measure of success. While I applaud the efforts of individuals, a strong option does not focus on the everyday acts of those individuals. That is, if there is no need for any outside funding or regulation, it's not a good option. An option doesn't call for a reader to mend their ways, or assume that the audience must agree with the author.

This paper will recommend at least three courses of action besides the thesis that are both specific and feasible. Be detailed. What are some possible drawbacks and how will they be addressed? What are some specific goals for the proposals? Are they practical? How have these programs/laws worked in other states or countries? What are the results?

You are not making up anything for this paper.

Consider the goal of any thesis is to make things better. Therefore, a good option is a another approach besides the thesis to make things better.

It may be best to think in terms of legislation. That is, are there laws in place or being debated that would help to solve the problem? What are other states doing about this issue? Countries? How can a current proposal in another state be modified to fit California's needs? There is no need to reinvent the wheel; please don't imagine that I expect a solution to this problem. Rather, this paper is presenting a number of different proven approaches and focusing on the results thereof.

This is not giving good advice to a friend. Instead, imagine yourself in front of a city or even state council. How are you going to persuade them that these are good alternatives? This is also not merely Pro or Con restated.

The paper should have a few ideas to present regarding reasonable next steps, using the strongest first. The one with the most evidence supporting it is the strongest. They can even be contradictory. Keep in mind that this is the closest I come to asking for a report.

This is not to be a flip, knee-jerk response, but reasoned, applicable actions. Saying that everyone must agree is not a proposal; it is part of the problem. Beware of arguments that begin something like this: "It's simple. All we have to do is . . ." or "If everyone/Congress/Supreme Court/the President would just . . ."

For example, the thesis is "CA should ban solitary confinement." The thesis goal is to make prisons more safe and humane. Other options, besides banning solitary confinement, may be implementing Hawaii's HOPE program, having a cap on solitary rather than banning it altogether, allowing inmates tablets, sponsoring different vocational programs in prison, etc. All of these options have proven to make things better in some way, though none are perfect.

For example, the thesis is "Salinas should build a tiny home community for the homeless." The thesis goals are to provide housing for the homeless and reduce the homeless population. Other options, besides building a tiny home community, may be opening the shelter year-round, adopting the Housing First program, offer incentives for creating Section 8 housing, etc. Again, all of these are proven to make some difference, though none are perfect.

As a conclusion, you may say which is your favorite option and why, but that's only one paragraph.

An A paper will meet or exceed the following expectations:

Content:

1. Paper will be as detailed as possible, showing how the proposals have worked in similar circumstances.
2. Proposal will have measurable goals.
3. Paper will recommend courses of action that are specific and feasible.
4. The options will show consideration to both sides.
5. Proposal will have shown real thought, not just a band-aid or a quick fix.

Style:

1. Paper will be convincing and clear.
2. Paper will be persuasive.
3. Paper will be organized logically and attribute all borrowed ideas to correct sources.

Mechanics: Spelling, punctuation, and grammar will all be mistake-free or close to it.

MLA:

1. Paper will have a Works Cited page with at least three current library database sources.
2. Paper will have correct parenthetical notations.

PLEASE I NEED IT, ON ABORTION PLEASE