Minimum Basic Requirements
8-10 FULL pages* (not including works cited page). Note that full length means full, all the-way-to-the-bottom-of-the-page pages. If you are in doubt, you should write eight pages and then one sentence on the fifth page.
Five sources minimum, two of which must be from the MCC databases
A causal argument. When you get immersed in the work of this paper, it’s easy to forget that you must structure this as a causal argument. Also, you’ll want to read the instructions that are specific to your topic below. Some topics lend themselves more to causes than effects; others are just the opposite. If you stray from the suggestions/advice/guidelines for your topic, points will be deducted from your final paper.
Students who don’t meet the minimum basic requirements will receive a zero for this paper with no opportunity to revise.
Every successful paper will:
Contain a thesis that makes an assertion.
Support the thesis with valid claims found in high quality sources.
Make clear connections between the problem and the effects and/or causes.
Explain the problem.
Counter argue any opposing views.
Be coherently structured.
Synthesize sources seamlessly.
Quote appropriately, providing context and signal phrase each time a quote is used.
Be written only in third person.
Demonstrate an understanding of MLA documentation and format.
Be written in a style appropriate for a college-level paper.
Potential mistakes:
Arguing from a personal point of view with no sources to support your views.
Ranting and raving
Plagiarizing
Repeating the same ideas several times instead of going into depth and expanding ideas.
Relying on faulty logic to make argument.
Blaming the media instead of investigating the true cause of an issue.
