English

This essay will help you practice what you have learned so far in this course. First, you will choose a topic of interest. Make sure that you choose a topic with two opposing sides. Then, you need to research that topic in order to specify the topic’s scope, so it can be easily discussed in a shorter, 1000 word essay. For example, you may be interested in learning more about traffic issues in the United States. However, that topic is too large to cover in a 1000 word essay. After researching peer reviewed articles that discuss US traffic issues in general, you may discover that the metro system in the District of Columbia is underfunded and underutilized. Through your research, you found that you could make a claim that more funds should be made available in order to upgrade the metro system, which would improve traffic issues in the District of Columbia. This would make for a stronger, specific argument.

The following overused topics may not be used in your essay:
· abortion
· capital punishment
· gay marriage
· gays in the military
· mandatory drug testing
· euthanasia
· childhood obesity
· women in the military
· Underage drinking
· Legalization of marijuana

This essay must include a minimum of five sources. Three should peer-reviewed sources, preferably from the APUS databases. You may use eBooks; however, as discussed earlier this semester, books generally are not as current as peer-reviewed articles. You may also use primary sources (interviews, statistics, etc); however, these primary sources should be obtained from experts within that field. If you cannot find strong sources for your chosen topic, then change your topic. If you have a question about the validity of a source, please email me, or post your question to the open forum.

Make sure to include the following sections in your essay:

· Introduction and claim.
· Background.
· Body.
· Conclusion.

Within the body of your essay, make sure to include the following in any order:

· Support for your claim
· Opposing or alternate views
· Strong, scholarly research
· Rebuttals

After you have written your essay, please make sure to revise the content of your essay. Lastly, be sure to edit your essay by checking grammar, format, and smaller technical details. Please make sure your essay is written in third person.

Many people have shaped my life as I was growing and till this day. People who have really influence my life and helped me become the person I am today. They have showed me things that others have not. Family always has an influence in my life, but these several family members have helped me become the person I am today.
To start with, my father has shown me how to he a hard worker. All my life he has told me working hard is what counts in this world. How having a good work ethic is very important, and this is how I am going to earn money. He showed me that the amount of effort I put into work shows what type of worker I am. I am a very hard worker, and have a great work ethic thanks to my father.
Next, is my mom who has influence my life. She told me getting good grades is going to help me get a better future. The effort I put into my school work will judge what I will do after high school. She pushes me to do my best during school, and makes sure I get my homework done before having fun. Although I hate it in that moment, I soon realize it is what for my best. She is always looking out for me and my future. Wanting the best for me. Influences me to want to be the best that I can, and get a good career.
Another person who influence my life is my oldest brother Roy. I have not been very good at school and studying. He showed me that studying hard will pay off in the long run. That as long as I put my mind to it, and the effort I would be able to do it. He studies all the time and his grades show it. He influences me to study as hard as I can to do good in school/classes. Shows me I am capable to whatever I put my mind to.
Then there is my brother Diego who has also influences my life. He shows me how being himself is better than being fake. That no matter what the people who are your friends will like you for you. Not to be like the crowd. To stand up for what I believe in, and not be scare of what people might think. To dress how I want, and not try to follow what is in at the moment. That if I want something in life to go for it no matter how hard it will be to get it. To put your foot down.
Many people have influence my day to day life, but these few people really impacted my life growing up. Knowing my family was there to look up too I knew I would could make something of myself. I knew I wanted to make something more of myself.