In 500 words and five paragraphs, explore an uncommon controversy. Briefly explain the controversy itself and describe four or five different causes of it. What makes this subject controversial? The purpose of this essay is to explore an issue by tracing its genesis (cause) or envisioning its transformative power in the future (effects) in order to gain a deeper understanding of what and how external forces shape events. At this stage in your planning, you should already know if your essay will explore causes or effects, but not both