Length 3-4 pages (1,000 – 1,250 words).
At least one chart, graph, or table. You may also include a picture if it supports your overall essay.
At least three outside sources: Two of your sources must come from the Library database.
No more than five sources.
A clear introduction and solid conclusion.
A thesis statement that names and says something about the problem.
At least three short, direct quotations.
At least one long, direct quotation.
One paraphrase or summary from an outside quotation.
A works cited page with at least three sources that are used in the text.
Some Guidelines and Advice
As in all essays, topic selection is crucial. Do some pre-writing–brainstorm ideas, free write on some possible topics for a few minutes–before settling on a specific topic.

Some considerations as you think about topics:

How does this topic affect me?
How can I narrow a broad topic (e.g. money) to a manageable size?
How can I “prove” this topic is worthy of attention?
Be careful of picking topics that…

are laced with emotion and controversy (abortion, gun control, politics),
rely on value systems which are very personal (religion, how the country is ‘going to hell in a hand-basket’),
are too broad (the economy, school choice, social media. Note, however, many of these topics can be narrowed),
would tend to lead to a report rather than an argument (obesity, global warming, depletion of natural resources)