Essay requirements

1.  This should be a persuasive, rather than a descriptive, essay.  It must have a thesis and supporting arguments.

2.  That being said, it will not be in the form of a 5-paragraph English class essay.  You should have an introduction and a conclusion.  You should have a section at the beginning for information and research, in order to educate the reader about the current situation that you are writing about. You should have 3 strong arguments in support of your thesis.  Arguments give answers as to why your thesis is right.  Arguments are not examples.

Thesis:  Cats are better than dogs.
Arguments:  Why?  Because:  They don't need so much care, they are cuter, and they are smaller/less harmful to children.

Notice how the arguments are general and they effectively prove the thesis.  Do not confuse examples with arguments.  (Here is the wrong way:  Cats are better than dogs.  Why?  Because there are indoor cats, tabby cats, and Persian cats.)  I know it sounds crazy here, but it is very easy in an essay to give examples instead of arguments.  Examples can be used to illustrate your arguments, but they are not arguments in and of themselves.

3.  You must have a bibliography or list of sources used.  You must use proper referencing for any material you are using that is not your own.  Use APA, MLA, or Chicago style.  Your choice, as long as it is consistent and correct.

4. Your essay must be 5 pages, double spaced, normal margins, no larger than 12 point font.  This is not including the title page and bibliography.  You may use headings throughout your paper.  You must have a title page.  Hand in 2 printed copies of your essay by 10:24am on January 24.