English

 Your tasks for this week are as follows:

1. Finalize the topic for your paper based on the topic you selected for the Discussion Board in Unit 1 and the feedback your instructor and peers provided, or select one from the list of topics/issues below. You can select any topic you like, but you must obtain approval from your instructor first.  This is to ensure that the topic is appropriate for an argumentative essay and related to an issue that will hold your interest when you return to this essay in the coming weeks. 


2. Review the source in the Topic Bibliography on your topic.


3. Locate a similar, credible source on the issue using the AIU Library and this Internet search tool, by conducting a key word search based on your research topic. Think about the evidence you find so that you can form an opinion. Here are some additional tools to assist with your search:
   
   
   
   • AIU Library Orientation Libguide
   
   
   • TRAP test to ascertain the credibility of your sources. 
   
   
   
   


4. Complete this worksheet to assist you in composing an opening paragraph for your essay (do not submit the worksheet; it is for guidance purposes only with this Submission). Your opening paragraph should establish a thesis statement that reflects the essay’s overall claim and explain the importance of the selected topic. Be sure you support the claim with two reasons based on evidence, and include at least 1 quote from the sources that you assembled in Steps 2, 3, or 4. Explain the rationale for the selected quote(s).


5. Include properly formatted APA in-text citations and a corresponding Reference page for the one quote used in the opening paragraph.

NOTE: For assistance with this assignment, please refer to the assigned readings listed under Unit 2 Learning Activities, as well as your intellipath® lessons.

Topics/Issues to Choose From

• Is TV a leftover media source from the past that will soon be outdated, or is TV keeping up with the times and attracting new viewers?


• How is social media affecting young adults, parents, or teens for better or worse?


• Should high school students be required to take a civics course as a graduation requirement?


• Should journalists try to be objective to regain the public’s confidence?


• Do charter schools hurt traditional public schools?


• Are drug courts the solution to addressing nonviolent drug offenders?


• Should forensic techniques require federal approval for use in court?


• Should the U.S. government provide universal health care?


• Do video games portray positive or negative gender stereotypes?