propose a solution to a specific problem within our community that you identif

Your last paper of the quarter is an argumentative (as opposed to expository) research paper. It will build upon and synthesize all of the skills you have developed thus far. The assignment itself is to propose a solution to a specific problem within our community that you identify as important to both you and your readers.

Some examples of possible problems and solutions:

To build a sense of community and to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors, a new dog park should be built in Lacey.
To protect intravenous drug users as well as the community, the City of Olympia should implement a safe injection site downtown.
To encourage civic engagement and to allow for full and fair representation, Thurston County should provide transportation to voting booths for the elderly on election days.

There are almost limitless possibilities regarding what topic to pick. Choose something that interests you. Be creative. Remember that in the end, it’s “about” the writing. Make sure to write as clearly and elegantly as possible.

Research the topic in order to make yourself knowledgeable about it
Support your rationale with credible researched evidence and logical supporting arguments
Use at least one visual argument (a graph, a chart, a compelling photo)
Consider alternative points-of-view and weigh their merits in relation to your proposal

The research requirement is as follows:

Support your paper’s claims with 6-8 outside sources of information
One or more of your sources must come from our library databases (EBSCO, ProQuest, Etc.)
One or more of your sources should be a book or an e-book
If you use websites, they should be a .org, .gov, or .edu
You may include one “alternative,” creative source such as an interview, a video, an advertisement, a piece of art or literature, a sacred text, etc.

Make sure to meet the minimum research requirement, and do not exceed the maximum allowable number of sources. Too few sources, or too few credible sources, will weaken your claims. Too many sources may cause you to lose your voice in the paper and turn it into a report. Citations should be used sparingly and should comprise no more than 15-20% of your paper. Excerpt small sections of text. Make sure to weave your quotations into your own sentences. There should be no free-standing quotations, and in a paper of this length, block quotes are not advisable. Finally, make sure to cite properly. Direct quotation is preferable. If you summarize or paraphrase, make sure to credit the source properly or you risk inadvertently plagiarizing.

Additional Requirements: This paper should be 6-8 double spaced, typewritten pages (approximately 1800-2400 words), and should follow MLA format for page layout and source documentation, including in-text citations and a Works Cited page. Use a Times New Roman twelve point font and create a thematic title.