Welcome!
For this assignment, you’ll write an argumentative essay recommending one of the assigned “target essays” for publication in a college writing textbook. Your job is to convince the editorial board (your audience) that your chosen essay deserves to be included.
To support your argument, you must use four textual sources total, including your target essay.
The other three textual sources must come from the library’s databases or books — not Google or Wikipedia.
All citations must follow MLA format.
You may use additional internet sources for background information, but they do not count toward the required four.
This guide will help you:
Before you start searching for sources, spend a few minutes reading your target essay to uncover the keywords that will guide your research.
Here’s how to do it:
Find the main claim. What is the author arguing or trying to prove?
Underline repeated ideas or big issues. These are often your main topics (for example: capitalism, identity, media bias, or war).
Look at the supporting reasons. What evidence or examples does the author use to back up their point?
Turn those ideas into search terms. For instance, if your essay discusses social media and privacy, you might try:
"Social media" AND privacy
technology AND "personal data"
Tip: Your keywords come from the larger issue or debate your essay fits into—not just the title.
