Due by 11:59pm on Nov 16, 2025

Worth 15% of total class grade

Approx. 1500-2000 words (not including bibliography)

Assignment:

You will develop an argument about the text you analyzed in the previous assignment and write a research essay defending that argument. This argument will be your thesis, which presents a specific viewpoint and synthesize ideas from your sources with your own original ideas. To be abundantly clear, this is to be written as an argumentative essay.

Consider your target audience and what you hope to accomplish with this essay. For example, you might propose a solution, persuade, bring attention to an important issue, or put forth an original idea about your topic.

You will make claims, use evidence from the sources you find to support those claims, and explain how they relate to your thesis and/or major point you’re making in each sentence.

Make sure your essay includes the following:

• An arguable thesis
• Research at least five or more reliable sources
• Clear organization with transitions to link paragraphs
• A consideration of counterargument or other perspectives
• An introduction and conclusion written to appeal to your audience

Audience and Purpose:

This essay has two main purposes: 1. Media is all around us and it is important to be media literate. Researching a piece of media helps you to do that. 2. No matter what career field you enter, research will be part of it, and this essay is good practice.

Your classmates and your teacher are your audience. This essay gives you the opportunity to share your viewpoint about your topic or inform your audience about a topic that you find interesting and important.

Format:

Follow MLA format -- paper should be typed, double-spaced, 12-pt Times New Roman font or other similar font, standard 1” or 1.25” margins. You should include in-text citations and a works cited page that cites your sources.