Background: We have spent the first weeks of the semester focused on Thomas Friedman's analysis of a rather overwhelming and potentially devastating set of problems that the world confronts in the twenty-first century, particularly environmental problems. Friedman also gives an overview of his broad vision for solutions and details some specific components of this vision. At this point, you may be ready to learn more about the specifics of a proposed strategy for addressing some of these problems. Alternately, you may want to learn more about one specific problem or environmental issue.

Assignment: For this paper, you can choose your topic, though I'd like you to explore topics that fit with the environmental theme of the class. In your essay, educate your readers on the specifics of your chosen problem or solution and make a recommendation for action. You will also give a five minute presentation to the class on your topic.

Essay requirements:

• Your topic should be narrow enough that you can become an authority on it and do justice to it in 7-8 pages but broad enough to be a significant part of an overall solution. Note: Most students start out with a topic that is too broad and need to narrow it down.
• A thesis for the paper as a whole. 
• No plagiarism (obviously). This is harder in a research paper than in an argumentative paper. All strings of words from your sources should be in quotation marks. If you don't quote, paraphrase. Take library workshop P for extra credit if you want help with this.
• Your paper should be both informative and persuasive. 
• It should make convincing appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos (see Inquiry)
• Transitions and signal phrases
• Topic sentences for each paragraph
• Supporting details, including quotations and paraphrases from your sources
• An introduction and conclusion that are engaging and thoughtful. See Inquiry's chapter 9 for ideas.
• At least 7 pages total (not including the Works Cited page)
• A Works Cited page with at least five reputable sources. 
• MLA format
• You may choose to work with a partner on your research and use the same sources, but you will still need to write entirely separate papers.

Resources to help you:

• The list of possible topics
• Library research workshops P and D (for extra credit).  P focuses on citing sources to avoid plagiarism and D focuses on the research process.
• Ask a librarian for individualized help at the reference desk.
• Works Cited Help page
• Your classmates' blogs for ideas
• From Inquiry to Academic Writing (various sections)
• CompClass resources on the "Course Materials" vtab
• Section 49 on the research process in Rules for Writers (383-397)
• The Writing Lab (at any stage in the process)
• My office hours or email feedback (at any stage in the process)