First, you will choose a public debate that has at least two opposing sides (please do not reuse your Toulmin essay topic). As before, you need to research that topic in order to narrow the topics scope, so it can be easily discussed in 1000 word essay.

Note: Consider your audience as laymen in the field who have only general knowledge of your topic.

This essay must include a minimum of five sources.  Three should be peer-reviewed sources, preferably from the APUS databases.  From the library welcome page, click on Advanced Search at the bottom of the page and then check the “peer reviewed” sources box filter.

The following should clarify the term “peer-reviewed”:  http://youtu.be/rOCQZ7QnoN0. You may use eBooks; however, as discussed in your textbook, books generally are not as current as peer-reviewed articles.  You may also use primary sources (interviews, statistics, etc); however, these primary sources should be obtained from experts within that field.  If you cannot find strong sources for your chosen topic, then change your topic. If you have a question about the validity of a source, please contact a librarian: [email protected]

Make sure to include the following sections in your essay:

an introduction and claim,
background,
body,
and a conclusion.

Make sure your essay includes the following:

The background for your chosen topic,
A discussion of both sides of the debate, including core values or warrants underlying their arguments
Your common ground (Rogerian) solution/claim
An explanation of how that common ground claim can resolve the core issue for both sides.

After you have written your essay, please make sure to revise the content of your essay. Lastly, be sure to edit your essay by checking grammar, format, and smaller technical details. Please make sure your essay is written in third person.