Overview

You’ve been invited to submit an essay for an undergraduate academic journal called, “Policy Now” which publishes source based argument essays written by undergraduate on significant contemporary issues.

Requirements

• Length:   1250 to 1500 words (6 full to 7 full pages)
• Format:  Times New Roman, 12 Point Type, double spaced, MLA for in-text citations; Works cited page, paragraphs indented
• Title:   Put your title in the form of question that states the issue or problem upon which you are taking a position
• Sections: Section headings should be in bold

• Your argument must be supported by at least six credible sources, three of which should be drawn from scholarly publications, either books or journals.
• Background information should be corroborated by two separate sources– don’t rely on a single source for background information.
• If you are using statistical information from a secondary source like a magazine article, you should trace the information back from the article to the original source and cite the original.
• If information is based survey or study, be prepared to describe the study’s sample and method. Although you may have background sources that describe alternative positions, you should have at least two sources that represent alternative points of view on the issue, one which corroborates your view and another which argues against it, or in contrast to it.

Introduction:

The introduction should be based on your problem statement. It identifies the problem that the paper addresses and makes a claim your paper will support– your stand or position.

Summary/Background/Context of the Issue:

The contents of this section depend on your issue or problem. Its purpose is to provide readers with sufficient information to understand the argument you are going to make, which may include the recent history of the issue, the most important positions or solutions– the context in which you are taking position. At the end of the section, state your position and the reasons

Position Statement:

This section, the body of the paper, supports your position with reasons why your major claim should be accepted. It should integrate what others think, say, or believe so that we view your position as part of a conversation about the issue, understand your reasons, and support your reasons with evidence drawn from sources.

While you may integrate contrasting opinions throughout the paper, the position statement should end with the acknowledgment of a major argument against your position, and a response to that objection. This part is usually two paragraphs long.

Conclusion:

The closing section will be two paragraphs long.

The first will summarize context of the problem along with the major claims you make to support your position. You restate facts and major points in a forceful way.  

The second paragraph can use any of the following strategies.

• Describe what might happen if the position you advocate is not taken
• Describe another related, important question that this issue raises
• Explain the benefits or good of the position you advocate
• Explain the values or justice the position you advocate