Research Essay

PROMPT

Write a research, analysis essay based on the following prompt.
• First, review, analyze, and evaluate multiple Texas newspaper analysis articles and editorials. The subject of the analysis
article or editorial that you review must be directly related to a Texas public policy issue. While you can use any credible
analysis article or editorial, one particularly excellent source of analysis articles is the Texas Tribune. Specifically, you can go
to Texas Tribune’s Ross Ramsey Executive Editor page at https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/ or the
regular Texas Tribune topics website, with the URL address: https://www.texastribune.org/topics/ (It is important to
note that analysis articles on the Texas Tribune website will have the word “ANALYSIS” as the first word in the headline).
Then, select one analysis article or editorial article. Finally, write an essay, one that uses at least two supporting sources in
addition to the analysis article or editorial that you chose, in which you agree or disagree with the point(s) of view or
statements expressed in the analysis article or editorial that you chose. In writing this essay, be sure to provide some
context regarding the subject of your analysis article or editorial. (CT/CM/PR).
ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS
1. Use at least two (2) different outside sources of information plus the editorial or analysis article (properly cited).
2. Write at least 500 words of text (not counting your Reference or Works Cited page).
3. Adhere to academic-style writing, structure, grammar, and punctuation rules.
4. Utilize appropriate in-text source citations.
5. Include a properly formatted Reference or Works Cited page.
6. See the Writing Assignments Grading Rubric for additional assignment expectations.
7. Consult the Grading Breakdown Checklist from Writing Assignment #1 for guidance.
PURPOSE
1. To stimulate critical thinking about the subject
2. To enhance your communication skills
3. To advance your understanding of personal responsibility
4. To practice critical and analytical reading and writing skills
5. To practice the process of research and writing
AUDIENCE
Academic – members of your GOVT 2306 class
LENGTH AND FORMAT
• At least 500 words (not counting your Reference or Works Cited page). A significant number of points will be deducted
from your paper’s grade if it falls short of 500 words.
• You must use appropriate MLA or APA rules for citation and formatting.
Due Dates – The final version of Writing Assignment #1 is due on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Any late paper will automatically
lose 10 points. Additionally, if your paper is more than 24 hours late, five (5) points will be deducted for each calendar day your
paper is late after the 24-hour period. No late assignment will be accepted after Sunday, March 13, 2022.
NOTE 1: It is very important that you provide a link or URL address of the analysis article or editorial that you will be analyzing so
that I can easily find and read the analysis article or editorial that you chose.
NOTE 2: It is very important that you use an analysis article or editorial as the focus of your review. Do not use any news articles and
do not use any sponsor articles as the focus of your review.
NOTE 2: Do not use Wikipedia or any other “summary” websites as a source for your paper.
NOTE 3: No more than 20% of your writing assignment’s text should be directly quoted material.
NOTE 4: Plagiarism will result in you receiving an automatic “F” and zero points for this assignment.
NOTE 5: You must submit an electronic (MS Word) copy of your paper to this class’s Blackboard course site no later than
Wednesday, March 9, 2022. You must submit a file that is compatible with Turnitin, such as a file with a .doc, .docx, .rtf,
or .txt extension. Failure to submit an acceptable electronic copy of your paper to Blackboard/Turnitin will result in you
receiving a grade of zero for this assignment.