Essay # 2- Informative/Expository

 Essay 2 requires you to choose a broad general research topic from a list. After conducting general research, you will find a focus and formulate a thesis statement. Then use focused research to find information and evidence to support your thesis. The purpose of your essay is not to argue a side on a controversial issue, but to enlighten your reader in a reasonable way on the topic at hand. You might explain all the reasons why people get tattoos, for example, but not argue for or against them. Or you might present the health risks of tattooing, but not say that getting a tattoo is foolish. You might explain why some Christians get tattoos but not argue that all Christians should get tattoos. Explaining a process, cause and effect, history, reasons why, and current relevance are important parts of informative expository writing. Format: Use MLA 8th edition format. Include in-text parenthetical references and a Works Cited page. Length: Your paper must be a minimum of 4 pages long. A well-developed paper is likely to be longer. Sources: Your paper should incorporate a variety of credible sources. Library class instruction will help you to differentiate between reliable and non-reliable sources of information. Use a minimum of 4-5 sources within your paper. Your writing should include and document both paraphrased information and direct quotations. (Wikipedia, Spark Notes, and personal or nonprofessional websites/blogs are not acceptable sources. Choose websites selectively (ending in .edu or .gov.) Do not simply Google your topic. Topic: Choose a topic from the attached list. Each topic lends itself to a common frame of reference including 1) history of the subject, 2) human interest, and 3) current relevance. Your reader should come away from your paper knowing more about the topic than ever before and convinced that your thesis is reasonable and well-supported. Your research will educate you on the subject; then you educate your reader. Structure: Your essay should contain an effective introduction with a strong thesis statement, clear topic sentences introducing each of the well-developed paragraphs in the body of the paper, and a meaningful conclusion. Point of View: Use third-person academic point-of-view (No “I” or “you” pronouns)