PROMPT:  Should all media (press) in the United States be nationalized?
The rubric (how your paper will be graded) is to be based on 4 criteria
1      Thesis statement with solid introduction (5 points).
2.     Plagiarism score higher than 25% (5 points) 
3      Organization of thought so that the paper flows logically (20 points).
4    Grammar, spelling, length, use of solid academic research sources and overall meeting requirements of the paper (50 points).
5      Solid conclusion and summary of your major points (20 points).
Each student is required to turn in a short research paper during the semester.  Failure to complete this assignment on time will result in the student not passing the course.  The paper is to be a minimum of 4  double-spaced full pages. Only the content section of the paper will count toward meeting the length requirement. A title page and works cited page is not counted as a page. The paper is to have 1-inch margins and 12-point font. I will accept various formats. 
A separate cover page (which does not count as a typewritten page) is to include the Title of the paper, your Name, Name of class and class section, Name of Instructor and.  A work cited page is required.
********You must utilize at the very minimum 4 separate and distinct academic research sources.  These sources must be shown in the body of the paper and directly shown in the back in the work cited page.  I will accept various formats.  These sources must not include the textbook, encyclopedias, dictionaries, bibles, or interviews.  All major ideas and especially all statistics and quotations must have citations shown immediately after it in the body of the paper and shown in the work cited page. In addition, no large print, empty spaces or incorrect margins will be allowed. It is recommended that you check with the library (online or in person) for the various format sheets available in writing your research paper. You must send the paper as an attachment only
It is my philosophy that if you can’t write it, you don’t know it.  Therefore grammar, style, and spelling will be considered in your final grade.
You must use source citations for all quotes, paraphrases, or borrowed ideas or facts.
If you choose a topic that interests you and that you want to write about, make sure you clear it with me first. 
Do preliminary research to ensure that you have sufficient sources to support your paper.  Legitimate internet sources are acceptable. 
Every well-written paper should have at least three main parts.  You should have an opening statement with a thesis (How to write a good thesis statement (Links to an external site.)) which addresses the question or issue you are researching.  The body of the paper should present the evidence to support your thesis.  If there is contradicting evidence from your sources, you should pay attention to that also.  The paper should end with a well stated conclusion that either supports or refutes your thesis and explains why.
The paper should also discuss the effect or repercussion of the issue you are researching.
Just to repeat:
The following requirements against must be shown in your essay:
1. Minimum 4 full pages (Anything short of this will not be counted. Cover sheet and work cited page does not count into the 4 full page requirement)
2. Double-space and regular fonts. Any attempts to change the setting to meet the length requirements will not be accepted.
3. A mandatory separate cover sheet (title page) and a separate work cited page.
4. A minimum of 4 separate citations shown in the body of the paper which must be shown directly in the work cited page.
You should submit your file as a PDF in order to keep the format the same. Otherwise if you submit a word file, it risks changing your paper format (margins etc….)