The overall goals of this assignment are:
to trace the causes that led to the current state of affairs, and then
to argue for the potential effects of maintaining the current state, changing current policies/laws/programs, or implementing new ones.
Please keep in mind that you do not need to “solve” the problem. See if you can discern real and/or potential connections.
I encourage you to go wherever this assignment takes you. The broad topic is based on the interest areas that you identified as a class, but I hope that you will find the angle that is the most interesting to you and run with it.
Essay Details
3 to 4 pages plus a Works Cited page
3 reliable sources
MLA formatting – Times New Roman; 12-point font; double-spacing
MLA in-text citations and Works Cited page
Assignment Outline
You are not required to follow this organizational structure, but it may help you to get started. 
I. Introduction
Begin with a hook to pull in your audience. Consider using a notable statistic or a story that clearly illustrates the point of your essay (real or hypothetical).
Provide relevant background information.
Finish with a thesis statement that expresses your perception of the situation.
II. Causes
What circumstances contributed to the current situation?
III. Effects
What are the results of this situation?
Positive/Negative
Short-term/Long-term
Necessary (What will definitely happen?)/Possible (What might happen?)/Likely (What will probably happen?)
On an individual/On the community/On society overall 
IV. Conclusion
Summarize your main points
Restate your thesis
Revisit the hook that from the Introduction