For this paper, you will be expected to plan and write a response to one or more of the readings from this module using one of the prompts below. Important note: for this assignment you will practice using and citing sources. Therefore you will be required to have at least three cited sources in your paper and a works cited page, all in MLA format. You can access Purdue OWL here to see how to use edition 8 of MLA. The purpose of this paper is to introduce you to citations and give you a basic feel for how to use sources. A more in-depth training on research and citation will come with English 102, for those who take that course.
Since you are expected to have three sources. Feel free to use the sources provided and also find additional sources on your own. You should consider the expertise of your sources and how they will add to your argument. You should also find quotes within those sources that provide specific, detailed information that will support a point you are going to make. There is an excellent document that I suggest you use, also in the Course Resources folder, titled, “Guidelines for Using In-text Quotations”. It walks you through nearly all important aspects of how to use sources in your paper.
You should submit this paper via Turnitin. (Please note that Turnitin does NOT accept .pages or .gdoc file types. Use .doc or .pdf if possible.) After you upload your file, you will come to a new screen, where you must confirm the upload. You should then get confirmation on screen that the submission worked, as well as an email from Turnitin that your paper was submitted. Please keep these for your records in case of a technical issue.
Before you begin, you should view the essay rubric in the Course Resources section. Please note that your grade for the rough draft will be not be based on this rubric, but on full completion of this assignment. If you have a complete essay turned in, you will receive the points. However, this rubric will give you clear expectations as to what we expect for the final draft.
There is no one, single way to approach a paper, or one size or shape. Therefore we are not looking for a particular number of paragraphs (although to prepare you for the exit essay, you should have at least 5) or a particular word count. If you look at the rubric, you will see what we want. First, you should have a strong introduction, which introduces the topic and identifies the paper’s direction. Next, there should be quality support, which offers specific details that are well organized and thoughtful. Finally, you will need a conclusion that challenges the reader and adds to the paper. This should be done with clear and concise writing. Think outside of formulas and focus on being as effective as you can be.
Also, view the videos on Academic Tone and Intros and Conclusions in the Course Resources folder for additional help.
For this paper, describe what you feel are important issues that individuals and governments should be concerned about regarding the internet. What current solutions exist for the issues you’ve described? What more do you feel needs to be done?
Think about a basic comparison with cigarettes, which have labels that identify the health hazards. Should users be similarly warned about the far-reaching health effects of social media use? For added context on this issue, you can read this article, which describes Mark Zuckerberg’s call for the government to regulate social media.