Choose a debatable issue about which you have some knowledge—either through personal experience or reading. In a paper of 1,000 to 2,000 words, take a stand on the issue and defend your position to a general audience of intelligent but skeptical readers. If you need more information, track it down using online library databases or a Web search engine, but evaluate a source carefully before deciding to use it (see section 49c in Rules for Writers). In a paper of this length—only four to six pages—use secondary sources sparingly.

Cite any sources using MLA style (see section 54 in Rules for Writers).