Middle East: Current Issues
Informative Essay
Step 1: Choose a topic
-Iraq-Post Saddam Hussein
-Settlements in the West Bank
-Hamas
-“Right of Return”
-Media in Iraq
-Media in Saudi Arabia
-Media in Egypt
-Iran and Syria’s role in Lebanon
-Exploitation of “Guardian of Mecca”
-Religious issues in Egypt
-Women’s rights
-Water shortage
-Taliban
-Terrorism
-Counterterrorism
-Living conditions in Middle Eastern nations
-Iran and nuclear development
-Christians in the Middle East
-Major events in Yemen
-Islamic fundamentalism (threat?)
Topic due date______
Step 2: Gathering Details
Find as much information and details as you can. Look in a variety of places (books, internet, newspapers, magazines, etc.)
Step 3: Form a Thesis Statement
Your thesis should identify the focus for your writing. Use the formula below to help you form your statement.
A specific subject + a limited focus= effective thesis statement
The American government has tried to deal with the issue of pollution+ by creating the Environmental Protection Agency.
Thesis statement due date______
Step 4: Continue Research
You must use at least 3 sources.
Step 5:
Review your research and find the facts and details that support your thesis. Then create an outline for your essay
Outline due date______
Step 6: Write your first draft
Step 7: Proofread
Reread your essay and have another adult read your essay. You should be looking to make sure your sentences read smoothly and clearly. You should also look to see that your information is focused on your thesis. Finally, check for any spelling or grammar errors.
Step 8: Write your final draft
Your final draft should be between 2-5 pages
Final due date______
Cutrone’s Essay Requirements
Over the course of this year and your academic career you will be expected to write many essays. Therefore, it is imperative that you fully understand the proper structure and organization. Also, some helpful tips are listed at the bottom.
Introduction
- Hook or motivator
- Thesis statement
- Road map of your essay
Body Paragraphs
- Topic Sentence
- Supporting Example
- Supporting Example
- Supporting Example
Conclusion
- Reworded thesis statement
- Summary
- Strong concluding statement
Helpful Tips
- Do not use contractions
- Never use personal pronouns (I, we, me, you)
- Do not use semicolons as commas
- Never use informal speech
- Always spell out numbers under 100
- Always use 12-point, Times New Roman type
- Always double space and use the standard margins
- Always place your last name and the page number on the top right hand corner of each page
- Always use MLA in-text citations
- Always provide a works cited page
- Always proofread your work and have someone else proofread your work
Writing Checklist
Whenever you are writing a formal essay on literature, follow the format below and check off each item after you have completed it.
Introductory/First Paragraph:
I use a hook to start the introduction
I concisely explain what the topic of the essay is
I provide a plan for the essay
I end with the thesis statement
I have at least five sentences
Body Paragraphs:
I begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph
I use at least three pieces of evidence to support my argument (quotes, describe an incident or incidents, use examples, etc.) and elaborate on the main idea
When I use a quote: (1) I introduce it; (2) I use it in the paragraph; and (3) I explain how it is relevant
Concluding Paragraph:
I restate the introduction
I restate the thesis statement
I leave the reader with an idea, thought, or impression
Throughout the Essay:
I use 1 tense
I use third person (avoid I, you, me, our, etc.)
I cite quotes correctly
I have revised my essay
I have edited my essay for correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation and grammar
I have properly paraphrased all information (except for quotes)