Essay #1: Causal Analysis The first essay for this semester is an exercise in causal analysis. As we have been discussing in class, analysis is the process of examining the way(s) things work in order to reach a greater understanding, and a causal analysis allows us a chance to observe the causes, effects or both of some subject in order to better understand those elements. For this essay, your task will be to construct an analysis that examines something for its causes, effects, or both. There is nothing you can choose that is not important enough for this essay, as it is important to you personally. The only topical restrictions are that your essay must be kept both clean and its content must be legal; essays laden with profanity and/or focusing on illegal or illicit activities are not acceptable. In order to be successful from a rhetorical standpoint, this essay must demonstrate the various aspects of the causal analysis mode that we have covered in class. You are free to choose any topic for this essay that interests you (except for the topics listed on the Banned List section of the syllabus). It is not necessary for you to have your topic approved by me, but if you want to talk about your ideas for a topic, don’t hesitate to bring it to my attention. You need to construct a thorough analysis as opposed to just something superficial, so one key step is coming to a topic that you feel you will be able to sustain for the requisite work of the essay. Remember that your essay, in addition to being written in a fashion which displays command and understanding of the language, must also display the elements we have been covering in class as being parts of a successful causal analysis. All papers should be typed in Times New Roman, 10-12 point font and be double-spaced with one-inch margins on all sides. ALTERATIONS TO THESE GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN GRADE PENALTIES. Headings must include your name, course title, date and essay number (1, 4, 3, etc.).The length of all required essays is between 2 ½ to 3 pages, and failure to meet this minimum requirement will result in grade penalties. Times New Roman 10-12 point font. Double Spaced. 1 inch margins. MLA style. 750 words or 2.5-3 pages.
