A generation ago, the federal government opened its student loan bank to profit-making corporations. Since then, law by law, student debt has become the worst kind of debt for American students (best for banks and loan collectors). Student loans are not even allowed to be dismissed in bankruptcy. Consider some possible solutions: Permitting loan forgiveness, allowing bankruptcy, eliminating private collection agencies from this process.
Basic Requirements:
Organization: Introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Language: Use formal language and avoid the use of first and second person -- avoid references to yourself (NO "I believe, in my opinion" etc.), no personal anecdotes, and do not address the reader (avoid "you" altogether).
Documentation: five correctly documented quotes or paraphrases from five adequate sources.
Style: APA style is usually used for the type of research you will be doing. Continue in that style unless otherwise stated by your professor.
Cross-referencing: You must use in-text citations (also known as in-text references) or signal phrases each time you use the words or ideas of your sources in the essay. Cross-reference your work as explained in your handbook. The handbook is especially necessary for this essay.
Support: You'll need a minimum of five sources. Support your ideas with expert opinion, facts, statistics, and other information you find in your research. It is a mistake to create a Frankenstein research paper by copying and pasting.
Rubric (a more detailed rubric will be used explaining how the points will be assigned):
Language and Content: 60 points
In-text documentation: 20 points
References or Works Cited: 20 points
Use the topic you chose in Discussion D2.2 Choose a Topic/Thesis Statement If you are not comfortable with the topic you chose, see "If you wish to change topics" below.
Take a position: This is not merely a pro/con paper where you list both sides of an argument. In this paper, you will take a side. Know your position.
State the opposition's viewpoint: Because this is an argument, you must bring up the opposition's position and do your best to establish counterarguments to refute it.
Do more research: A minimum of five references is required for this paper. They must all be from different sources.
Write in formal English: This is a research paper, so keep to the formal third person (avoid "I" and "You") and avoid personal anecdotes.
Proofread carefully! If you are not sure of your writing skills, you may go to one of the MDC campuses to the Writing Lab where tutors are available. You may also use free online tutoring through Smartthinking.com. Go to the link under Tools and Resources (side menu) to find out about this resource.
Revise, edit, and proofread. I can't stress this enough.