You should connect your personal experience and interests to the larger world, using research to bridge your own narrative to existing issues and research.

You will write an essay with narrative and research components exploring one appropriately narrowed topic through at least three specific research questions and using at least five sources. The essay should discuss a personal connection to your topic and delve into three research questions in order to thoroughly explore your topic. The questions do not have to be stated directly; however, the answers to the questions should be incorporated into your paper. You should connect your personal experience and interests to the larger world, using research to bridge your own narrative to existing issues and research. You should incorporate at least five appropriately vetted sources in addressing these questions, including correctly cited quotes. You must include a clear thesis and a related “so what” component the essay’s introduction and conclusion. The thesis statement should illustrate the importance of your topic, i.e. your “so what,” which should relate to the research throughout the essay.