Do not include words such as i, me, our, us, we, you, or your.

ENG 112
Research Essay – Guidelines
Requirements:
Minimum of three sources, but no more than five; each source must be credible and authoritative; use the VHCC library site to search for sources, and use newspapers (local and national) as well. Do not use any websites, blogs, or opinion pieces.
Remember, you do not have to use each source equally.
Before beginning the writing process, please read the following: “The Opioid Crisis in Appalachia” and “Diseases of Despair in Appalachia”
PAGE ONE: Title page will include the following:
Student’s name
Course (ENG 112)
Title of your Research Essay
Name of Institution (VHCC)
PAGE TWO: Abstract (a brief, one-paragraph outline of what the sources bring to your essay; abstract guidelines and a sample are on Canvas)
PAGE THREE – begins with intro paragraph, followed by body paragraphs, and conclusion
800-850 words (this does not include the title page, abstract, or the works cited page)
FINAL PAGE – Works cited (do not submit works cited as a separate document; include the heading Works Cited or References at the top of the page)
Reminders:
Use the five-paragraph format as a guide; if you need more than three body paragraphs, that will be fine; however, each body paragraph should include the following:
Topic sentence as first line in each body paragraph (topic sentence should be argumentative and should relate directly to your thesis statement; do not include source support in topic sentences)
In each body paragraph, at least two source citations, either a quote or direct reference: argue-support/argue-support
Quotes cannot serve as stand-alone sentences; each quote needs context, so properly introduce them
Do not include words such as I, Me, Our, Us, We, You, or Your. Make this essay formal and academic
Be mindful of comma usage
Use transitions words and phrases (however, furthermore, nevertheless,…)
You can use both the articles provided, but you are not required to use either of them if they do not help support your thesis.
Essay Topic:
Even though this topic may be extremely personal, I ask that you take a formal, academic stance and provide only that perspective in the essay. You can take a number of positions; I will leave the final decision up to you. But, after reading the two articles listed above, you will argue one of two points:
The root cause of the opioid crisis in Appalachia is _________________________
The best method to solve the opioid crisis in Appalachia is _____________________
Either you will outline why the problem exists/persists, or you will argue what you believe is the most viable option to solve the issue. Your thesis will have only one focus, and you will provide three subtopics to support that point of view.
Submit essay to Canvas before 9AM on 11/28
The Opioid Crisis in Appalachia.pdfDownload The Opioid Crisis in Appalachia.pdf
Diseases of despair in Appalachia.pdfDownload Diseases of despair in Appalachia.pdf
112 Research Essay guidelines.docxDownload 112 Research Essay guidelines.docx
Abstract outline.pdfDownload Abstract outline.pdf