Explaining a concept

Write an essay explaining an important or interesting concept — one you already know well or are just learning about. Consider what your readers are likely to know and think about the concept, what you might want them to learn about it, and whether you can research it sufficiently in the time you have. Your research process should include three properly cited sources, including at least two academic sources. Make sure you look at the “Basic Features” of Explaining a Concept discussed at the beginning of Ch. 4 (122-24): (1) A Focused Explanation; (2) A Clear, Logical Organization; (3) Appropriate Explanatory Strategies; and (4) Smooth Integration of Sources.
In addition to appropriate content, your essay must demonstrate solid command of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax. The final paper must adhere to MLA format. This is especially important for your works cited information.

The essay should:
• Be on a topic that I have cleared.
• Contain a clear thesis that lays out your concept and why we should care about it.
• Have a clear focus that signals the scope of your explanation.
• Forecast your organization, meaning it should tell me what three (or so) aspects you will look at, and in what order you plan to write about them.
• Open with an interest building device and end with a brief, compelling conclusion.
• Use appropriate strategies for explaining information, such as definition, classification, comparison-contrast, example, illustration, cause-effect, etc.
• You may use an image, either one you make or one you find and cite; in either case, you should format and caption it appropriately.
• Smoothly integrate at least three secondary sources of the types detailed below.