Complete your assignment in a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF document of 2-3 pages. Use double line spacing, 11- or 12-point font, and standard margins. • Make sure your name is on the document. • This assignment can be completed in the form of an essay, with your own opinions on the issue; combined with knowledge from class discussions and some basic online research. • Your grade will be based on two equal factors: 1) the viability of your opinion, and 2) spelling, grammar, and consistency. • Upload/attach your completed Word or PDF document in ANGEL. Go to the Lessons tab, then select the folder with drop boxes for the current events papers. Use the Drop Box for Paper Opportunity #2. Even though ANGEL says you can copy and paste your text, please attach your existing Word or PDF file instead. • No late submissions will be accepted. Even though you can upload your paper into the ANGEL drop box by as late as 11:00 PM, do not assume that ANGEL, your computer, or your internet connection will be working perfectly at 10:59. Paper Requirements: • Select one of the topics on the next page, and read all three of the short Benton.org reports that are given for that topic. • Find at least one longer and more in-depth recent story about the issue in question. [Hint: These can sometimes be found by clicking on links in the Benton reports.] The longer story/stories you find must be fully cited in your paper and should be used to back up your arguments. • Start your paper with a short summary that describes the issue in detail, including the common issue behind the short Benton reports. • Address some or all of the following: o Identify the social problem, political controversy, and/or market failure that is at the root of the issue. o Why might the public, or a portion of the public, believe that there should be a governmental solution to the issue? Or, is there really a problem at all? o Is it practical or necessary for government to find a solution to the controversy or problem? If so, who in government would be able to offer a solution? Or, who/what outside of government could offer a solution? o Consider proposing your own solution, but be sure to discuss whether it would be practical or realistic.
