Essay 3: Is College the Best Option? Assignment: The authors of the readings/videos (listed below) from Unit 3 explore whether college is the best option for everyone. For Essay 3, you will choose a topic from one (or more) of these readings/videos that you would like to explore in depth. Next, you will extensively research your topic. During this process, you should consider your opinions about your topic and begin to formulate a thesis for your final paper. Your thesis must be argumentative. You will not inform the reader about the topic; you will persuade the reader. In your essay, you will persuade the reader to accept the argument set forth in your thesis using a combination of your own opinions and the opinions of third parties (i.e., by incorporating secondary sources), which is discussed in more detail below. Requirements: 1. Length: 1,200-1,500 words (which is longer than the previous essays) 2. Your essay must relate to the topics presented in the readings for Unit 3: Is College the Best Option? 3. Your thesis must be argumentative (i.e., persuasive). 4. You must include at least four scholarly sources. 5. You must include at least onequote from each of your four sources. 6. You must use only articles from peer-reviewed scholarly journals for this essay. Failing to use scholarly sources will result in a 10-point deduction for each non-scholarly source. For example, if you include two non-scholarly sources in your essay, there will be a 20-point deduction. Therefore, it is crucial that you use scholarly sources. Note: If you are using Google to locate sources, then it is highly unlikely that you are choosing scholarly articles. Your safest option is to use the library databases (e.g., ProQuest, JStor, and Academic OneFile) to find sources. If you do not know how to access/use the library databases, please see the "Library Research Tutorials" section in Content. If you do not know how to distinguish scholarly journals from popular periodicals, please see the "Evaluating Research Sources" module under Content. In addition, you will want to review the Vanderbilt University Video Tutorial about Scholarly vs. Non-Scholarly Sources, which is posted under Content. 7. You must include a Works Cited page that conforms to TheMLA Handbook, 8th edition citation style. 8. You must include correct MLA parenthetical/in-text citations. 9. You must properly introduce, present, and cite all direct quotes. 10. Your tone should be formal. · Avoid first person pronouns (i.e., I, me, my, we, us) · Avoid second person (i.e., you, your) pronouns. · Avoid contractions (i.e., isn’t, doesn’t, won’t, etc.) · Avoid slang. · Avoid clichés. · Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. · State your opinions as facts. Phrases like the following weaken your argument: · In my research, I found that . . . · In this essay, I will discuss . . . · I believe that . . . Deductions: As with all assignments in this course, your submissions ...