Write a research-based, argumentative essay in which you argue the idea that the cost of education is often detrimental for working-class students (consider Sara Goldbrick-Rab’s arguments in “City of Broken Dreams”). In your argument explain that instead of being a source of opportunity, colleges often reproduce social inequalities that place a special burden on working-class students and students of color. Use Sara Goldbrick-Rab’s “City of Broken Dreams” as one of your sources. Use three additional sources*, which you cite directly, for a minimum total of four academic sources supporting your argument. You may use one of the other assigned essays from the “education” module as one of your three additional sources.



For all prompts, establish your own thesis that is inspired by the source identified in the prompt. Do not cite a source in your introduction—this will ensure that your thesis stands out, and it does not appear you are simply echoing or repeating the source. Your thesis is the next step in the argument. You are not writing an analysis or explication of the source essay(s) of the prompt—doing so would limit your grade to no better than a C. The article(s) identified in the prompt is no more important than the other research you will include.

Your essay must begin with an introduction that contains a clearly defined, purpose driven, and arguable thesis. The introduction should clearly identify any supporting main ideas that will support the thesis. Body paragraphs should contain minor claims (topic sentences) that advance controlling ideas and that support the thesis. All ideas should be supported with evidence(sources). Your paper must cite examples from the stated texts in the prompt and from your outside sources*. Each example must be supported with critical thinking that explains the significance of the chosen quotation/citation as is relates to your ideas (hint: do not end paragraphs with quotations). In your conclusion make a final statement that clearly identifies why what has been shown in your essay is important.



*additional sources must come only from the following: an article located on EBSCOhost (or from a similar database), an article in a major newspaper or magazine, or a book (but not the class textbook or other course material); sources that do not meet this criteria may be used, but will not count toward the minimum required sources; not included the minimum required source material will result in a failing grade.



Your paper must:

include an original title that speaks to your thesis; do not copy a source’s title or simple use “Essay 2”;

be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman 12pt font;

be formatted according to MLA (no cover page; heading info; margins; page numbers; etc.);

be a minimum of 4 full pages (approximately 1400-1500 words);

contain a minimum of 4 cited sources that meet the criteria for academic research as stated in this prompt;

use MLA guidelines for in-text citations and Works Cited page;

be written using strictly an academic, third-person point-of-view (no I, me, my, we, us, our, you, or y’all).