You may choose to argue against any of the following current proposals, these are the absoluteONLY
topics you can use for this paper:
ï‚· Upping the qualifications for the TOPS program
ï‚· Legalizing Sports betting in Louisiana casinos (*note, this is different from the recently
voted on bill to legalize sports betting online in La.*)
ï‚· LSU placing less emphasis on ACT scores for admission
ï‚· Abolishing the death penalty in Louisiana
 Requiring exotic dancers to be 21 to work in gentlemen’s clubs in Louisiana
 Raising Louisiana’s gas tax
ï‚· The creation of the City of St. George from areas in Baton Rouge
ï‚· Doing away with the Film Tax Credit program in Louisiana
Opposition Outline:
I. Thesis
II. Sub-point 1
III. Sub-point 2
IV. Sub-point 3
V. Sub-point 4
VI. Conclusion
English 1023 –Opposition Paper/Final Paper
1. Instead of a final exam, you will write a final paper. It will be due the day and time you
would normally take the final exam for this class. We will meet the day of the exam, but
you must upload your paper to Canvas as you have done the entire semester. The due
dates and times for each class are listed below.
YOU MUST adhere to the due date and time for your class !
2. You will write a paper opposing a current issue that is listed on the opposition topic file
on Canvas.
3. Write a clear, thoughtful, and well-drafted essay in which you oppose one of the provided
topics. Support your assertions with specific examples and remember to EXPLAIN the
examples. This is NOT a hate-fest, your paper will be based on logical evidence, not
attacking, using belittling language towards an individual, or a group of people. (BE
NICE!!). Your essay should be comprised of six paragraphs: an introduction, four body
paragraphs that support your thesis, and a conclusion. Make sure you use transitions
between paragraphs and ideas. Your paper should be 1200-1500 words. If you fail to
make word count, the highest grade you will receive on the paper is a D.
4. You must use at least four direct quotations, no more than 7 with proper parenthetical
citations from at least four reliable sources (but no more than 6). Remember that a
quotation must never stand alone; it must always be part of your own sentence. Also
remember that you must interpret or explain the quotation/example or show how it helps
to prove the point you are trying to make. Your quotes must only be a sentence long at
most, NO LONG QUOTES!! Include a works cited page with the essay cited properly.
I also want to see the use of not only quotes, but summary and paraphrasing as well. You
will include a properly formatted Works Cited page with this paper.
5. Your essay will be uploaded to plagiarism detection software, it is up to you to make sure
your paper is 100% your work, newly created for this assignment, and free from all forms
of plagiarism. If you chose to plagiarize, you will be penalized in accordance to both
course and BRCC policies; you will receive a zero on the paper, and will not be allowed
to make up or resubmit a new version of the paper.
6. This essay is due no later than the due date listed below for your class. In accordance
with course policies, late papers will be accepted and penalized. For each day the paper
will be penalized 10 points. The hour begins the minute after due date time. After 2 days,
the module closes, and the paper is recorded as a zero. As always, you are responsible for
uploading the correct file.
7. Your final essay must be word-processed using Microsoft Word, double-spaced, and
conform to MLA style. Use 12-point Times New Roman for your font style and size.
8. Your essay will be evaluated according to the grading guidelines rubric posted on
Canvas.
9. This assignment is considered one of the major components of the class (refer to your
syllabus). If you do not complete this assignment, you cannot pass the class.