2,000 words, 7-8 pages double spaced
Minimum of 10 sources (5 must be peer reviewed journal articles)
You must have a research topic that allows you to use two sources from the stimulus packet (one in
the introduction, another in the introduction and at least one body paragraph).
Part 1: Introduction (1 paragraph): Introduce the problem/topic that your essay is going to focus on and
provide background information about it. Use at least two of the sources from the stimulus packet to
provide context about the problem and/or explain why it is a pressing issue facing society right now (in
the sample essay, the student uses the Nixon speech only in the introduction and the Heikkila cancer
study in the introduction and then more extensively in the body). The last two-three sentences of the
introduction should be a specific thesis statement that clearly establishes your argument regarding what
the solution to the problem should be. How was this done in “A Call For Night Shift Regulation?:”
Problem/Research Question: Does night shift work need to be better regulated?
Thesis Statement: Overall, night shifts do merit government regulations. These regulations will
ultimately assist employers in minimizing health risks for workers (mainly caused by circadian
misalignment) and in maximizing their well-being and work efficiency.
Part 2: Establishing the Problem (2-3 paragraphs): Explain in detail why your research topic is a major
problem facing the United States or the world right now. Use extensive quantitative evidence from a
wide range of sources to do this. How was this done in “A Call For Night Shift Regulation?:”
Body Paragraph #1: Discusses short-term health risks related to unregulated night shifts and the
effect this has on worker safety and efficiency.
Body Paragraph #2: Discusses the economic and legal problems caused by unregulated night
shifts.
Body Paragraph #3: Discusses long-term medical problems people might have because of
unregulated night shifts (this is where the student is able to take substantial information from
the Heikkila source Long Working Hours and Cancer Risk that was in the 2017 stimulus packet.
You must use at least one source from the stimulus packet within the body of the essay).
Part 3: Presenting Alternative Solutions (2-3 paragraphs): Provide some alternative solutions to the
problem that are NOT your main solution, and explain their strengths and limitations. Use extensive
quantitative evidence from a wide range of sources to do this. Be clear for each alternative why this is
not the ideal solution. How was this done in “A Call For Night Shift Regulation?:”
Body Paragraph #4: Effective treatments to sleep problems (exercising regularly, using
stimulants at a sparing level, practicing good sleep hygiene) is a potential solution, but it has
limitations (they do not sufficiently alleviate circadian disruptions, stimulants can have negative
side-effects, etc.)
suit their biological rhythms, letting workers nap at certain points during their night shifts) is a
potential solution, but it has limitations (work schedules are often fixed with little opportunity
for employee-worker input, naps lead to sleep inertia and long and unfeasible break periods,
etc.).
Body Paragraph #6: Bright light therapy can help workers maintain their sleep schedules, but a
limitation is that employers have no way to require workers to do this.
Part 4: Presenting YOUR Solution (3-4 paragraphs): Provide YOUR solution to your research question
(this should be what your thesis statement was about). Discuss the strengths of your solution (and why
it is better and/or more feasible than the alternatives), the limitations of your solution (and how they
could be addressed and/or responded to) and the long-term effects/implications of following your
solution. Use extensive quantitative evidence from a wide range of sources to do these things.
Body Paragraph #7: Introduce, explain and defend your solution to the problem (for example,
government regulation is necessary for night shift work. The government can set limits on
working hours for night shifts to prevent circadian misalignment. The government can also set
regulations on working environments, such as requiring stronger lights). This section should
be very well developed and supported, because this is where you really defend your thesis.
You can definitely break this into multiple paragraphs (perhaps one for each component or
example in your solution/conclusion) if necessary.
Body Paragraph #8: Discuss limitations/counter-arguments related to your solution, but
explain how they can be addressed (for example, if the government sets limits on working
hours, organizations that manage certain industries will need to revise their regulations to fit
the government’s. This will create complications. Shortening night shifts will also require
employers to adjust work schedules and hire new people to make up for cut hours. But these
problems can be addressed if the federal government implements new regulations gradually).
Body Paragraph #9: Discuss why your solution, despite its limitations, is superior to the
alternatives you presented earlier (this is important, because it puts the solutions/perspectives
in conversation with each other), and what the long-term positive implications for society
could be if your solutions are followed.
Part 5: Wrap the essay up with a one paragraph conclusion that summarizes the key points in your
(topic)How can colleges better address anxiety and mental health issues among
their athletes?
( from the stimulus packet)-“SIMONE BILES AND THE MOST HUMAN
MEANING OF COURAGE”
(2 from the stimulus packet)-FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT’S FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS
(solution)-implementing mental health programs in everyday life
(alternative)-mental health coaches/ mental health activities