Write an analytical or argumentative essay based on the research topic of your choice. Cite your sources parenthetically in the text, and include a list of “Works Cited.” The research essay assignment is an exercise in a number of tasks: library research, reading, summary, synthesis, analysis, note taking, paraphrasing, quoting, citing properly, and documenting properly—and that is in addition to the usual composition tasks: formulating a topic, narrowing a topic, organizing, drafting, revising, and editing. Your finished paper should provide the following elements: