This last essay will take the form of an investigative analytical essay, in which you investigate and analyze something by dividing it into its component parts. You’ll find it necessary to do some research into your subject, so make sure to give yourself enough time to investigate. You need not become an overnight authority on your subject, but it should be apparent that you know enough about it to describe it with confidence. Make sure to cite the outside sources you use for this essay in MLA style. I am requiring you to use and cite at least three sources; you are welcome to use more.

Assignment: 

In their essays … choose an object for study most people are familiar with and/or have in their homes. Investigate what it is made of, making sure to use secondary resources that will help you reach an objective understanding of what your subject is comprised of and, more importantly, what purpose(s) its component parts serve. In your eventual essay, explain what you found out and consider how your audience might react to your discoveries. Be sure to cite your sources.

Research + Evaluating + Documenting Sources:

If you have the Little Seagull Handbook, consult the “Doing Research” section (pages 68-92) to help guide you through finding, evaluating, and using secondary sources. The “MLA Style” section (pages 93-135) will help you build your citations and also the Works Cited page that will be required for this assignment.

The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University also has a good overview on conducting research, as well as using MLA style.