Essay Length: 500-750 words (2-4 handwritten pages)
Background
In the last election for mayor of Los Angeles, both candidates claimed that
the city was at an important moment in its history, and that a vote for either
of them was a vote for a particular vision of the future. In truth, there were
few differences between the two candidates' visions, and both promised to focus
on what has become the standard list of urban problems: crime, poor schools,
inadequate services for the poor, and business development (that is, creating an
environment favorable to business). However, if you ask Los Angeles residents to
identify an important local issue that city government should address, you could
receive as many answers as there are people. Some people might focus on
specific, local issues such as the need for speed bumps on a residential street,
graffiti removal from a nearby park, or more funding for homeless shelters in
their neighborhoods. Others might focus on broad, general issues such as
poverty, racism, or environmental degradation. In short, good arguments can be
made for the need to address all of these issues as well as countless others.
Topic
In a well-organized essay, identify an issue that our local political leaders
need to focus on and explain why you think the issue you have selected is
important. You could also offer suggestions about how local political leaders
might deal with the issue.
Hints
While the topic focuses on the city of Los Angeles, you can discuss an issue
that is of importance to another city in the Southland, or an issue that is of
importance to the entire Southern California region. In other words, don't feel
restricted to talking about only the city of Los Angeles.
General Hints
Read the topic a couple of times and note what it requires you to do. Complete all the tasks of the assignment.
Take time to plan and organize your essay before you begin to write. (Scratch outlines are often quite helpful.)
Be sure to start with a strong focused thesis. Set out to argue or prove something and then gather and use evidence from your own experience as well as the text to support your claim.
Make sure that you support or illustrate general points with specific examples and vivid details.
Allow yourself enough time after writing to go back over your essay, check for errors or omissions, and make any necessary corrections.