It should be noted that this assignment requires students to select an editorial or political cartoon that is no more than five years old (2017). If students fail to meet this requirement, they will earn a failing grade for the assignment.

Students should develop a title for their essay.

Students should adhere to all of the format requirements:
• Bold print thesis
• Subtitles: Introduction, Description, Symbolism, Analysis, Implications, and Conclusion
• Double-spaced
• Time New Roman (font style)
• 4-Full Pages (in length) minimum
• 12-Font size
• Include page numbers

DEVELOPMENT FORMAT
Introductory Paragraph: Here, students will provide an introduction that introduces the issue and cartoon. (In this paragraph, students will mention the artist, when and where the cartoon was published, and briefly explain the situation, issues, or political conditions the cartoon is responding to.)

Description Paragraph: Here, students will provide meaningful descriptions of the cartoon. (In this paragraph, student will describe the cartoon and explain the elements it includes.)

Symbolism Paragraph: Here, students will explain the symbolisms that appear in the cartoon. (In this paragraph, students will provide a thorough explanation of the symbols and their meaning. (See pp. 152 in Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing: A Brief Guide to Argument, Tenth Edition.)

Analysis (Three Paragraphs minimum): Here, students will examine the cartoon closer and determine its meaning; the argument that it is making; what makes it effective; and, etc.

Implications: Here, students will address: If we take the argument in the editorial or political cartoon seriously, the implications are ________ (What consequences are likely to follow if people take the cartoonist’s line of reasoning seriously? Here you are to follow out the logical implications of the cartoonist’s position. You should include implications that the cartoonist states, but also include those that the cartoonist does not state.) Here, students will address: If we fail to take this line of reasoning seriously, the implications are _____. (What consequences are likely to follow if people ignore the cartoonist’s reasoning?)

Conclusion: (Here, students will provide a conclusion that places the cartoon in a significant perspective. In other words, why is the cartoon important to the issue or field of study?)

**Students are required to use MLA Documentation Style Seventh or Eighth Edition.