Overview
MEMO
Imagine that you work for the Office of the President of the United States. The president has asked you to create a concise, three-paragraph position memo on a current social issue – one that concludes with substantiated recommendations.
Select a current social issue. Research that issue. Prepare a clear, brief, organized memo following standard format (see Marsh, p. 303-307 for specific format details). Use numbered lists or bullet points as necessary.
Make in-text reference to at least two sources from major news outlets such as NYTimes, CNN, LATimes, WSJ, Harpers, New Yorker, The Atlantic.
Formally address the memo to the President (see sample on BB).
Your grade will be based on the above criteria.
Memo FAQ
Q: Who is the memo addressed to? A: The President of the United States
Q: Do I have to provide citations to the articles I am using? A: No, but refer to the articles by title in the memo
Q: How long should the memo be? A: Ideally it should be no longer than 1 page single spaced
Q: How much information on the issue should I supply? A: Enough to educate the reader on the basics of the issue, and make a recommendation.