EN 103 Research Essay

Write a research-based, thesis defense essay on the following topic. The essay should be
cohesive, written from a third person, omniscient point of view, and follow the basic five
paragraph theme of essay writing. The essay should be 4-6 full pages (not including the Works
Cited page), double-spaced, following MLA format. You will need to incorporate at least 4
outside sources. The outside information must be from reliable sources accessed through one of
the many databases available in the Evans Library or their website. General online websites such
as Google, Wikipedia, yahoo, etc. are not acceptable.

Many theories have arisen concerning the possible end of the earth as we know it on December
21,2012. These theories are derived from a variety of sources and belief systems including
Mayan, Christian, the writings of Nostradamus and many others. There are also a variety of
scientific theories, including but not limited to, the cyclical wobble of the earth (procession),
galactic alignment, excessive solar flares, polar shifts and numerous others. Based on the
evidence, albeit sketchy at best, do you believe the earth will undergo a catastrophic apocalyptic
cataclysm, or are all of these predictions primarily nonsense? Be sure to stay out of the essay and
support your thesis by using a maximum of 15-20% support from your outside sources.

DUE DATES

EN 103 D (M, W, F) EN 103C (T, TH)

Rough Draft 11/15 in class Rough Draft 11/16 in class

Final Draft 11/22 @ midnight in Angel Final Draft 11/23 @ midnight in Angel