Writing Task: DOOMSDAY: Dead Men Walking?

Writing Task: DOOMSDAY: Dead Men Walking?

In a thesis-driven essay of 900 words or more compare and contrast two popular doomsday scenarios in terms of their origins, plausibility, and traction in North American popular culture. You should analyze one scenario as being patently unlikely to occur. DO NOT choose to debunk a doomsday prediction that has already failed to materialize (e.g. Y2K or the 2012 Mayan Apocalypse). For the other scenario, you should argue its merits as being a potentially viable “civilization killer”. Be sure to provide an overview of each scenario, tracing its evolution from inception to widespread popularity. The scenarios can be science-based, the stuff of religious prophecy, or based on notions derived from popular culture (think TV, film, science-fiction, Internet, etc.).

• In your Introduction you should briefly summarize each doomsday scenario, explaining its origins and modus operandi. Where did the idea originate? When? Who was responsible for its origin? On what was the prediction based? Define the notoriety of each scenario in terms of its popular appeal (i.e. what’s the word on the street?). How did the scenario attain widespread popularity? What conditions, environmental or social, lead to its mass appeal? You should conclude your introduction with a strong thesis statement that clearly illustrates the similarities and differences that you intend to highlight, especially with regard to the relative plausibility of the two scenarios (i.e. why is one more likely to come to fruition than the other?).
• In the Body of your essay, you should examine the “evidence” and/or lack thereof. What data do we have to support or refute each prediction? Are the sources of this information credible? Remember, the body of the essay should focus exclusively on making a case for each doomsday scenario, analyzing the “facts” as they pertain to your claims. Be sure to draw strong conclusions for each scenario, expressing clearly why one scenario is more likely to occur than the other. This determination should, of course, be based on your research. When possible, include specific data, quotations, etc.
• In your Conclusion be sure to tie it all together. Re-emphasize your thesis statement. You may wish to predict an outcome, provide a warning, and/or offer a solution based on the information you have presented.

Additional Requirements:

• Use an original title that grabs our attention and points us where you intend to take us
• Write in 3rd person point of view. Do not write in 1st person Point of View (“I”), unless quoting a source
• You must include a Works Cited page
• MLA format