Draft 1 (20% of final grade/ 100 points) – The first draft of the PAP (Personal

Draft 1 (20% of final grade/ 100 points) – The first draft of the PAP (Personal Advocacy Project) will introduce the topic and should consist of narrative/reflection, the focus being on the student’s personal experience with the topic they have chosen for the major project. You will be introducing your topic to readers by telling a story (narrating) and reflecting upon your experience with the particular topic you’ve chosen for your advocacy project. No research/sources required but be sure to format the look of your paper using MLA guidelines before submitting. Minimum of 750 words.
Last semester, several students began Draft 1 by introducing their topic and launching into an argument. You need to wait until DRAFT 2 to introduce your argument; thesis, supporting reasons, evidence, etc. The initial 750 or so words of your project should be focused exclusively upon YOUR personal experience with the topic. I believe it’s an excellent method for engaging reader interest.
Please do not forget, per the syllabus, to submit your essay by uploading a doc, docx, or pdf file.
Reducing single-use plastics Last summer, I embarked on a beach clean-up initiative with a group of passionate environmentalists. As we combed through the sandy shores, picking up litter and debris, it became abundantly clear just how prevalent single-use plastics were in oureveryday lives. Plastic bottles, straws, and food wrappers littered the beach, posing a threat to the delicate marine ecosystem. It was a wake-up call for me, igniting a deep sense of responsibility to act against this pressing environmental issue. Reflecting upon that experience, I realized that my personal encounters withsingle-use plastics extended far beyond that beach clean-up. From grabbing a quick coffee on my way to work to buying groceries at the supermarket, single-use plastics seemed to be everywhere. Each time I disposed of a plastic bag or tossed away a plastic straw, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. I knew I needed to do something to break free from this cycle of convenience and make a positive change.
As I delved deeper into the issue, I discovered the staggering statistics surrounding single-use plastics. Did you know that over 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year? The detrimental impact on marine life and ecosystems is heart-wrenching. It became clear to me that reducing single-use plastics was not just a personal choice, but a collective responsibility to protect our planet. Inspired by this newfound knowledge, I began exploring alternative options to reducemy own reliance on single-use plastics. I invested in a reusable water bottle and started carrying it with me wherever I went. It was a simple switch, but it made a world of difference. Not only did I significantly reduce my plastic waste, but I also felt a sense of empowerment knowing that I was actively contributing to a cleaner environment. But my journey didn’t stop there. I delved into the world of sustainable alternatives, discovering eco-friendly products like bamboo toothbrushes, reusable shopping bags, and metal straws. These small changes may seem insignificant, but whenmultiplied by the efforts of many, they can create a significant impact. Through my personal experiences and the stories, I’ve heard from others, I’ve come to realize that reducing single-use plastics is not just about making eco-friendly
choices, but also about fostering a mindset shift. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of our actions and the environment and understanding that our
choices have the power to shape a more sustainable future
Draft II (20% of final grade/ 100 points) – The 2nd draft will expand upon a carefully revised version of Draft 1 (the narrative/reflection) by introducing the core argument in the form of a thesis, supporting your thesis, and anticipating criticism of your argument. Your thesis should answer the question: What needs to happen regarding my topic? Be as specific as possible when answering this question. The more specific your thesis, the easier it will be to support and anticipate criticism of your argument. You should reference a minimum of three sources in the 2nd draft, integrating quotes and/or paraphrased information as needed, and citing your sources appropriately in MLA format.  Minimum of 1500 words. 
Draft 1
Reducing single-use plastics Last summer, I embarked on a beach clean-up initiative with a group of passionate environmentalists. As we combed through the sandy shores, picking up litter and debris, it became abundantly clear just how prevalent single-use plastics were in oureveryday lives. Plastic bottles, straws, and food wrappers littered the beach, posing a threat to the delicate marine ecosystem. It was a wake-up call for me, igniting a deep sense of responsibility to act against this pressing environmental issue. Reflecting upon that experience, I realized that my personal encounters withsingle-use plastics extended far beyond that beach clean-up. From grabbing a quick coffee on my way to work to buying groceries at the supermarket, single-use plastics seemed to be everywhere. Each time I disposed of a plastic bag or tossed away a plastic straw, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. I knew I needed to do something to break free from this cycle of convenience and make a positive change.
As I delved deeper into the issue, I discovered the staggering statistics surrounding single-use plastics. Did you know that over 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year? The detrimental impact on marine life and ecosystems is heart-wrenching. It became clear to me that reducing single-use plastics was not just a personal choice, but a collective responsibility to protect our planet. Inspired by this newfound knowledge, I began exploring alternative options to reduce my own reliance on single-use plastics. I invested in a reusable water bottle and started carrying it with me wherever I went. It was a simple switch, but it made a world of difference. Not only did I significantly reduce my plastic waste, but I also felt a sense of empowerment knowing that I was actively contributing to a cleaner environment. But my journey didn’t stop there. I delved into the world of sustainable alternatives, discovering eco-friendly products like bamboo toothbrushes, reusable shopping bags, and metal straws. These small changes may seem insignificant, but whenmultiplied by the efforts of many, they can create a significant impact. Through my personal experiences and the stories, I’ve heard from others, I’ve come to realize that reducing single-use plastics is not just about making eco-friendly
choices, but also about fostering a mindset shift. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of our actions and the environment and understanding that our
choices have the power to shape a more sustainable future
I need to work on Draft 2