Students are required to independently research a highway engineering topic, and write an argument essay. The graduate paper facilitates a greater depth of study. To complete the essay, the graduate student must search the relevant literature and formulate compelling arguments to support his/her position. All references must be properly cited within the essay and included in a reference list. An argument or persuasive essay is usually structured as follows: Title The 1st paragraph is an introduction paragraph, which tells the reader about the chosen topic, the importance of that topic, and states the author’s position. The body of the essay presents the arguments which support the author’s position. Each paragraph focuses on one argument or idea. The strength of that argument is illustrated through evidence drawn from the literature. A minimum of three arguments should be provided. The body of the essay also includes a paragraph describing the counterargument or opposing viewpoint on the topic, and a rebuttal. The last paragraph is a summary paragraph, which restates the author’s position and provides the main points to reaffirm/support that position. When writing your paper, please format it as follows: 1″ margins 12 pt times new roman single line spacing left justified 0.5 inch indent at the beginning of each paragraph no extra spacing between paragraphs follow MLA formatting and style for in-text citations and reference list (refer to https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/11/) page numbers centered at the bottom of the page author name at the top right of the header