Explain how that conspiracy theory fits the definition provided by Axelsen and Emberland’s article “What Is a Conspiracy Theory?’
In the essay, you will need to answer the following prompt:
How does the conspiracy you selected fit Axelsen and Emberland’s definition of a conspiracy theory?
“First, the actions and goals of the group are nefarious, threatening or illegal.
“Second, the conspirators manage, because they are particularly powerful, sly, or manipulative, to control the course of events and the official narrative.
Third, the group operates in secret and have initiated a cover-up to hide its work. This cover-up involves the fabrication or removal of evidence or influencing those who control the official narrative.” (Axelsen and Emberland)
Keep the following in mind when writing your essays:
The introduction should be brief (5-7 sentences). Use it to set up the topic for the reader.
The thesis should either be the first or last sentence in the introduction. And it must answer the prompt’s question in a single, clear sentence. The thesis should present an argumentative claim that the body paragraphs will support.
Each paragraph (3 total body paragraphs) should lead with topic sentences that express the paragraph’s main idea. The topic sentence’s claim should support the thesis’s argument.
Use direct quotes from sources to support the topic sentence’s claim. Keep direct quotes short (2-3 lines of text). Use only the evidence that is necessary to prove the paragraph’s claim.
In-text citations are required for direct quotes. Otherwise, the essay is considered plagiarized. Give the author credit.
For a review of in-text citations for MLA, please visit Purdue’s Online Writing Lab (OWL): MLA In-Text Citations
For a review of in-text citations for APA, please visit Purdue’s Online Writing Lab (OWL): APA In-Text Citations
Thoroughly analyze the evidence. Explain how the evidence supports the paragraph’s claim.
The conclusion should be brief (3-5 sentences), and it should wrap up the essay’s argument.
Format:
Follow MLA or APA guidelines (Review Purdue OWL MLA or APA for a refresher if needed)
Double spaced
Times New Roman, size 12
A works cited or reference page is required. Not including in-text citations and a works cited or reference page will be considered plagiarism.