This essay should be 400-500 words, and about any topic you are interested in (as long as it's reasonably academic...see me if you're not sure about your topic). Check out the Idea Generator (sixth in the list of links to the right) for possible topic areas. This blog shows the steps necessary to do a proper research essay. Posts 1-19 are all relevant to some degree. Please read through them at your own pace. I will be able to help you with citation, or anything else, when you need it.