Tips regarding the World History and Literature assignment on the Middle East Peace Conference held recently in Annapolis, Md.

1. Write the paper in the usual essay format. This means doublespacing, etc.

2. You are writing an op-ed piece. This is an opinion piece, but you need to back your opinions with certain facts. Typically, your essay will begin with a brief restatement of the purpose for the conference, the attendees, etc. as stated on the information sheets passed out in class.

3. Follow the rough outline provided by the information sheets. You are assessing the problems and possible solutions in the Middle East, which in this case means the problems that continue between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

4. You aren't required to list souces, but it strengthens your arguments if you back up your statements with a reference, as in "The New York Times reported that...." or "The Jerusalem Post told its readers that ...."

5. If you've waited until now to begin looking for materials online, I suggest you begin immediately. The essay was the main assignment for the week, which means you should have spent a good amount of time on it.