Essay 3 – Research Essay
In this 1000 – 1500 word research essay you will further practice your essay writing skills. In particular, you will have an opportunity to do some formal research, analyze and evaluate this research, and apply MLA documentation style to your paper. It is helpful to consider such a paper (metaphorically) as an opportunity to add a “tool to your toolkit” for your future career goals. It is important to consider the rubric in your planning and writing.
Essay Main Requirements
Clear thesis which encompasses main areas covered and purpose in writing
Include an outline at the bottom of your paper (submit one file) follow Purdue University as a guide (choose alphanumeric or decimal): https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/developing_an_outline/types_of_outlines.html
A minimum of three credible sources of which 1 must be an academic journal (no more than 10% of your paper should be in the form of directly quoted material; you are encouraged to paraphrase -which still requires citation)
Incorporate MLA style
Include first page exchange data (MLA), page header, citations (in-text and full citations at end) and general formatting style (margins, spacing, font, font size etc.)
Structured paragraphs containing a clear topic sentence and with “unity” and “coherence”
Clearly communicated information/ideas
Apply essay introduction and conclusion techniques
Pose 1 – 2 questions/comments regarding your topic i.e., after you have researched and discussed your main points, what questions do you have or what more would you like to know about your topic?
Suggested Topics (but you are free to propose something not on this list)
Students must have their topic approved by the instructor before submitting
Covid-19 related
What are the effects of coronavirus on mental health? Will the pandemic lead to increased cases of mental health problems?
How has Coronavirus affected family life?
How are parents with small kids coping with working from home?
Education
Effects of social media on developing children
The role of play in early childhood development
The barriers affecting online-learning
The effects of “screen time” in early childhood
Are we seeing a shift from traditional schooling to distance education?
Health and welfare
Efficacy of medical marijuana
Diabetes and the modern, Western lifestyle
Physiological and/or mental impacts of stress and mitigating their negative effects
Benefits of pet therapy
Benefits of music therapy
Is there a rise in generalized anxiety?
Is meditation a viable treatment for addictions?
“O sleep, O gentle sleep, Nature’s soft nurse” -William Shakespeare Has the importance of sleep been underestimated by contemporary people?
How food and nutrition affects mood and temperament
General Interest
Managing bullies
Navigating a world with “fake news”
Systemic racism in Canada
Recommended credible sources (for standard topics)
1. Academic journals via the databases
2. Textbooks/e-books with established publishers
3. Government websites (federal and provincial .gov)
4. Large organizations’ websites; non-profit and without a conflict of interest ( e.g., Mayo Clinic, Diabetes Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association, ERIC etc. * Preview “About us” on large organizations’ websites and apply credibility tests)
Last Completed Projects
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