Write a research paper that presents your opinion on a controversial issue from the list of topic suggestions provided. You may also expand on your recent argument paper for this assignment if you choose. Begin with a debatable thesis statement, then follow the guidelines for writing a research paper listed below. As well, please reference our text book, Models for Writers, “A Brief Guide to Writing a Research Paper” (Chapter 23). As you write your essay, be sure that you support your argument with credible sources (library and/or online). You must have a minimum of three different credible sources. As well, your essay must be a minimum of 8 – 10 pages (typed double-space) with one inch margins on all sides. Use parenthetical citations throughout, and do not forget to include a “works cited” page at the end of your paper (please see MLA style Chapter 23). For more help, please read the student example of a research paper (pg. 616-623) in MW (Chapter23). This will help to clarify many of your questions. Moreover, visit my online Zoom session Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for additional suggestions.
Your essay should incorporate the following guidelines:
Thesis/Claim: Take a stand for or against an action or idea (a statement that can be argued or challenged). Your thesis statement should introduce your subject and state your opinion about that subject.
Audience: For whom are you writing? Take your audience into consideration as you write your essay. It is your audience that determines your tone, diction, and evidence that you choose.
Evidence: Choose evidence (facts, statistics, statements from authorities, and examples or personal stories) that supports your thesis statement. Evidence is probably the most important factor in writing an argument essay. Without solid evidence, your essay is nothing more than opinion; with it, your essay can be powerful and persuasive.
Organization: Organize your research paper so that if presents your position as effectively as possible. By the conclusion of your essay, you want your audience to agree with you. Make it easy for readers to follow your logical progression.
Counterargument: Take the opposing side into consideration. Presenting only your side of the argument leaves half the story untold―the opposition’s half. If you acknowledge that there are opposing arguments and answer them, it will make your argument stronger.
Avoid logical fallacies (faulty reasoning) Please review list on pages 502-503 in MW.
Check to make sure that your paper demonstrates ethos (ethics), and a good balance between logos (logic) and pathos(emotion).
Conclusion: Your paper should have a strong ending. Restate your thesis in a fresh way. Keep it simple, but reiterate your main idea or point. This is also the best place to pose an important question, or to illicit a call for action.
Approved sources and Categories:
Print Sources Electronic Sources
Books Electronic Databases
Electronic databases Credible Websites (ending in .org, .edu, or .gov)
Magazines or journals Electronic dictionaries
Dictionaries Electronic encyclopedias (No Wikipedia!!!)
Song lyrics
Encyclopedias
Interviews
Films
Our textbook
Surveys
Remember: You must have a minimum of three credible sources (more are always welcome)!
Suggestions for topics:
Global Warming/ Climate Change – Is it a natural occurrence, or man made?
Is gun control necessary? Why or why not?
Can recycling make a difference?
Does exercise have a direct impact on human health? Can too much exercise be harmful?
Where do we draw the line on animal abuse?
Organic Food vs. Genetically Modified Food
Vegan Diet vs. Meat Diet
Electric or Hybrid cars vs. Gas Cars
Wind and Solar Power vs. Nuclear Power
Support the Police vs. Defund the Police
Mail in Ballots vs. Voting at the Polls
Additional topics for consideration
Should science pursue cloning (or stem cell research, or DNA research)? Why or why not?
Should countries use biological warfare? Why or why not?
Should the United States have gun control? Why or Why not?
Should geo-engineering be allowed to continue without the public’s consent?
Should fracking for oil be allowed? Why or Why not? Does it compromise the health of humans, plants, and animals?
What is the solution to the energy problem? Oil? Solar energy? Wind energy? Nuclear energy?
Should the US (and the world) continue space exploration? Why or why not?
Was Edward Snowden right in blowing the whistle on the NSA? Why or why not?
Should Julian Assange be freed from prison? Why or why not?
Should the creation of robots (artificial intelligence) be allowed to continue? Why or why not?
Should marijuana be legalized in all states? Why or why not?
Should the Internet be censored due to political views or explicit and potentially dangerous content?
Is the Patriot Act unconstitutional? Why or why not?
Should corporations be allowed to genetically modify our food? Why or why not?
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