1.) The research paper will defend an argument based on a current social/political issue that interests you, and it will give possible solutions to said issue. Issues that are off limits: gun control, abortion, religion, steroids, animal rights, euthanasia, etc. Remember, this is not an informational report, but a paper that defends an argument based on a current social/political issue. Once you decide on a topic, you need to limit your topic and develop an opinion about your topic. Your opinion will be the foundation of your thesis statement, which will guide your entire paper;
2.) Length: 6 pages, typed, double-spaced (not including the title and Works Cited page);
3.) MINIMUM of six credible sources that support your thesis (Required: one book and one scholarly journal);
4.) Use parenthetical citations to give credit to the words and thoughts taken from others, and cite them according to MLA guidelines as discussed in class
-pick a current social/political issue that has 2 sides. You may refer to articles from nytimes.com or any other online news-source that you feel strongly about and have something to propose in order to make better
-pick a topic that allows you to do both-have a position and a proposed solution.
-develop a counter-argument:
-research and provide a rebuttal (a refutation) to the counter-argument. Research-based refutation/rebuttal sections will speak to the points made in the counter-argument.
-use multiple academic sources – books, journal articles, or valid academic internet websites- to develop the refutation to the counter-argument in making a powerful case for both position and proposed solution;
-use multiple academic sources in order to make the transition from specific topic to its relationship to a larger, socio-politico-cultural context, and thus enlarge the context of your argument paper
