Conspiracy Theories
Research Essay
For this assignment, you will research a popular conspiracy theory. These theories have not been proven due to their lack of concrete evidence, which is why they are still considered a theory. Your task is to select a popular conspiracy theory, provide background information on the topic, research three of the more well-known reasons behind the theory and then provide the flaw(s) in each of those reasons.
To put it simply, a conspiracy theory is an alternative explanation to an event. In order for a conspiracy theory to first begin, there has to be some lack of evidence or something that may not make sense. Unfortunately, what makes it a conspiracy and not reality is the lack of hard evidence. This is why it’s difficult to prove a conspiracy theory.
These are important questions when looking at any conspiracy theory: ∙ Does it make sense and/or is it reasonable?
∙ Is there a means or motive available?
∙ Is there enough evidence to support the theory?
∙ Does the conspiracy theory actually explain what happened?
Process:
∙ Select your conspiracy theory.
∙ Begin researching the theory.
∙ Find three reasons/sources to support the theory.
∙ Find three reasons/sources to discount the theory.
∙ Evaluate the credibility of the sources (worksheet).
∙ Begin the rough draft of your essay.
Expectations:
∙ Your essay should be a minimum of 3 pages and a maximum of 5. ∙ Your essay should have an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. ∙ Your introduction must have a thesis statement that indicates three clear, unalike reasons for your theory.
∙ Double-space your essay
∙ Type out your essay
∙ Write in third person
∙ Include a captivating title
∙ Indent each paragraph
∙ Keep paragraphs balanced (include the approximate number of sentences in each) ∙ ALL sources needed to be cited accordingly.
