Essay #4: Research Paper
This assignment is meant to develop and hone your
research skills. This paper
will exemplify your abilities
to choose your sources, use research, and incorporate
them into your discussion
effectively. Choose a topic to research and write
argumentatively about. This is a general prompt, so take care to focus your topic on
something manageable.
Choose a topic you’re
interested in and form your argument based on your
research. Your argument
should illustrate the body of knowledge that already
exists, and what new/
different argument/analysis you are adding to the
conversation. Present
yourself as a reliable source by citing your information,
analyzing the material, and
synthesizing logical
conclusions from your
investigation. In order to do
this, you must choose the
best 4 sources (at
minimum) that you can find. Make sure to choose articles that also counter your point of view, which demonstrates that you are well informed
and aware of the topic’s
multiple perspectives.
Some points to consider:
– Use reliable sources for
your research of the topic,
but also think about the
other areas of research such as psychology, sociology,
history, or politics that are
related.
– Demonstrate why this
topic is important, and why
there has been controversy surrounding the issue. What
is the topic’s significance to you?
– Refrain from taking on too
large of an argument; rather, choose a specific facet or
element of an argument to make the topic more
manageable.
– Do research before
forming a hypothesis to
remain open to many
possible arguments.
– Arguments should be
complex, this is what makes them interesting. Why aren’t the reasons for, or against
your argument cut and dry?
– Sources should not be
more than 10 years old to
ensure your perspective of
the issue is current.
*Refrain from these topics:
legalization of marijuana,
abortion, and same-sex
marriage (unless you are
going to discuss the current
legalization of it). These
topics have been overdone, so please choose a different topic.
This paper is to be in MLA format; size 12 font in
Times (New Roman);
double spaced; black ink;
minimum of 2,000 words minimum (not including the text from the works
cited page), 2,250 words maximum;
minimum of four (max of five) credible sources cited in MLA format on the works cited page.
Your introduction to
possible topics is due by Sunday, June 16th at
11:59 pm on Canvas.
The final version of your 2,000-word (minimum) essay is due by Sunday, June 23rd by 11:59 pm to Canvas. Please note that late submissions for this essay will not be
accepted; no
exceptions.
Optional guided topics (if
you’re having a hard time
choosing a subject, here are some samples):
Research a specific topic
that deals with the subject of education. We’ve discussed college throughout the
semester, but there is so
much left to explore. Here
are some discussions that
may be explored:
The drop-out rate of high schoolers
Female vs. male
Homeschooling
Public vs. private
education
Access to education
Online learning
These are only a few
examples of topics that can be explored. Think about
others that you are
interested in, and start your
research.
