Research paper
You are writing a research paper on a controversial
topic. It must be something that requires you form an opinion, then back
up you opinion with
reliable
sources. These sources will give you
information that back up your opinion. One or two of them may be used to
introduce opposing points of view on your topic so you can illustrate what
is controversial about it. Be sure to counter these opposing points of view
by explaining why they are weak or wrong. Choose your issue from one of
the readings in our textbook or a class handout. This should be an exigency
you wish to learn more about. It is important that you choose something
that interests you. You will spend the rest of the semester researching it
and then write a well-sourced argumentative research paper that (1)
explores what others are saying about the issue and (2) works to support
your clearly stated assertion about the issue.
Choose an issue
that really interests you. Decide what your opinion on this issue is. Be sure
your opinion is one that not all your readers will agree with.
If yours is an opinion that
everyone already agrees with, it is not yet suitable for an argument research paper.
Keep thinking of ways to view the issue until you come up with an opinion that is debatable,
controversial, and above all, discussable.
REQUIREMENTS:
6-8 pages, typed in MLA format
A correctly formatted Works Cited page listing documentation information for all your
sources.
Use 6 sources
, some that agree or in some way back up your opinion, and some that
disagree or represent an alternative point of view on the issue.
Added >>>
Create an annotated bibliography entry for each source.
Turn in all 6 Annotated Bibliography Entries on time (see the handout for directions
and due dates for these).
You must cite all sources in your essay (parenthetical citations).
You must include a Works Cited page.
This page does not count toward the
minimum length requirement.
NOTE:
NOTE:
There is ONLY one way to avoid plagiarism: CITE anything from ANY source
you use or refer to. This includes ideas, words, statistics, quotes,
language,
including
even one word, that comes from someone else’s work. If you are in doubt about when
or how to CITE anything you want to use, ask or bring your questions to your
conference and we will figure it out together.
WRITING CONFERENCE REQUIRED/ SEE CLASS SCHEDULE
Successful papers will:
1. Logically introduce your topic and thesis and give some indication of how the paper
will proceed.
2. Use an effective structure that carefully guides the reader from one idea to the next.
3. Understand the main point (thesis/claim) of your sources and use these sources
effectively.
4. Smoothly integrate information and evidence in MLA format from at least six sources
and explain how this information helps illustrate, clarify, extend, or complicate your
argument.
5. Follow all guidelines for introducing, using, explaining, connecting, and correctly citing
quotes and other source material or references.
6. Include a properly-formatted MLA works cited page. See handout on Canvas for
directions.
7. Edit thoroughly so that sentences are readable and appropriate for a college-
level paper. Use on-campus tutoring to find and fix errors, especially those that
interfere with meaning.
These errors will seriously lower your grade:
Papers that are not argumentative will receive a failing grade.
o
Do not write an informative type of research paper. You are not
“reporting” on a situation; you must write an argument about an issue.
o
Make sure your thesis/claim and your discussion is appropriate for an
argument.
Keep in mind that you are not writing a paper that simply says whether or not
you agree with other writers’ points; rather, you are both supporting your own
point of view AND analyzing alternative or opposing viewpoints. In other words,
EXPLAIN why the alternative viewpoints are weak or wrong.