Final Research Paper

ENG122: Composition II Research Paper Guidelines

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English 122: Composition II

Research Paper Guidelines

Introduction

To write the Final Research Paper for this course, you must choose one writing prompt and develop a

position. Your thesis statement forms the basis of your position and guides your argument to a logical

conclusion. The thesis statement will answer any research question(s) presented in the writing prompt in

one to two clear sentences.

In the body of the paper, you will examine issues that are relevant to your thesis statement and use research

to support your claims about those issues. Each claim or assertion must be supported by scholarly research

in the form of summaries, paraphrased information, or direct quotes from published, credible sources.

Each paragraph should address one topic that directly supports your thesis statement.

Research is an analytical process, so you are expected to discuss multiple viewpoints and to present

research results in an impersonal manner. It is also important to remember that a persuasive essay does not

simply report information or summarize sources; it uses research to develop a logical argument and prove a

valid point.

At the end of your paper, you will need to provide a conclusion that features a closing argument, a paper

summary, and a rephrased thesis statement.

You may use the table below, used in GEN103, to help you weight the options and make your selection.

BROAD

TOPIC

RESTRICTED

TOPIC

NARROWED

TOPIC

RESEARCH QUESTION

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Writing Prompts – Select One for this Class Prompts have been organized by subject area. Please review all options before making your final

selection.

Arts, Media, and Philosophy

1. Should organized religious groups be allowed to act as political advocates? Does it affect the separation

of Church and State? On the other hand, should religious groups just focus on the spiritual needs of

people? Is it possible to strike a balance? Research all sides of this debate and defend a single position in

your persuasive essay.

2. Should sports figures or celebrities be considered role models? Explain how the term “role model” is

currently and most commonly used in mass media, and decide if you agree or disagree with who is

considered a role model. Explain your position and provide examples.

3. In recent years, top-grossing films like Catching Fire and Frozen have centered on female heroes. In

previous eras, women have been depicted as damsels in distress or sexualized objects, as in Disney’s

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves or the James Bond films. Is this a significant shift in popular

culture? If so, how and why? Explain your reasoning using specific examples.

4. With advances in technology, more and more people are becoming digitally literate. What is “digital

literacy”? Research and define this term, and decide whether or not this is a necessary skill in today’s

society. Be sure to support your opinion using researched facts and fully developed reasons.

5. Consider the value of historical architecture across America. Is historic preservation inhibiting growth in

our cities and towns, or is it adding value to our communities? Research historic preservation and urban

planning in an area near you, and explore the best city planning and historic preservation balance for the

future.

Science, Health, and Environment

6. Obesity has become a public discussion--from Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative to healthier

school lunches to fat taxes. Should an individual person's weight be considered a social issue? Or, is it a

governmental concern? Why or why not? Explain and defend your position.

7. The National Football League (NFL) has come under fire for the long-lasting medical consequences of

players’ game-related head injuries. Is the NFL to blame for the deaths of former players Junior Seau,

Jovan Belcher, Ray Easterling, and/or O.J. Murdock? Research the medical and scientific factors in

addition to legal liability to support your position.

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8. What is the impact of disposable products and packaging in the marketplace and on the environment?

Research and explain why new government regulations should be developed to curb over-packaging, or

persuade the reader to believe that the environmental hazards are being overstated.

9. From the fictional worlds of Flash Gordon to Star Trek, humans have long been fascinated with space

exploration. But exploring outer space is a complex endeavor that requires developing not just advanced

science and technology, but also economic investment. With so many other problems on this planet, why

do people support space exploration? Research various angles on the debate, identify organizations that

support it, and include arguments that question or oppose space exploration. Establish your own position

in a clearly stated thesis. If you support space exploration, explain how it will benefit humanity. If you

question its value, explain why.

10. Some argue that renewable energy protects the environment and that the government should, therefore,

offer subsidies and incentives for manufacturers and consumers who support energy efficiency.

Alternatively, some studies indicate that renewable energy sources do not have a positive impact on the

environment due to the pollution caused by manufacturing. Based on your research, establish your own

position on government subsidies and incentives for renewable energy in a clearly stated thesis. Are

renewable energy subsidies and incentives a concern? Why or why not? Explain and defend your

position.

The Social Sciences

11. The United States used to be called a "melting pot," but is now often called a "salad bowl." What do

these terms mean? How do they reflect immigration and assimilation practices? Which term you think

best describes American culture today?

12. Privacy was once valued and protected. Diaries came with locks to keep the writer’s privately recorded

thoughts from being read by others. Public telephones were enclosed in booths so that conversations

would not be overheard. But now with so many new and convenient technological advancements, is

privacy in the 21st century possible? Write a well-researched paper, which defines “privacy,” and

discusses whether or not it is possible in American society today.

13. As a representative democracy, America’s popular vote can be undermined by the Electoral College in

presidential elections. Should the United States move to a popular vote electoral system or keep the

current system intact? Research the rationale, technology, and policies involved in presidential elections

and persuade the reader to agree with your assertions.

14. American prisons have a disproportionate number of minority inmates. Have social, political, and legal

structures contributed to this disparity? Consider such issues as generational poverty, the war on drugs,

and racial profiling.

15. Is the use of military force the only way to prevent terrorism? What are the other possible alternatives?

Research possible strategies for prevention of terrorism and propose the best choice for today’s American

policymakers.

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Business and Business Ethics

16. Telecommuting (working from home) is a growing trend in the work world. Many people are attracted to

the idea of not reporting to an office. While there might be positive impacts to telecommuting, such as

preserving the environment and saving the cost of office space, there could be negative impacts as well.

Working at home challenges both business management practices (how businesses will organize work

flow) and individual worker’s behavior (it requires self-motivation and discipline). Identify arguments

that question or oppose widespread telecommuting. Based on your research, establish your own position

in a clearly stated thesis. If you support telecommuting, tell why and how it will benefit businesses. If

you question its value, explain why.

17. In the United States, statistics indicate that there is a gender income gap. What causes this gap as

indicated by the statistics? Examine the statistics and evaluate the causes of this gap.

18. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees prescription drug advertising with the Federal Food,

Drug, and Cosmetic Act and associated regulations. Should the FDA ban direct-to-consumer advertising

(e.g. commercials, magazine advertisements, etc.) of prescription drugs? Argue for or against the use of

direct advertising by pharmaceutical companies in a well-researched essay.

19. Should “sin taxes” on alcohol, tobacco, and legalized marijuana be increased to help pay for the

increasing costs of medical care? Present a strong position that is supported by academic research.

20. Is outsourcing an ethical business practice? Research issues such as the use of child labor, sweatshops,

health/safety/environmental standards, etc. in the outsourced manufacturing of American goods, and

defend your position on this issue.

Education and Child Care

21. Does daycare affect children's cognitive development and social skills? Conduct research and argue the

case for or against daycare for babies and young children.

22. What is the No Child Left Behind Act? Define this act and describe its original intentions. Has it been

successful overall in regards to helping students, teachers, and schools? Why or why not?

23. Common Core State Standards are the newest reforms in the field of education. Define this national

program, describe its goals, and argue whether or not the outcomes match the mission. If your state has

not adopted the Common Core, you can select a state that has adopted the standards to discuss in your

paper.

24. Many public schools now require students to wear uniforms. Discuss this topic by explaining some of the

possible reasons for or against this requirement. Do you feel that school uniforms should or should not be

a requirement? Support your viewpoint with relevant scholarly research that will support your reasons for

making this argument. Finally, discuss why this is an important issue to consider.

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25. Distance learning, also known as online learning, for the high school student population has been

increasing as an alternative model of education. Define and explain how this distance learning

environment is different from the more traditional model of a high school. Research, discuss, and explain

several of the pros and cons of this type of learning for this specific population. Make your own argument

either for or against online learning for high school students and support your viewpoint by using the

research you have found to support your argument. Finally, explain why this is an important issue to

discuss.

Building on GEN 103

26. If you have taken the GEN 103: Information Literacy course at Ashford University, you developed a

research question and began the process of researching a topic. Drawing on Chapters 1, 4, and Appendix

A in the textbook, turn your topic into a research question that inspires argumentation. For instance, if

you researched, “carbohydrates lead to obesity,” your question might be: Is the American diet responsible

for the adult obesity epidemic in the United States?

Note: If you select this prompt, you must share your research question with your instructor for approval

by Friday, Day 4, of the first week of the course.