TED research paper

• Introduction
• Hook readers with a provoking opening statement that is relevant to the topic at hand

Briefly contextualize the problem

THESIS EXAMPLES

• Broward County public school officials should institute women’s leadership courses in high schools because they would help close the achievement gap in male-dominated fields.

• Congress should legalize gay marriage nationwide because it would alleviate the discrimination that our country claims to reject.

• Explain the problem
• Convince us that this is actually a problem

Explain the significance of the problem (who does it affect and how badly)

• Use your TED Talk as one source of support

• Explain what’s currently being done to solve the problem (if anything)
• Convince us that these actions are not enough.

• Explain what should be done and why (i.e. your solution)
• Walk us through the steps (if there are steps) of your solutions.

Prove that it’s the best solution possible.

Prove that it is feasible.

Prove that it will actually solve/improve the problem.

• Consider and refute potential counter-arguments
• What critique might people offer of your solution?

How do you respond? Why is your solution still “worth it”?

• Conclude by restating your proposal and enticing readers to act.
• What might happen if no action is taken?