Research paper
Due March 26th
Our last writing assignment is a research paper. This assignment provides you with the opportunity to write an essay that explores a variety of perspectives on a central research question and uses that information to develop your own tentative answer. The activity will challenge you to use evidence to support your own position; analyze different perspectives; articulate assumptions of different arguments.
Description:
• 4-5 pages long
• Title page+ outline (first page- separate from the 4)
• Times New Roman 12, double-spaced
• Reference: at least 3 sources(articles/books) and maybe a video
• MLA style works cited page (separate from the 4)+ MLA in-text citation style
Topics:
• Technology
• Religion
• Education
• Social media
• Personal development
• Cultural expectations
• Health
Organization:
The introduction is clear, general, engages the audience, and ends with a clearly stated thesis statement. It provides appropriate background to the issue and makes clear its significance.
The paragraphs are in a purposeful order that is signaled with clear transitions. The paragraphs are unified and cohesive: Each topic sentence should be followed by 2-3 supporting sentences and examples (taken from the outside sources)
The paper will include an antithesis- a paragraph challenging the thesis
The conclusion should bring closure to the argument.
Sources:
Your 3 sources should be adequately incorporated in the text. You can summarize/ paraphrase/or quote. Make sure to use the MLA guide for your citations
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html
Research question+ thesis
– choose one of the topics provided
-choose a topic that you can easily research/limit your topic
-list of facts
-quotes from experts
-find information
-plan your paper and take notes (in your own words)
-research map
-thesis statement/outline/make your purpose clear
-organize your notes
-write draft
-read/revise it
-Who is my audience?
-What do they/ I believe?
-What are my best reasons for believing that?
-Which of these reasons will convince the audience the most?
• One reason for being against
• Another reason for supporting
• The most important reason
-Which facts/authorities/ideas will support each one of the topic sentences?
• Quotes
• Paraphrase
• Summarize
-What objections are there to my position?
-Rubric:
Mechanics -no grammatical errors
-no spelling errors
-no punctuation errors 50points
Format -MLA format (12pt. Times New Roman font, Double spaced, 1 inch margins, page number, header with correct information)
-interesting and engaging title
-sources used correctly 50points
Topic -engaging thesis
-good introduction
-good sequence of arguments
-good transitions
-the paper should have unity and should make a clear point about the topic chosen 50 points
Tone/style -tone is appropriate (professional and academic)
-word choice is correct and appropriate
-style is clear and mature with easy to understand sentences 50points
Organization/development -each paragraph deals with a single, clear idea which is related to the theme of your paper
-introduction and conclusion are well-written 50points
Research Map
-it implies a series of choices
– think of your research as an investigation
TOPIC: 5Ws:
Who Research population
What What might influence your topic?
When Time frame
Where Area
Why Reason for researching your topic
Focused Research Idea/ Research Question
Search Terms/Keywords:
Information Resources: Start at library.gsu.edu
https://research.library.gsu.edu/az.php?a=i
GIL-Find Catalog (books, ebooks, items in the library)
Discover search (multiple databases to find articles, ebooks, and catalog items)
EBSCO
CQ Researcher (National and international issues)
Issues & Controversies (Overview of hot topics)
News & Newspapers
World News Digest
Think of your research as an investigation!