- An overview of the problem/issue – What is the problem? Where does it exist? When did it begin? What people or groups are directly involved
- Different perspectives (views) about the problem – What are the causes of the problem? Is it getting better or worse? Does everyone see it as a problem? Historical sources must be used to examine the facts and opinions about the problem
- Possible existing solutions – How have experts and others associated with the issue suggested fixing the problem? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the different interpretations and proposals? Based on the background of this issue, what do you predict will happen in the future?
- Barriers to existing solutions – What human and environmental / geographical barriers stand in the way of fixing the problem? How do maps and charts illustrate these problems? Refer directly to the maps and charts you have created.
- Ways to address the barriers– Given what you have learned, what do you think would be the best solution to the problem?
Finally, the research paper must contain a correctly formatted Works Cited page containing minimum of 5 sources, 3 of which are books / reputable articles/ peer reviewed journals (AKA academic sources)