The Research Paper
PURPOSENow that you have had the experience of writing in various styles, you are ready to expand your efforts and practice the central process of most professional writing—research. Since research is a fundamental aspect of the college learning process, you will be asked to practice the incorporation of research into an otherwise straightforward argument. ——————————————————————————————————————–
ASSIGNMENT
Decide what you believe will be the single, most important problem that America will face in the coming decade; then write a persuasive and researched essay that answers this question:
Why will the problem be so bad for America?

LENGTH REQUIREMENTS
1] Length: The essay must be a minimum of 1800 words–typed, double-spaced, in 12-Point Font. Expect it, therefore, to be roughly 5 1/2 pages long minimum (depending on type-setting). Note that the length does not include the Works Cited page.

2] Outline Exceptions: MUST have
– Two paragraph introduction
– Must have an Opposition paragraph
– Must have separate Response paragraph.

RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
1-5 ] Sources: You must incorporate a minimum of 5 different, legitimate outside sources. Note that “legitimate” means that the material was written by or “approved” by recognized experts in the field, so pay attention to who and what organization you are quoting from.
6] Print Sources: At least 4 of the 5 minimum sources must be from print-based material– such as books, magazine or journal articles, or newspapers. However, if you find such sources on the Internet, I will consider them as “print-based” if they were originally in print.
7] What Will Not Count: Primary sources, like stories, poems, plays, famous quotes from famous people, or religious texts, for instance, and reference sources (e.g. dictionaries and encyclopedias) are not considered “outside research.” You may use them, and you must cite them properly if you use them, but they will not count toward your 5 required sources.

8-11] The 4 Forms: You must use each of the four forms of quoting material (Sentence- Style, Incorporated-Style, Block Format, and Paraphrase) at least ONCE in your essay.

FORMAT REQUIREMENTS
Your entire paper must be in the MLA format. This means
1] Appearance: the appearance of the pages must be in the MLA format (without a Title Page),
2] In-Text Citations: the in-text citations must be in the MLA format, and
3] Works Cited page: the Works Cited page must be in the MLA format.

(You must use the MLA Style Guidelines found on the Purdue Owl web page for all of the formatting.)

AUDIENCE Remember, in an argument, you are attempting to persuade people who would normally disagree with you and your beliefs, so religious arguments cannot convince people who are of another faith. I will consider them as being off-topic when grading this assignment.

GENERAL ADVICE

1] Be sure that your thesis is clearly stated. Too many essays go astray because the thesis is vague or does not clearly, and simply, answer the assignment. Your thesis should state your position (one side or the other . . . no fence-sitting) on a debatable issue; i.e. there must be a clear opposing side.

2] Explain your ideas fully. Do not merely discuss the examples. Explain the logic behind your beliefs (why do you believe what you do). This is a very difficult task, and it is where most students will struggle. Do not assume the readers “get it”; explain your points as if your readers were having trouble understanding them. In your paragraphs, you should be explaining and giving examples.

3] Keep yourself focused on the various components of the essay presented in this course:
A] Your essay should be focused on the thesis at all times;
B] Paragraphs should be focused on the connection between topic (stated in your topic sentence) and thesis;
C] Explain your claims fully; do not merely make statements and then jump to examples;
D] Use your evidence/ examples to illustrate the explanations;
E] Think about the arrangement of the paragraphs; there should be some form of organizing pattern;
F] Finally, proofread the text carefully before you turn it in.