Research Essay Final Draft

Write a research paper that presents a position or analysis of a current issue. Your goal is to do more than inform your readers; you should persuade and/or analyze.

In an inquiry-based research essay, you will start by coming up with a central research question (or up to 3 research questions) that will guide your research. As you research, you will (hopefully!) discover something new about your topic. Focus on investigating various aspects of your topic rather than just coming up with one definitive answer. Ideally you will synthesize the information you gained from your research, analyze that information, and situate your voice within the larger conversation happening around this topic. Please consider all you have explored about rhetorical choices and what you find persuasive in the arguments of others as you construct your own argument.

This paper is an opportunity for you to synthesize all of the ideas we have been studying throughout the term; I hope you find it challenging. Include a narrowed thesis, sound evidence, analysis, and APA citations (and please proofread). Imagine that you will present your paper at an undergraduate conference to peers who may be skeptical of your ideas. Visualize your readers as intelligent, but not totally up to date on your topic.

Length: At least 6 full pages of text. This will be 1,800 words. Since your cover page and References page are numbered, you will have at least 8 pages. If you are having trouble expanding your paper, let me know. I am happy to give you suggestions. You are more than welcome to write more than the minimum requirement.

Due Dates:

Week 7: Research Progress Document. This should include your research questions. This should also include 3-5 sources and some notes about the usefulness of each source.

Week 8 or 9: Rough Draft. I would like you to send me at least 3 pages and to incorporate some quotes from outside sources. This draft is ungraded, so its very low stakes (feel free to write a Shitty First Draft or send a detailed outline, or write a more complete draft.)

Week 10 : Friday by 11:59 pm: Final Draft Due.

Heres the list of features that Ill be looking for in your final paper:

Argument and Organization:

• Structure: You might write a traditional argumentative style essay, an issue analysis, a cause/effect analysis, a problem solution essay, or an essay that explores 2 sides of the issue and analyzes both sides (or a blend of these).
• Thesis statement is clear, arguable or analytical and drives the analysis of your evidence
• The paper is organized in a logical/reader-friendly manner
• Introduction includes the context of the issue, addresses who cares? about the issue, and captures the readers interest
• You may choose to include a counter-argument, if you feel that it would strengthen your paper. If you include a counter-argument, present them respectfully (and include a refutation).

Sources and Evidence:

• Incorporates at least 6 outside sources:
• At least 5 sources are credible (these can be news websites and government websites). You can use a few less credible sources as evidence of the current debate around the issue, or as sources to critique and write against
• Quotes are introduced and commented on (the reader does not have to guess how they relate to your argument)
• Quotes are not too long
• Both direct citations (word-for-word, verbatim) and indirect citations (paraphrased) are included

APA Style

• Be as specific when you are referring to groups of people and keep in mind APA guidelines on avoiding bias.
• Hedge your claims.
• Avoid writing you. Replace you with the specific group you have in mind. We and our may be appropriate.
• Avoid using Iexcept in your introduction & conclusion and only when you are using personal experience (Please avoid using I to signal your beliefs).
• Informal or conversational language isnt a preferred convention in APA style. Make your writing sound academic. That said, I do want to hear your voice, so feel free to be creative and descriptive.

APA citations and formatting:

• Standard APA citation practices
• References page
• Researchers/authors first name(s) is not listed in the body of the paper
• The title of the book, journal, or article is not listed in the body of the paper
• The year in which the research was published is emphasized in the body of the paper

Standard APA formatting conventions

• cover page (you dont need an abstract for this paper)
• Pages are numbered
• 1 inch margins
• Double spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman font (or another accepted font and size)