Topic- Should the U.S. lower the drinking age to 18?You do not need to use MLA format for this assignment. Instead, number your responses and provide 2+ complete sentences for each prompt. As alwa
Research Project Topic Proposal
Topic Selection
Before you begin drafting the paper, you will submit a topic proposal to me that outlines why you have selected the topic; you will also provide basic information about your understanding of the problem. Please note that large problems, such as poverty or terrorism, require large solutions. It helps to focus on either a smaller problem or a limited aspect of the large problem.
Helpful Resources:
1. If you have not used the FSW Library database system before, the librarians have provided a wonderful tutorial on how to use their system: Library Research Tutorial (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
2. In the early stages of your research, you may find the FSW Library's Research Guide for Composition II (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.useful as well.
3. The Purdue OWL website provides an entire sample research essay (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.; you may find this sample helpful as you begin revising and editing your paper.
You do not need to use MLA format for this assignment. Instead, number your responses and provide 2+ complete sentences for each prompt. As always, grammar counts, so proofread before submitting your responses.
What topic have you selected? Describe the argument you wish to establish. What main problem are you tackling? What are the causes/effects of the issue? How long has the problem been going on and whom does it affect?
Why did you choose this topic? Explain your interest in the topic; be as descriptive and specific as you can about your motivation for picking this topic:
Discuss the topic’s significance. Why should your audience care about the topic? How do you plan to convince your audience that this is an important problem? Remember, your first major obstacle will be convincing readers that a problem exists.
Consider your audience. What does the majority of your audience most likely consist of: readers who strongly agree, skeptical readers, or readers who disagree? What might your audience already know about your topic? Will your audience have an emotional investment in and/or preconceived notions about your idea?
Use this topic:
-Alcohol Should the U.S. lower the drinking age to 18?
Once professor approves topic you will do the Research Paper Rough Draft
You must submit 250-750 words of your draft.do not pass 750 words. I am most interested in seeing the hook you use to catch your audience's interest in the introductory section and in your thesis statement (make sure you underline your thesis). You must include at least one source in this draft; you should display the correct usage of MLA in-text citations. Please also use basic MLA format (headers, double spacing, etc.). At the top of the draft, you may write 2-3 specific questions that you would like me to address when I look at your draft. If you do not list any questions or if they are not listed at the top, I will comment on issues such as focus and development.
Discussion 5: Essay Topics 75 words
State your topic for the proposal argument research paper. You should first identify your specific topic (for instance, the CSI effect in courtrooms) then discuss why you chose the topic (in this case, the student was interested in a criminal justice career and wanted to find out whether the so-called "CSI effect" on juries was real). Please also share one interesting idea regarding your topic. Finally, if you know of a helpful website/database for students, please share! For instance, many students recommend EasyBib for help with the works-cited list. After you post your response of 75+ words
Research Paper Final Draft
For the research project, you will select your own topic for a 1400-1600 word research paper in MLA format. Please note that your final draft should fit within the word count, which includes the works-cited list, given above.
You should include at least 5 sources that fit all the criteria outlined in Chapter 8. At least two of these sources must originate from the FSW Library database system. If you are using the Internet for your other two sources, I recommend using .edu sites do not use .coms Your paper should reflect sound critical and analytical thinking.
one more time before submitting your essay. Check that you have met the word count and research requirements, and make sure the works-cited list appears at the end of the file use here to help cite work http://www.easybib.com/
Follow the Rubix here:
Rubric
Preview: Research Paper Final Draft Rubric
| Preview: Research Paper Final Draft Rubric | ||||
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts | ||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFOCUS The 1-3 sentence thesis should be an underlined, well-phrased argument that clearly analyzes the problem to be explored within the paper. If appropriate to the topic, a solution may also be identified within the thesis. The idea offered in the thesis reflects sound critical, analytical thinking. |
| 25.0 pts | ||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeORGANIZATION The examples and ideas developed in the essay should relate directly to the thesis so that the essay does not stray from the central idea. The writer should maintain focus and control of argument so that the point of each paragraph is always clear. The essay should flow from one idea to the next through the use of strong topic sentences, transitions between paragraphs and ideas, and repetition of key ideas, phrases, or images throughout the entire essay. |
| 20.0 pts | ||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSTYLE Writing is academic in tone, demonstrating a clear sense of purpose and audience; writer's voice is evident -- confident and sophisticated. Vocabulary and phrasing are academically appropriate, persuasive, and sophisticated. |
| 20.0 pts | ||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDEVELOPMENT The body of the essay, should fully and completely develop the thesis of the essay and relate to the AUDIENCE and PURPOSE. The writing should reflect a critical, analytical understanding of the text. Each claim should be supported by clear evidence. |
| 20.0 pts | ||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRESEARCH You are required to include 5 outside sources in your paper. At least two of these sources must originate from the FSW Library database system. If you are using the Internet for your other two sources, I recommend using .edu sites and avoiding .coms (if you are including a .com site, contact me before submitting the paper). |
| 25.0 pts | ||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMECHANICS AND PRESENTATION The essay should display evidence of the writing/revision process. The essay should include a variety of sentences marked by varying opening words and structure; also, it should use effective syntax and grammar, demonstrate a mastery of writing conventions, and serve the author’s purpose. Finally, the essay should meet the word count requirement, using appropriate font and margin sizes. |
| 20.0 pts | ||
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA The essay should demonstrate consistent adherence to MLA guidelines and have an accurate Works Cited page. |
| 20.0 pts | ||
| Total Points: 150.0 | ||||
Chapter 8
6 Criteria for Evaluating Sources:
Accuracy- information should be factual and free of errors
Credibility- review the differences between popular and scholarly sources; I recommend confining most of you academic research to peer reviewed sources
Objectivity- review what bias is- note that all sources have some bias, but reputable authors try to remain as objective as possible
Currency- make sure you know when your source was published
Comprehensiveness- make sure your sources thoroughly covers the topic under review
Authority- try to identify your source's credentials- make sure the source is qualified to write about the chosen topic.
Additional Criteria for Evaluating Websites
Design- does the page’s design look professional? The graphics and colors should not distract the reader from the content
Navigation- can you easily find the information that you need? Reputable sites such as the Purdue OWL (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.include clear menus and a Site Map to help readers browse their content
Search engines- is the site searchable? Purdue OWL includes a search box, FAQs, Fact Sheets, and a page entitled “How to use the OWL” (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
When Experts Disagree
If conflicting sources seem equally reliable, then continue reading other authorities to determine whether a greater number of experts support one opinion over another.
If you are unable to decide, you may conclude that the argument must remain unsettled. This is not failure. It is the nature of controversy.
