Research Paper

If you submit this paper by the due date, you will not have time to revise it. Be sure to check originality. Final submission is online (not by email) by the date on the syllabus.
This paper is worth 20% of your final grade.
Read the modules on research. You may revise your synthesis or use your debate topic.
Research Paper
English 1102
Purpose: To develop student ability to compose a documented argument

Topic: Choose to revise the synthesis or to write a paper on the debate topic.

1. Choose to revise the synthesis or to write on the debate topic. The topic must have both a pro and a con side to develop. Put another way–the paper must have at least two sides to the argument.

2. Research your topic. For the final draft you will need to cite at least 5 sources. These should be a combination of newspapers, books, magazines, and interviews. Do not use either an on line or a hard copy dictionary or an encyclopedia for the required sources.

3. You should organize the paper using one of the three approaches to argument I gave you notes on. In addition, you need to use cause and effect, narration, description, and comparison and contrast in the essay. You may use other methods of development as well.

4. Your paper will need to be between 6 and 8 pages long; plus it must have a Works Cited page. Use parenthetical citations following the MLA style sheet directions. Double space your entire paper and use 12 pt. font

5. This paper is due to me by the deadline on the syllabus. If you want a chance to revise it if necessary, you must turn it in earlier. Meeting the deadline will not allow time for revision.
Notes on Patterns of Argumentation
These notes are based on both your texts as well as the 1101 text and some of my own ideas.

Classical Argument
1. Introduction
2. Thesis—states topic and your position on it
3. Background information. Define key terms, give historical or social contest. This may be given in intro or separately.
4. Evidence and reasons. Give general statements and back them up with specific details, examples, support from others. May use one or two paragraphs for each reason. You might give most important reason last or you might organize with familiar first and unfamiliar last.
5. Response to opposing position. This is the rebuttal or refutation. You can put this in the intro or in its own paragraph at the end or in each paragraph after you state the point. For example, you could give your first point, refute the opposition’s stand on it and then give your evidence to support your point. Or give your point and evidence and then refute the opposition in each paragraph.
6. Concluding paragraph. Summarizes the argument, elaborates its significance, or calls readers to action..
Toulmin Argument
1. Claim—thesis
2. Support—reasons and evidence to support the claim
3. Warrants—underlying assumptions.
Rogerian Argument
1. Introduction
2. Thesis—states topic and position to be argued
3. Common ground—explain issues and acknowledge that readers may not agree. Be respectful of opponent’s position. May acknowledge that opponent may be right in some cases.
4. Discuss your position with evidence and reasons.
5. Conclusion. Summarize why your position is preferable.