Description and Purpose
The research paper is a documented, argumentative essay seven to ten pages in
length. Its purpose is not only to report facts, but to pursuade as well. You, the
writer, will defend an assertion (your thesis) by presenting your ideas, supported by
outside sources. Your aim is to convince the reader to accept your assertion and
perhaps even act on it. The research paper is not merely a report. It is not a group
of quotations strung together with an occasional “next” or “consequently.” It is not
an essay consisting of unsupported personal opinions and sweeping generalities. It
is not a rehash of old, set arguments or stale topics.
This paper is a bit of investigative reporting followed by editorial writing. The
project goes beyond simply gathering information on a topic and reporting on it.
That is an important first step, but you will then analyze and evaluate that
information in order to use it in an essay that presents a reasoned argument.
Overall, approach this paper as your attempt to increase your awareness of
whatever topic you have chosen.
You will be working on a controversial topic. The controversy might center on
causes, effects, or solutions. Sometimes even the existence of the problem is
controversial. You must realize as you do your research that all sources are in some
ways biased and that all sources include one or more opinions as well as the actual
topic. Do not assume that everything you read in a printed or electronic source is
true or even objective! Learn to bring a “scholar’s skepticism” to your reading or
controversial topic. When you present your own findings and opinions, do so
responsibly, carefully, and logically.
Pretend for a moment that your topic is the “three strikes” law. You will need to
read widely in order to decide how you stand on the various issues included in this
topic. You will discover very quickly that there are several versions of the “truth.”
Perceived causes may turn out to be effects of larger causes, and proposed
solutions often threaten to cause further problems. Don’t be alarmed! This
complexity is actually good news, indicating that you are researching a
controversial and complex topic. Do not follow the examples of news anchors or
politicians; do not oversimplify your topic. Avoid concluding your paper with a
vague “we must do everything we can.” If in the process of researching your
controversial topic or problem you found it to be inextricably linked to several
other problems, say so.
Specifications
The research paper will include the following:
• properly headed first page
• seven to ten page argumentative essay with MLA parenthetical
documentation of sources
• works cited page
Steps in the Process
1. Select a general topic. Many students find this first step a bit overwhelming;
however, careful thought and prewriting usually leads to a good topic. One good
way of becoming aware of current, argumentative topics is through reading
newspapers. Many times, writers will present their topics in the opinion section of
the newspaper and days later, readers will submit responses to the topic. If you
have a topic in mind, look for discussion in print media, and “Google search” it as
well. If you are not sure what your subject might be, consult print media as well.
Something may be printed that inspires you to investigate it further. Select a topic
as early as possible and stick with it! Changing your topic will only lead to long
nights and consequently, a bad research paper.
2. Organize your ideas and guide your research by formulating research questions
about your topic. Determine in your own mind what you need to find out about
your topic. For example, if the topic is the feasibility of the “three strikes” law, you
might formulate the following questions:
–What do the various three strikes proposals call for?
–Who supports the proposals and why?
–Have they been tried and with what results?
–How much would implementation cost?
–What would be the benefits of implememtation?
–Is any one version of the three strikes concept superior than others?
Some of these questions may have overlapping answers; some may be combined
later. Some may be major points and some minor. However, developing research
questions is an important step toward guiding your research and eventually to
organizing your essay. By using your research questions as a guide, you avoid
wasting your time reading materials that have nothing to do with your topic.
3. Doing the research. During this phase of the project, your mission is to seek out
as many sources as you feel are necessary to support, defend, and explain your
thesis. This project requires that you find at least twenty different sources and keep
track of them using the prescribed MLA notecard format. Obviously, you probably
won’t cite all twenty sources in your paper, but by finding these sources, you will
have done substantial research on the subject.
The notecard format is straightforward. First, you will need to purchase a package
of 4×6, ruled notecards. On the front of the notecard, develop a works cited entry
for the source following specific MLA guidelines. Also, be sure to state where you
found the source in the upper left hand corner of the card (this may be the call
number of a book, information about a magazine, or the URL from an online
source). On the back of the card, provide a brief summary of the source. What does
it say? How is it important to your topic? The summary is for you! Provide just
enough information so that you remember exactly what the source says and how it
influences your topic. Keep your notecards in alphabetical order as they will be
required in your final packet.
4. Formulate a clear thesis statement. In most cases, your thesis statement will
undergo some sort of revision throughout the course of your research. A clear, well
defined thesis statement is crucial to the success of your paper.
5. Prepare an annoted bibliography. Creating an annotated bibliography calls for
the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct
analysis, and informed library research. In essence, what you’re doing here is
choosing five sources you definitely plan on using in the paper
First, locate and record citations to books, periodicals, documents, or online
sources that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic. Briefly
examine and review the actual items. Then choose those works that provide a
variety of perspectives on your topic.
Cite the book, article, or document using MLA format.
Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the
book or article. Include one or more sentences that (a) evaluate the authority or
background of the author, (b) comment on the intended audience, (c) compare or
contrast this work with another you have cited, or (d) explain how this work
illuminates your bibliography topic. I’ve included a sample annotated bibliography
in this handout.
6. Prepare an outline for the entire paper. Decide which of your research questions
are major points and which are minor. Organize them into a coherent plan. Begin
this outline with your thesis statement. Again, this will undergo revision as time
goes along.
7. Organize, write, and revise the first draft of your paper, carefully documenting
every idea or piece of information that came from a source. Remember that there is
no law stating that research papers must be dull and humorless. Also remember
that you are writing an argumentative paper here. Do not avoid controversy or
confusion. If these topics offered easy solutions, they would not be controversial.
8. Seek help when needed. Do not fear Mr. Senior! Come to me when problems or
questions arise. Set up appointments if you can’t make my office hours. I know this
project requires a great deal of work, but I am here to help.
9. Assemble your research paper. Obviously, more than any other paper you’ve
done this semester, this one requires substantial and careful proofreading. If your
computer equipment at home is unreliable, print your final draft on campus or at
Kinko’s.
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