ThE synthesis Paper

Choosing a Topic As your syllabus states, we will be writing a research paper for this class. This will essentially be a short (3-5 page) research paper called a synthesis, using 3-5 sources.

What is our Topic? For this assignment, you will choose your own topic based on our course theme (Avoiding Dystopia).

How do I come up with a Topic? First, consider some of the commonly debated issues prevalent in our culture today, and consider if some of them could potentially lead to a real-life dystopia. Some examples might include advocating for or against human genetic engineering or advocating for or against animal testing. Next, select one of the ideas that you’ve come up with, and write your own essay question. For example, “Should we alter the 14th Amendment to eliminate ‘birthright citizenship’?” Your thesis, then, would be the answer to this question.

What do I do once I think I have a topic? When you have a topic, the best thing to do would be to come up with a few more potential topics. Why should anyone do this? Students do this because if a topic doesn’t work out, they have alternate topics.

The Research Question To help further focus your topic, you will need to come up with an essay question that your paper will answer. This question, formally, is called a research question. Once you have this question, it will be much easier to create a thesis because your thesis will be the answer to this question.

Activity: Do some brainstorming and write down three topics that you are thinking of doing for this assignment. Try to develop a research question and a thesis statement for each.