ThE Research Paper

Choosing a Topic As your syllabus states, we will be writing a research paper for this class. This will essentially be a short (7 page minimum) research paper, using a minimum of 7 sources.

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

How do I come up with a Topic? First, consider some ways that our society could be improved. Some examples might include advocating for or against human genetic engineering or advocating for or against animal testing. Next, select one of the ideas for social improvement 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.

Activity: Do some brainstorming and write down three topics that you are thinking of doing for this assignment. Try to develop a thesis statement for each. Then, turn them in for approval, circling the one that you would most like to write about. I will read these as you write your practice summary today and hand them back before you leave so that you can have some feedback before starting research for your background assignment.