1. CPN 101--Writing an Argumentative Research Essay
Steps in Writing the
Argumentative Research Essay

2. CPN 101—Writing the Argumentative Research Essay
(optional:) Make a plan for the research and writing of the essay

3. CPN 101—Writing the Argumentative Research Essay
1. Choose a research topic.

4. CPN 101—Writing the Argumentative Research Essay
2. Narrow the topic and choose a debatable aspect of it.

5. CPN 101—Writing the Argumentative Research Essay
3. Prepare for and begin the research.

6. CPN 101—Writing the Argumentative Research Essay
4. If needed, modify your topic and/or research plan based on the progress of your research.

7. CPN 101—Writing the Argumentative Research Essay
narrow your topic if you find too much information
broaden your topic if you find too little information (or you may have to modify your search terms)

8. CPN 101—Writing the Argumentative Research Essay
5. Make an assertion about the debatable, narrowed topic.

9. CPN 101—Writing the Argumentative Research Essay
6 (or can be done later). Compose an argumentative thesis statement.

10. CPN 101—Writing the Argumentative Research Essay
7. Plan and draft the essay.
--see the lectures “Writing an Argumentative Essay” and “Classical Structure of the Argumentative Essay”
--making an outline would be especially useful; see section 3i and section 50c in Universal Keys for Writers