1. Research Paper – Structuring the Essay Reget - World Lit. Honors

2. Exploration Continue writing what you know about your topic. Do not plan or organize it. – List ideas – Write Phrases and sentences – Be as general or specific as you like – Write what it is about that topic that interests you – Are you fascinated by its background, its effects, its controversy, its impact, or something else entirely?

3. Outline The paper will have 5 distinct parts, all written from your personal perspective, using the pronoun “I”.

4. Objective 1. Select a topic of interest and depth to investigate 2. Develop an outline for the research paper 3. Write the introduction and thesis statement for the paper

5. Allow myself to introduce … myself

6. Section I – Introduce the topic, address the audience, clarify your purpose 1. The Introduction A. The introduction will relate a brief story, anecdote or question about your career (FIQQS). B. The Introduction will contain a thesis statement that tells me what the purpose or overall goal of the paper is C. The Introduction will also inform the reader on the importance of the topic.

7. Thesis Statement The Thesis statement should address what the purpose of your paper is

8. Focus the topic Answer the following questions on your topic: 1. What is interesting about your topic? 2. What controversy does your topic cause? 3. What impact does your topic have on the world, a country, a state, or a community? 4. What are the social, moral, or ethical implications of your topic?

9. Focus the Topic Reflect on your answers: what element does your topic fit the best?

10. Thesis Statement You will write a statement that is direct and reflects the purpose of your argument Answer the following questions: – Will you try to inform, convince, analyze, or argue your topic? Why? – What do you want the reader to take out of your essay?

11. Sample Statements Once you know what angle you would like to take on your topic, it is time to develop a statement that reflects the purpose and subject of the essay.

12. Sample Statements Topic: Position (pro-, anti-, neutral): Purpose (Convince, explain, argue): Sample Statement:

13. Sample Statements Topic: College Entrance Exams Position (pro-, anti-, neutral): Anti-entrance exam Purpose (Convince, explain, solve): Convince the audience that college entrance exams and are given far too much weight. Sample Statement: College entrance exams should be given less weight as a means of balancing out student acceptance.

14. Sample Statements Topic: The Greenhouse Effect Position (pro-, anti-, neutral): Neutral Purpose (Convince, explain, argue): Explain the theory behind greenhouse gasses Sample Statement: The theory of the Greenhouse Effect states that significant Carbon Dioxide emissions trap extra heat within Earth’s atmosphere.

15. Sample Statements Topic: Smoking Bans Position (pro-, anti-, neutral): Pro- city and nation wide smoking bans Purpose (Convince, explain, argue): solve the issue of harms related to second hand smoke. Sample Statement: As a means of eliminating the numerous ailments associated with second hand smoke, the Federal Government should issue nation wide smoking bans.

16. Sample Statements Topic: Position (pro-, anti-, neutral): Purpose (Convince, explain, argue): Sample Statement:

17. Sample Statements Topic: High School Dress Codes Position (pro-, anti-, neutral): Purpose (Convince, explain, argue): Sample Statement: