Formal Research Paper - ELA with Brozycki



Persuasive Argument Research Paper

AP Language & Composition

Structuring an Argument

1. Opening – The Introduction

To build credible ethos, to demonstrate to the audience that one is a reasonable person of good will who shares core beliefs with the audience. Some classic openings include

a quotation

a question

an anecdote

2. Providing Background Information

Your arguments need to situate the reader with historical background. If the argument is about lowering the drinking age, provide information about how and why and why the drinking age was set to where it is now. This should include information as to differences by localities, particularly if the argument is going to proceed by parallel cases – i.e. "in Germany… therefore in America…" Some of the statistics can be saved for the Proof section.

3. Defining the terms and explaining the issues

Continuing the above example, tell the reader "What is meant by drinking age?"

"What are the consequences?" "Consequences for whom?"

4. Presenting the thesis

The argument's claim – particularly for a deliberative argument about policy (i.e. what should be done) -- plus reasons.

5. Giving Proof

This includes statistics, examples, quotes, and any other evidence to persuade a reader of the validity of the thesis. The ordering of these should match the reasons given in the thesis statement. Thus if the thesis is that "More nuclear power plants should be built because nuclear power is cheaper and reduces dependence on foreign oil" then the proof of cheapness comes before the proof of dependence on foreign oil. However, it is generally agreed that if some of the arguments/proofs are stronger than others, then one should start and end with strong ones and sandwich the weaker arguments in the middle.

6. Answering opposing arguments.

Specific arguments must be provided (with speakers' names etc) and then refuted (or acknowledged but dismissed as not sufficiently pressing), whether by challenging the speaker's factual accuracy, logic, or expertise. If no opposition is found, consider whether the argument is really a debatable point. Sometimes hypothetical "critics" can be alleged: "Critics might charge that…, but…" . However, for this assignment, actual opposition must be found and cited.

7. Concluding

Sum up the points of the argument to show how the weight of evidence proves the thesis, while the opposition has been refuted.

Persuasive Argument Research Paper

AP Language & Composition

Overview of the Scholarly Research Paper

The goals of the scholarly research paper are for students to show that they can organize information from multiple sources, interpret the information meaningfully, and communicate this meaning to others. Students must be able to use valid sources, formal English, and accepted research style.

The Scholarly Research Paper Rubric/Evaluation assesses eight main areas:

1. Ideas & Content: a thesis is clearly stated (a side is chosen and stuck to); the paper is focused and interesting with relevant details

2. Organization: the organization scheme is logical and complete; the reader moves through the essay easily.

3. Word Choice & Voice: the writer uses sophisticated language appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose; the vocabulary is interesting, precise, and natural. A variety of rhetorical devices must be utilized.

4. Fluency: there are a consistently strong variety of sentence structures; effective transitions move the reader easily through the essay. Delivery must be engaging.

5. Conventions: there are minimal errors in punctuation, spelling, and Standard English grammar structures.

6. Format: includes these eight MLA Structural Elements –

1. Typing in 12 point Times New Roman or Arial font with quality printing

2. Paper, 8½ X 11 inches

3. Margins, defaulted (1” x 1 ½”)

4. Double spacing throughout (including heading)

5. Heading, flush (aligned) with the left margin

6. Title, centered with correct capitalization

7. Header (Last name and page numbers) in upper right corners

8. Length, two to four pages (penalty for less than 2 or more than 4)

7. References: there are at least six reliable sources; the “Works Cited” page follows the MLA format.

8. Quotations: direct quotations are powerful examples of main points and follow MLA format. No more than 20% of the body is made up of quotations; transitions between text and quotes are seamless and clear. Quotations are taken verbatim with quotation marks and cited properly in order to avoid plagiarism.

Persuasive Argument Research Paper

AP Language & Composition

|Objective | |Research and construct a four to six page persuasive research paper arguing a position about an issue or |

| | |topic of significance to you. You will present your findings and argue your point in a persuasive paper |

| | |that follows Toulmin’s method of argumentation. |

|Specifics | |The paper should be typed, double-spaced with a works cited page. Each section of the paper should be |

| | |supported by evidence from your research. This evidence should be cited using MLA style. |

|Structure | |Your paper must include (1) an argument articulated in a single thesis, and (2) three main supporting points|

| | |with evidence from outside sources, and (3) a section addressing the counter-arguments to your thesis. |

|Process | |You will have some class time for research; however, most of your research will performed beyond class and |

| | |probably the school day. We will emphasize process throughout and you will be responsible for submitting a |

| | |proposal and thesis, a works cited page, notes, an outline, preliminary and revised rough drafts, and the |

| | |final research paper. |

|Note Taking | |Good research draws information from varied types of sources. You will be required to use current, |

| | |relevant, and vetted online resources. You will save sources info and notes on Google Docs and submit final|

| | |papers in both hard copy and through . |

| | | |

|Deadlines | |Topic and tentative thesis statement:_____TUES., 10/27_____________ |

| | |Preliminary bibliography/works cited page_____MON., 11/2_________ |

| | |Proposal and revised thesis statement______WED., 11/4_____________ |

| | |Typed works cited page (Six or more quality sources):____MON., 11/9_ |

| | |Notes (from a minimum of six sources):____THURS., 11/12__________ |

| | |Outline:_____________________________MON., 11/16____________ |

| | |Preliminary (typed) rough draft:__________WED., 11/18____________ |

| | |Revised rough draft for second peer review and conference w/ teacher: |

| | |__________________________________FRI., 11/20________________ |

| | |Final copy of paper submitted to :_____MON., 11/23______ |

| | |Final hard copy of paper handed in:________TUES., 11/24___________ |

1. Choose a topic. Choose a backup topic, too.

Consider:

Are you interested in the topic?

Will learning about the topic help you in a course?

Will learning about the topic help you in a potential major or career?

Will your audience be interested in your topic ?

Will your topic meet with my approval?

2. Write a tentative thesis that shows what your position on the topic will be. You may change your position is your research changes your mind, but your focus should stay more or less the same.

3. Do exploratory reading and research to see what is being said about your topic in literature, the news, etc. Focus your topic more, if necessary.

4. Write your research proposal. It should include:

• The principal purpose of the paper

• The intended audience

• A working thesis statement

5. Gather data. Create a working bibliography/list of resources.

6. Examine your data. Determine if you have enough information to support your thesis. Do more research if necessary. Throw out sources with redundant or unnecessary information.

7. Organize your notes. Select the information that is most relevant.

Challenge: using what you have, write a “miniature version” of your research paper (30 mins).

8. Carefully word (and, if necessary, revise) your thesis statement.

9. Create a detailed, formal outline of your paper.

10. Gather additional information if you find weak spots.

11. Write your preliminary rough draft, including Works Cited page and references.

12. Edit draft.

13. Revise; first for major idea changes or organizational changes, then for mechanics.

14. Edit second draft and conference with teacher.

15. Turn in paper via

16. Turn in hard copy of final paper.

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FINAL PAPER DUE BEFORE THANKSGIVING

Research Paper: The Process

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