September 19, 2005



Sample Research TopicsNote that these topics are broad and need to be narrowed. Your paper can be argumentative or expository. However, you do not want to simply regurgitate or string together sources – you want to break new ground.THE WAR ON TERROR:Airport securityGitmo Coerced interrogation methods The effectiveness of our national intelligence organizationsConflicts between civil liberties and laws designed to stop terrorism (wiretapping, racial profiling, immigration limits)Racial profiling of Middle Eastern ethnic groups Limits on Muslim and/ or Arab immigrationNational prayer services (church/ state conflict? Content of an ecumenical service?) Radio censorship of “inappropriate songs” (free speech vs. “sensitivity”)Pulling movies with violent themes from distributionResponsibilities of talk radio and talk show hosts to present accurate information Mainstream media biasJournalistic responsibilities (waiting to check accuracy of facts, crisis reporting, handling inaccurate statements and corrections)24 hour news coverage (effect on the public’s understanding of world events, added pressures to break news quickly)EDUCATON:School uniforms in public schools Year-round schoolingShould high school education (now mandated) become optional? Teaching about alternate lifestylesArmed School Police on CampusBlock scheduling in high schools Censorship of books in schoolsNational testing/ national educational standards Teaching about global warming Prayer in schoolsReligious proselytizing on campusSex education courses in public schools Bilingual education Home schooling and public schools Privileges of athletesCutting funding for theater and arts programsInternet & MediaFilters on Web at schoolMedia coverage of celebritiesMusic and film file downloading and file sharingEffects of reality shows on popular cultureEnvironmentDeer and Elk hunting and animal rightsShark feedingHuman inducement of global warmingAlternative energy sources Drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife RefugeU.S. energy policy (consumption or conversation?) OverfishingEffects of fertilizers & pesticides on drinking waterSCIENCE:Stem cell researchFetal tissue researchFertility and ethicsXinotransplantationBiology related to criminal activityShould animals be kept captive in zoos and aquariums? Genetic engineering in humansBiotechnology- whether genetically modified foods should carry labels or not Animal research—if it should be done, how it should be doneGenetically engineered foodsPOLITICS & GOVERNMENT:US involvement in fighting ISISIsrael/ Palestine peace talksU.S. Army School of the Americas; “School of Assassins” Nuclear arms race in South AsiaRoosevelt & Pearl Harbor U.S. assistance to world in military spending Debt cancellation for developing countriesChina/ Taiwan controversySocial Security- history, current and future Campaign finance reformInfluence of religion on government and politics Revising the tax system: flat tax, consumption tax etc. Lack of freedom of religion in Middle EastWomen’s rights in developing countriesGovernment funding for faith-based initiatives HEALTH &MEDICAL ISSUES:Nationalized health insuranceCaps on pain and suffering in lawsuits Medical privacy protection Prescription drug pricesImpact of malpractice insurance rates Behavior modification drugsVegetarians vs. Meat eatersPerformance enhancing drugsAttention Deficit Disorder and use of Ritalin Pharmaceutical industry Fertility treatments/ fertility issues for women having pregnancies late in lifeDietary supplementsAnthrax vaccine: availability and effects Managed care for the mentally illTreatments for mild depressionPhysician assisted suicide and euthanasia The regulation of E-CigarettesLAW:Should athletes be legally accountable for their actions on the playing field? Should juvenile criminals be tried as adults?Smart gun legislationSafety locks on guns Use of personal information by Web-based businesses Standards of the chicken industryLowering the legal minimum of drinking age Lawful punishment for incorrigible childrenBUSINESS AND ECONOMICS:The dangers and effects of corporate monopolies Consolidation of ownership of radio stations Tobacco industryOil price Minimum wageCULTURE AND SOCIETY:Children and media violence Video game violenceBoot camps and if they are harmful to juveniles Representation of women in the mediaRacially based affirmative action in college admissions Censorship of art & musicNeedle exchange program Teenage auto insurance ratesImpact of public housing on neighborhoodsAggressive behavior in kids; nature, nurture, or both? Effects of beauty pageants on childrenLOCAL & REFIONAL:Recycling on campusLumber industry and environmentalism Drought and water shortagesBullet Train SPORTS:Drafting high school athletes (at what age should athletes be drafted into the pros?) Athlete SalariesGambling in sportsThe corruption of the NCAA Baseball Hall of Fame and convicted steroid usersShould athletes be legally accountable for their actions on the playing field? Privileges of college athletesMISCELLANEOUS:International adoption Animal Rescue Groups (should there be state-funded no-kill shelters) Women in CombatPolice brutality Racial profilingA Controversial Topic Investigation & Research Paper General RequirementsCreate and type a 4–6 page research paper investigating a controversial topic using 12- point Times New Roman font in black print. Do not use any other color, type, or size font!Use one-inch margins on top, bottom, and sides (must use Microsoft Word 200). Go to File and then Page Forma.tIndent the first word of each paragraph (Tab Once).Indent set-off quotes from the left margin (Tab Twice); right margin remains the same.Double-space your entire research paper and the Works Cited page.Document Works Cited using MLA Format 7th Edition, listing ONLY the works quoted from or paraphrased from in your paper (Do not include works you consulted but did not use in your paper).Source RequirementsMinimum of 4 – 6 works must be cited using proper in-text MLA format within research paper.Minimum of 4 – 6 works must be listed in proper MLA format on the Work Cited page.Where to Begin?Choose a controversial topic of interest.Investigate both sides of the issue.Create a Letter of Intent (must be approved by your teacher).11Th Grade Research Paper Brainstorming**Must be submitted for approval by I think I may write my research paper about. I chose this topic because .What do you already know about this topic/issue?What are the Pro arguments (for)…What are the Con arguments (against)…What is your position on the topic/issue?On a scale of 1-5 (5 being the most), do you feel you can locate sufficient information/research to support your position?12345NoMaybeYesThe body of this letter is written in Times New Roman Font, size 12.September 20, 20XXHit ‘Enter’ 4xTeacher NameSierra Vista High School 3600 N. Frazier St.Baldwin Park, CA 91706Hit ‘Enter’ 2xDear Teacher:Hit ‘Enter’ 2xWhat is the controversial topic you have chosen to research? What are two – three aspects of the issue that you are familiar with? What specifically drew you to choose your topic?Hit ‘Enter’ 2xWhat do you plan to prove / argue through your thesis statement? What are your arguments and your counterargument? How you plan to prove them? What evidence do you have that will allow you to prove / argue your thesis?Hit ‘Enter’ 2x(Copy as is)My understanding of plagiarism and/or misrepresentation is to write down somebody else’s words and not give them credit. I understand that Sierra Vista High School holds a high standard of academic honesty that I will abide by. I will submit my research paper to which checks for plagiarism. I also understand that if I were to copy or plagiarize my research paper, I will not be given credit and this may result in a disciplinary action and possible failure of the first semester of junior English. Hit ‘Enter’ 2x ????Forming Your Thesis:Even though ____________________________(counterargument), there should be _____________________________________ because ________________________ (your first point) and __________________________________(your second point).For teacher to complete:Thesis Approved!!Continue to work on thesisGreat Work ?Please Revise.Outline for Junior Research Paper on Controversial IssueTitle (original, not your topic name): IntroductionAttention Getter (startling/interesting statistic, startling statement, anecdote, setting a scene, quotation etc.). Ex: Mary Jane and Jose were just leaving her house on their way to their Senior Prom. They were giddy with excited. But they never made it there because Jose was texting his mom from the driver’s seat and did not see the bus merging into his lane. They both died on the way to the hospital. Description and Definition of the Issue (explain the issue). Ex: Most people have witnessed drivers so distracted by dialing and chatting that they resemble drunk drivers, weaving between lanes, for example, or nearly running down pedestrians in crosswalks. A number of bills to regulate use of cell phones on the road have been introduced in state legislatures.Thesis: Ex: Even though some groups have argued the benefits of using these communication devices while driving appear to be important, there should be tighter regulation on cell phone use while driving because laws are negligent and not sufficient to punish offenders and drivers using cell phones are seriously impaired.Brief Overview of Opposing Position: Counterargument (1-2 points)Describe the basic viewpoint of the opposition. Ex: Some groups have argued that the benefits of using this communications device while driving appear to be important. They include benefits to the users, households, social networks, businesses, and communities.Provide the supporting arguments and facts (supported by references to texts and well-known authorities). Ex: Many of these benefits, which include public health and safety considerations, have not yet been recognized or quantified. Simple suggestions that drivers can “pull over” on the side of the road to make calls from cellular phones are unrealistic and, in certain situations, potentially dangerous.Summarize opposition. Ex: It is not known which of the benefits of cellular phone use would be disappear under various regulatory scenarios.Refute counterargument. Ex: Although there appear to be some benefits to not regulate cell phone use while driving, data indicates that the dangers overshadow the benefits. Furthermore, many of these safety concerns have not been recognized or computed.Your Argument: Your Main Point #1 (Strong Point)Your first point. Ex: Scientific research confirms the dangers of using phones while on the road.Provide the supporting arguments and facts (supported by references to texts and well-known authorizes from notecards). Ex: (1) In 1997 an important study appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine. The authors, Donald Redelmeier and Robert Tibshirani, studied 699 volunteers who made their cell phone bills available in order to confirm the times when they had placed calls. The participants agreed to report any nonfatal collision in which they were involved. By comparing the time of a collision with the phone records, the researchers assessed the dangers of driving while phoningElaborate/analysis: so what? Ex: The latter statistic is interesting, for it suggests that those who carry phones in their cars may tend to be more negligent (or prone to distractions of all kinds) than those who do not.Closing Sentence for Main Point #1. Ex: So then, legislators should take into account the overpowering evidence of the scientific community and enact stricter laws.Your Argument: Main Point #2 (Strongest Point)Your second point. Ex: When certain kinds of driver behavior are shown to be especially dangerous, we wisely draft special laws making them illegal and imposing specific punishments.Provide the supporting arguments and facts (supported by references to texts and well-known authorizes from notecards).Ex: Elaborate/analysis: so what? Ex: Closing Sentence for Main Point #3. Ex:ConclusionRestate thesis in a “fresh way” summarizing your main points. Ex: Despite the claims of some lobbyists, tough laws regulating phone use can make our roads saferState the importance, impact, or effect on society. Ex: Because of mounting public awareness of the dangers of drivers distracted by phones, state legislators must begin to take the problem seriously… “There is momentum building,” he says, to pass laws (qtd. in Layton C9).Provide a final, profound thought that “calls the reader to action”. Ex: The time has come for states to adopt legislation restricting the use of cell phones in moving vehicles.The Note CardSource#4Student’s last name cardTrotter 1One summarized fact or chunk of information from one page. Limitdirect quotations to no more than five cards using quotation marks to identify.MLA Citation (Author’s Last Name and page number)No commas.Subcategory(McPherson 122)You will complete the subcategory heading AFTER you have finished all of your note cards.You do not need page numbers for web resourcesIf author’s last name is not provided, use the title of the web page for your MLA Citation (Polar Bears Extinct). If it is lengthy, use the first 2-3 words of the title.Sue Student1234 Maine StreetBaldwin Park, CA 91706(626) 555-4321August 24, 20XXMs. TeacherSierra Vista High School 3600 N. Frazier St.Baldwin Park, CA 91706 Dear Ms. Teacher:I have chosen to do research about the controversial issue of the dangers of texting while driving. This topic is very interesting to me because I know that a large number of people text while driving, and I realize that is a dangerous activity for everyone who is on the road. Some of the things I know about the issue are that many people are hurt and killed because of people who do this and it is in many ways costly to our society.The thesis of my research paper will be that there should be severe consequences for people who text and drive. Some of the points I may discuss are that experts have said that many people are hurt or killed because of this activity and it costs a lot in medical care for those who are affected. A counterargument could be that it will not save that many lives and could crowd our prison system with offenders.My understanding of plagiarism and/or misrepresentation is to write down somebody else’s ideas or findings and not give them proper credit. I agree to submit my research paper to , a web service that checks for plagiarism. I understand that forgery is falsifying a signature. I also understand that if I were to plagiarize, forge or otherwise misrepresent any aspect of my Junior research paper I will fail Junior English.Sincerely,Sue StudentAngela DalyMrs. (insert teacher name)-2 English 1114 March 2014A Call to Action: Regulate Use of Cell Phones on the RoadWhen a cell phone goes off in a classroom or at a concert, we are irritated, but at least our lives are not endangered. When we are on the road, however, irresponsible cell phone users are more than irritating: They are putting our lives at risk. Many of us have witnessed drivers so distracted by dialing and chatting that they resemble drunk drivers, weaving between lanes, for example, or nearly running down pedestrians in crosswalks. A number of bills to regulate use of cell phones on the road have been introduced in state legislatures, and the time has come to push for their passage. Regulation is needed because drivers using phones are seriously impaired and because laws on negligent and reckless driving are not sufficient to punish offenders.Some groups have argued that the benefits of using this communications device while driving appear to be important. They include benefits to the users, households, social networks, businesses, and communities. Many of these benefits, which include public health and safety considerations, have not yet been recognized or quantified. Simple suggestions that drivers can “pull over” on the side of the road to make calls from cellular phones are unrealistic and, in certain situations, potentially dangerous. It is not known which of the benefits of cellular phone use would be foregone under various regulatory scenarios. Although there appear to be some benefits to not regulate cell phone use while driving, data indicates that the dangers overshadow the benefits. Furthermore, many of these safety concerns have not been recognized or computed.No one can deny that cell phones have caused traffic deaths and injuries. Cell phones were implicated in three fatal accidents in November 1999 alone. Early in November, two-year- old Morgan Pena was killed by a driver distracted by his cell phone. Morgan’s mother, Patti Pena, reports that the driver “ran a stop sign at 45 mph, broadsided my vehicle and killed Morgan as she sat in her car seat.” A week later, corrections officer Shannon Smith, who was guarding prisoners by the side of the road, was killed by a woman distracted by a phone call (Besthoff). On Thanksgiving weekend that same month, John and Carole Hall were killed when a Naval Academy midshipman crashed into their parked car. The driver said in court that when he looked up from the cell phone he was dialing, he was three feet from the car and had no time to stop (Stockwell B8). Expert testimony, public opinion, and even cartoons suggest that driving while phoning is dangerous. Frances Bents, an expert on the relation between cell phones and accidents, estimates that between 450 and 1,000 crashes a year have some connection to cell phone use (Layton C9). Clearly, there is overwhelming evidence that depicts the very real dangers of driving while distracted.Scientific research confirms the dangers of using phones while on the road. In 1997 an important study appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine. The authors, Donald Redelmeier and Robert Tibshirani, studied 699 volunteers who made their cell phone bills available in order to confirm the times when they had placed calls. The participants agreed to report any nonfatal collision in which they were involved. By comparing the time of a collision with the phone records, the researchers assessed the dangers of driving while phoning. The latter statistic is interesting, for it suggests that those who carry phones in their cars may tend to be more negligent (or prone to distractions of all kinds) than those who do not. So then, legislatorsshould take into account the overpowering evidence of the scientific community and enact stricter laws.When certain kinds of driver behavior are shown to be especially dangerous, we wisely draft special laws making them illegal and imposing specific punishments. Running red lights, failing to stop for a school bus, and drunk driving are obvious examples; phoning in a moving vehicle should be no exception. Unlike more general laws covering negligent driving, specific laws leave little ambiguity for law officers and for judges and juries imposing punishments. Such laws have another important benefit: They leave no ambiguity for drivers. Currently, drivers can tease themselves into thinking they are using their car phones responsibly because the definition of “negligent driving” is vague.Despite the claims of some lobbyists, tough laws regulating phone use can make our roads safer. In Japan, for example, accidents linked to cell phones fell by 75% just a month after the country prohibited using a handheld phone while driving (Haughney A8). Research suggests and common sense tells us that it is not possible to drive an automobile at high speeds, dial numbers, and carry on conversations without significant risks. When such behavior is regulated, obviously our roads will be safer.Because of mounting public awareness of the dangers of drivers distracted by phones, state legislators must begin to take the problem seriously. “It’s definitely an issue that is gaining steam around the country,” says Matt Sundeen of the National Conference of State Legislatures (qtd. in Layton C9). Lon Anderson of the American Automobile Association agrees: “There is momentum building,” he says, to pass laws (qtd. in Layton C9). The time has come for states to adopt legislation restricting the use of cell phones in moving vehicles.Works CitedBesthoff, Len. “Cell Phone Use Increases Risk of Accidents, but Users Willing to Take the Risk.” . Capitol Broadcasting, 9 Nov. 1999. Web. 12 Jan. 2001.Farmers Insurance Group. “New Survey Shows Drivers Have Had ‘Close Calls’ with Cell Phone Users.” Farmers. Farmers Insurance Group, 8 May 2000. Web. 12 Jan. 2001.Haughney, Christine. “Taking Phones out of Drivers’ Hands.” Washington Post 5 Nov. 2000: A8. Print.Ippolito, Milo. “Driver’s Sentence Not Justice, Mom Says.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution 25 Sept. 1999: J1. eLibrary Curriculum. Web. 12 Jan. 2001.Layton, Lyndsey. “Legislators Aiming to Disconnect Motorists.” Washington Post 10 Dec. 2000: C1+. Print.Lowe, Chan. Cartoon. Washington Post 22 July 2000: A21. Print.Pena, Patricia N. “Patti Pena’s Letter to Car Talk.” . Dewey, Cheetham, and Howe,n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2001.Redelmeier, Donald A., and Robert J. Tibshirani. “Association between Cellular-Telephone Calls and Motor Vehicle Collisions.” New England Journal of Medicine 336.7 (1997): 453-58. Print.Stockwell, Jamie. “Phone Use Faulted in Collision.” Washington Post 6 Dec. 2000: B1+. Print. Sundeen, Matt. “Cell Phones and Highway Safety: 2000 State Legislative Update.” NationalConference of State Legislatures. Natl. Conf. of State Legislatures, Dec. 2000. Web. 27 Feb. 2001.Violanti, John M. “Cellular Phones and Fatal Traffic Collisions.” Accident Analysis and Prevention 30.4 (1998): 519-24. Print. ................
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