Fluent Essays

Research PaperResearch is a high-fat word that scares a lot of people. It needn’t. It’s rather simple. Essentially research is nothing but a state of mind . . . A friendly, welcoming attitude toward change . . . going out to look for change instead of waiting for it to come.Research is an effort to do things better and not to be caught asleep at the switch. It is the problem-solving mind as contrasted with the let-well-enough-alone mind. It is the tomorrow mind instead of the yesterday mind.Charles KetteringOne of the most essential collegiate writing skills is the ability to coherently express a stance on a given topic; we also call this structure argument or persuasion. It is a given that one’s viewpoint will require substantiation via research in order to advance and/or prove said assertion(s). It is important that students understand that the essay is not a report, but a research paper. In a report, one simply “reports” findings. In a research paper, one has his/her own opinions and uses outside sources to support those ideas.During the semester, students have been writing both expository and source-based essays expressing their beliefs on assigned topics. Students can select the topic, which is a rather large responsibility. The topic needs to be broad enough to meet the requirements of the paper yet narrow enough to avoid generalizations. Students should stay away from “tired” topics, such as abortion. Likewise, students should concentrate on a subject of an academic nature—no Brittany Spears’ biographies. An option from the students’ major areas of interest or an assigned topic from another class is a solid idea.In the introduction of an argumentative essay, students need to offer any necessary background information, restrictions/limitations, or definitions. Once this material is offered, then offer any motivator and, finally, offer a thesis. The thesis should meet three criteria: it must attempt to change people’s minds/urge them to do something; it must offer a position with which people can realistically disagree; and it should present a position that does not already have a collective solution/belief in place. Further,in the thesis, avoid absolutes, such as “no, never, not, always.” Finally, the thesis should present a statement that indicates “what ought to be,” not “what is.”In the body paragraphs, students need to offer a topic sentence, which meets the following three criteria: it needs to offer a transition; it needs to offer a thesis reminder; and it needs to state the topic of the paragraph, the reason that supports the thesis. After the topic sentence, students should offer a rebuttal from the opposition, those who believe differently; give the opposition’s stance on the topic sentence. Then students need to either refute, show how the opposition’s idea is incorrect, or concede, agree that the opposition has a good point, but there is more to the concept. Failure to include the opposition is a significant deficit in one’s argument, so be sure to incorporate it. Finally, students can offer their own evidence to support their claim. Evidence can be derived from facts, statistics, testimonials, and examples. NOTE: Many credible sources illustrate another argument shape that offers the opposition in opening body paragraphs and the writer’s points in the latter body paragraphs; this structure is valid, especially for longer-length essays. For the purposes of our assignment, the above-detailed structure seems best. The conclusion of an argumentative essay typically begins with a restated thesis; this addition is imperative since the reader has been presented with two belief systems: the writer’s and the opposition’s. Once the thesis is restated, some common endings involve a call to action, a proposed solution, or a judgmental statement. If none of these endings align with the content of the body paragraphs, then simply end the essay by referring to the motivator in the introduction. Finally, while students are shaping their argument, keep in mind the need to speak to the readers via logical, emotional, and ethical appeals; use all appeals to best prove the assertion. Remember that well-written, articulate arguments are the most persuasive. What would convince you if you were the reader? Think of this answer while writing. At this juncture, it is also imperative for students to avoid committing any fallacies. Students will be expected to follow MLA guidelines and conventions regarding researched writing. MLA uses a simple parenthetical citation method wherein sources are referenced in the essay and then cross-referenced to an alphabetically arranged Works Cited page found at the paper’s end. There are no footnotes, except for special circumstances, and only the sources cited, quoted, summarized, or paraphrased, are listed on the Works Cited page. Students are free to explore online citation tools, such as citationmachine.net. Another key component of a MLA research paper is a full-sentence outline. The outline follows the title page and precedes the body of the paper. Students will be accountable for proper source incorporation, utilizing quotes, paraphrases, and summaries, as appropriate. Students will also be expected to avoid plagiarism since such an act will result in a failed grade on the paper. As is the case with the MLA conventions, we will spend time in class ensuring that all have a thorough understanding of what, exactly, constitutes plagiarism so that students may accurately incorporate sources.The parts of the research paper include the following elements:Title PageFull-Sentence OutlineBody of the Paper (1800-2,500 words)Works Cited Page (8 sources).