Sunday, April 3, 2011

Assignment Five: Scholarly Research and Reporting


Purpose
Identify an unresolved question or problem and investigate it, in the course of gathering information that will help you formulate a response to this exigence.
Invention
Keep in mind as you brainstorm/draft:
Ø  Your research for this paper should be guided by a research question to which you do not already know the answer. Your last essay began with your taking a clear position. Now, this essay begins with inquiry that will eventually lead to an informed, well-researched position on the topic.
Ø  As you choose an audience with some investment in your topic, consider what kinds of sources and support they will find credible.
Ø  Aim to include at least one source that challenges your own preconceptions about your topic.
Ø  This assignment is not a plodding research paper for your instructor. Rather, it is for you: this assignment calls for interesting research findings that aid you in furthering an idea or argument that you find particularly engaging.
Expectations
A successful research paper will:
1.     Define the situation or problem that calls for your attention;
2.     Establish you as a credible source on this problem;
3.     Identify an audience who is (or should be) invested in this situation or problem;
4.     Demonstrate your purpose (to express or defend a position, to question or argue against a belief or action, to invite or convince an audience to change an opinion or practice);
5.     Marshal emotional appeals, logical reasoning or steps, researched details and examples to enhance your points;
6.     Acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints; and
7.     Supply a clear, identifiable conclusion that you want your audience to reach about the issue.
8.     Your paper must have the correct MLA formatting.

Length: At least 5 pages (double-spaced) of rigorous analysis backed up by at least 3 respectable outside sources, at least one of which challenges your argument
Rough Draft Due: April 18, 2011
Final Assignment Portfolio Due: April 29, 2011
Resources: “Checking Over a Position Argument” on page 237 and Chapters 17 and 18 of The Harbrace Guide to Writing.

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