Rht 101
Paper 4: Argumentative Research Paper
Goals:
· The goal of this paper is to use research to answer a research question.
Topic
· Students will write on a topic of their choice and will craft their own research question and thesis statement.
Sources
· Students must utilize at least three sources and prove that the sources are credible
· Sources can come from the Library’s databases or the Internet. They do not have to be peer-reviewed but they do have to be credible.
Specifications
· Minimum of 1250 words.
· Minimum of 3 sources. (more is okay)
· The introduction should set up and state your research question.
· The thesis statement must articulate your answer to the research question and provide a short list of your key points (mapping statement).
· Each body paragraph should introduce a source, prove that it is a credible source, and explain how that source supports your thesis statement.
· The paper must have at least five paragraphs with an introduction and conclusion.
· The paper must be free or nearly free of grammatical errors and awkward sentences.
· Photos and graphics are allowed but do not count toward the word count.
· Formatting, citations, and work cited page must conform to MLA standards
· Due: 8 May
Research question
· Your research question should be a focused question that can be answered using research.
Thesis Statement
· Your thesis statement should provide a general answer to the research question and also set up the organization of your paper by indicating the main points of your argument.
Some possible research questions
· What, if anything, should we do about climate change?
· Is there a correlation between screen time and depression in teenagers?
· Do online courses result in better retention of material than traditional courses?
· Which lifestyle factors have the greatest effect on the risk of heart disease?
· Does the USA or Canada have a better healthcare system?
· Who is the greatest quarterback of all time and why?
· What effect has social media had on our society?
· Is it better to attend a university for 4 years or go to community college for the first two years?
· What age is best for introducing children to computers?
Social Sciences:
· Psychology: How does social media usage influence the development of self-esteem in teenagers?
· Sociology: To what extent do economic factors contribute to racial disparities in the criminal justice system?
· Political Science: Does the rise of populism threaten democratic institutions?
· Education: How effective are alternative education programs in reducing high school dropout rates?
Science & Technology:
· Environmental Science: What are the potential environmental consequences of increased reliance on renewable energy sources?
· Biology: Can personalized medicine based on genetic analysis become a standard healthcare practice?
· Computer Science: How can artificial intelligence be ethically applied to automate decision-making processes?
· Engineering: Can advancements in battery technology pave the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles?
Humanities:
· History: How did the Black Death influence social and political structures in medieval Europe?
· Literature: In what ways does Shakespeare’s portrayal of female characters reflect the societal values of his time?
· Philosophy: Does the existence of free will contradict the concept of determinism?
· Art History: How did the Renaissance movement challenge the dominant artistic styles of the Middle Ages?