Due Date: March 31st
Students who make an “A” on this assignment will be allowed to omit the Debate Research Paper!
Assignment
Choose a problem which interests you and then research the problem in order to determine possible solutions. Write a 4-5 page paper which describes the problem and offers a specific solution (or solutions) to the problem. Your paper must contain proper MLA parenthetical documentation and a Works Cited page (not included in the 4-5 page limit). See the Research page for more help. Papers must cite a minimum of four sources. At least one of the sources must have appeared originally in a print (non website) source. For example, it could be an article that originally was printed in a magazine and then you found it later online. NO ENCYCLOPEDIA (including Wikipedia) are allowed!
Examples of Topics
School Violence
Bullying
Illegal Drug Abuse
Homelessness or Poverty
Problems with Social Security
America’s Tax Code
Stress Among Teenagers
High College Tuition
Violence in Movies, Television, or Video Games
Use of Steroids among Athletes
Organization of Paper
All papers will follow this general outline.
- Introduction to problem and thesis statement which includes the solution. Begin the paper with an interesting hypothetical or true anecdote which exemplifies the severity of the problem.
- Description of the problem. The description must include specific facts, statistics, and anecdotes to illustrate the severity of the problem. In parenthetical documentation, provide the sources for all information which you include.
- Description of the solution of the problem. Cite specific facts, statistics, and anecdotes which show the possible effectiveness of the proposed solution. For example, in your reading you may uncover a small town which is currently using this solution. Cite statistics to show its effectiveness and then explain how the solution could be effective if implemented in a broader setting. Persuade your reader that your solution is viable. In parenthetical documentation, provide the sources for all information which you include.
- Conclusion which persuades the reader of the importance of curtailing the stated problem and implementing the proposed tone.
Tone / Style
This is a serious, persuasive, research-based paper, not a general essay of your feelings. Do not use first-person. Maintain a serious tone unless you are dealing with a humorous subject.
Please don’t forget to submit your paper to Turnitin.com
Student Examples
Melissa.Immigration
David.Senioritis
