Your research essay requires the following:
● Write a 2,000 to 2,500-word research essay that: (1) explains the history and current debate of a controversial topic,
(2) asserts an opinion about the debate, and (3) ultimately persuades readers to support your position.
○ ”Debatable” means a topic about which intelligent, well-meaning people may disagree. Keep in mind that your audience will be skeptical, so plan your arguments accordingly.
○ The key to a solid argument is to ensure that your argument is well-balanced, thorough, and supported by information gleaned from credible written sources such as scholarly journals, trade publications, and books.
● Your research essay must include the following elements:
○ Clear title and introduction, which present the history of the problem in an engaging manner
○ Accurate description of the topic as it is currently presented in the literature and clear descriptions of the various viewpoints
○ Evaluation and analysis of the debate
○ At least eight reliable and authoritative secondary sources
● To help you get started, try following these steps:
○ Begin by drafting an outline of your research essay.
○ Use your outline to write a rough draft of your paper that incorporates yoursources.
■ Take advantage of credible websites, radio, or even television programs, but not to the exclusion of printed sources. If possible, interview a leader in the field- the idea is to have a balance of source types. Remember to use your critical thinking skills to determine the validity and reliability of each source before you decide to include it.
■ Your sources should be current (usually not more than ten years old), unless you are providing historical background or the source is a seminal work in the field. All quotations, summaries, and paraphrases must be correctly cited and documented using APA citation guidelines.
Step TWO: Complete the Research Essay Submission Checklist
Before you submit,check to see if you believe you have met the criteria noted below. Did you….
✓ Select and explain the history and current debate of a controversial topic?
✓ Provide a clear title and introduction that is engaging for your audience?
✓ Clearly present the debatable issue and make connections between differentviewpoints?
✓ Present your own point of view and make persuasive arguments in favor of it?
✓ Conduct a thorough evaluation and analysis of the debate?
✓ Cite at least eight reliable, authoritative sources?
✓ Demonstrate APA academic writing which is clear, concise, and factuallycorrect?
✓ Adhere to the 2,000 to 2,500-word length requirement, double-space your essay, and use the 12-point Times New Roman font?