choose a topic and write a topic proposal on it
choose one of the following topics as the focus of your research paper:
- How Does Language Influence Our World?
- How Does What We Eat Define Who We Are?
Once you have chosen a topic, write a proposal essay that includes the following:
- A draft introduction for your paper that includes some context on your topic and your planned thesis statement/argument about your topic. A topic is general; a thesis statement is a specific argument about a topic.
- At least 3 specific research sources (NOT from the textbook) sources where you will find information to support your thesis statement. A specific source is a book, an article posted at a website or a webpage containing specific information. A general website, such as census.gov is not a specific source. You should explain how each these sources will be valuable to you in supporting your argument.
- An explanation of a counterargument that will be a part of your paper. This should be an explanation of how one might argue against your thesis, and your rebuttal of that counterargument.
Research Sources: You must use at least 2academically-appropriate research sources in this assignment. Your research sources must be college-level sources. You MAY NOT use the following sources:
- Dictionaries (online or in print)
- Encyclopedias (online or in print)
- Wikipedia
- Study guides
- Papers written by other students (online or in print)
For information about appropriate sources, visit the Handouts and Help at the Blackboard class site.
Format
- Be sure to use in-text citations for ALL quotes and examples from the text. In addition, you MUST have a Works Cited page at the end of your writing assignment.
- Do not use first person (I, we, us, our) or second person (you, your, you’re). Academic writing often requires the use of third person and a formal tone; in this course, I want you to practice this type of formal writing. College-level papers should always be written in third person, using a formal tone, unless the assignment/professor specifies otherwise.