In the Persuasive Research Paper, you will simply want to take a position on an issue of your choice, using research to support your position and to try to convince others to adopt your position. This paper should be at least 4-6 pages long, it should include at least four sources, and it should accomplish the following:
*State your audience.
*Clearly articulate your position as well as the reasons why you hold this position, using evidence to support the validity of your stance.
*Present information confidently and efficiently.
*Use established information for support, as well as personal “evidence” (if applicable) such as short anecdotes and examples from your own experience, or the experience of others.
*Maintain a persuasive tone that will be accessible (not alienating or insulting) to your particular audience.
Unit 5 is designed to familiarize you with the Persuasive Research Paper, and to help you choose a topic. I would like each of you to discuss your topic ideas on the discussion board this unit. Unit 5 will also discuss basic structure and strategies to consider in terms of your approach to this paper. Unit 6 will explain how to cite sources in papers such as this and give you time to revise.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Papers on the following topics will not be accepted:
* abortion
* capital punishment
* euthanasia
I’ve already read more papers on these topics than anyone should in an entire lifetime, so I won’t read anymore. I encourage you to be more creative in selecting your topic.
In this unit, you will want to do two things:
1.) Make sure your sources are correctly cited, as explained in the lecture notes section of this unit.
2.) Revise your own work to the best possible quality. I strongly recommend that in addition to reviewing your work yourself, you find yourself an outside reader—someone who will read your work and offer you suggestions for revisions.
You have two options in choosing an outside reader:
* You can find someone on your own to read your work (ie. your spouse, one of your kids, a friend, a neighbor).
* You can sign up for the Peer Review Option by emailing me. (I’ll set up an email list, so that you and 2-3 of your classmates can email each other your drafts and get feedback.)
(Read Chapter 6, “Arguing a Position,” The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, pages 264-291. Also skim the the Chapter 6 “Guide to Writing” on pages 292-317.**)
