Assignment: Issue-Analysis Report
Mike Peterson, Ph.D.
Utah Tech University
Issue-Analysis Report
Essay Assignment:
Write a report in which you pose a driving question about an issue that interests you and then use research to answer that question (1500 words minimum; at least 4 sources; MLA, APA, or Chicago formatting).
What Is an Issue-Analysis Report?
An issue-analysis report is a type of research paper in which you identify a question, problem, or issue and then use research to answer that question or show the complexity of the problem/issue. For this assignment, you will be expected to pose a driving question—something not easily answered—and then dedicate the paper to answering the question. For the most part, issue-analysis reports are objective, meaning that the writer isn’t trying to persuade the reader to do or think anything particular, like they would in an argument paper. Instead, the writer is trying to show the varied sides, stances, and angles of the issue. For example, if the writer asks, “Should Dixie State build a parking garage?”, then the paper should be dedicated to showing the different viewpoints: the reasons why Dixie should, why they shouldn’t, who would be affected (negatively and positively), and any other impacts or considerations. The writer’s opinion could certainly be expressed as one of the many viewpoints, but they wouldn’t actively argue that Dixie should or shouldn’t build a parking garage the way they would if this were an argument paper. Instead, they would offer an objective report of what’s at stake and leave it to the reader to decide what the best course of action is.
How to Write Your Issue-Analysis Report
Find an issue that interests you. In this unit, you will focus on how to use research as a mode of inquiry to learn about an issue and report your findings to others. You will do this by writing a researched essay where you’ll closely examine an issue that interests you—if it doesn’t interest you, you’ll never be able to write about it in a way that interests your readers. An “issue” is something that is debatable and not easily answered. For example, the history of Dixie State is not an issue, but questioning whether or not Dixie State should change its name is an issue. The issue you write about could be a current event (e.g. “How is Netflix changing the film industry?”), or it could be something from the past (e.g. “How did VHS change the film industry?”).
Pose a driving question. When you know what issue you want to write about, you will pose a driving question (instead of a thesis statement), and your paper will be your attempt to answer that question. Strive to pose a driving question that is both interesting and researchable. It should be substantial and debatable enough to require several sources and pages to adequately write about it. “Who won the last election?” is not substantial enough for a paper. “What could Hillary Clinton have done differently to win the 2016 presidential election?” is substantial.
Sample Driving Questions from Previous Students:
Note: This is to give you an idea of what students have written about. You need to come up with your own topic and driving question; don't pick one from this list.
What is the link between political partisanship and gun-control values?
Can anxiety be controlled through deep-breathing exercises?
If Islam is a religion of peace, then why do radicals do violent things in the name of Islam?
How is Facebook affecting how American women self-identify as “beautiful”?
Why does Utah have one of the highest rates of depression, and what can be done about it?
Should the United States government legalize assisted suicide?
Would it be a good idea if South Africa banned trophy hunting?
How does Utah’s foster-care system rank among other states, and what can be done to improve it?
What misconceptions do hearing people have about the Deaf and Hard Of Hearing (HOH)?
Find the answers to your driving question through research (articles, websites, books, videos, TedTalks, documentaries, surveys, personal interviews, observations, experiments, etc.). If your issue is very specific, local, or relatively unknown and you can’t find articles or websites about it, then you might need to conduct your own interviews, surveys, and observations. There are no restrictions on the types of sources you can use, so focus on things that actually help you answer the driving question and that show the differing perspectives, opinions, solutions, and/or answers to the question. You must use at least FOUR sources, but you are encouraged to use as many sources as you need beyond those four to write your paper. Find sources that are timely, relevant, and credible, and that offer differing viewpoints.
Write a report in which you attempt to answer your driving question using the information you have gathered. Your paper should be at least 1500 words minimum. Format it according to MLA, APA, or Chicago standards with a works-cited page (MLA), references page (APA), or bibliography page (Chicago). As you write the report, try to withhold judgment. It’s okay if you express your opinion in the report as just one of the multiple perspectives, solutions, answers, or opinions (it’s especially common to do so in the conclusion), but don’t argue for a certain position just yet. This is a report and not an argument paper. Instead of trying to convince your reader to act or think a certain way, demonstrate to them why this is a complex issue or difficult question to answer. They should be able to see the differing perspectives you offer and come to their own conclusions.
Additional Readings to Help You Write Your Report:
Sample Readings:
Not all of these will be assigned or discussed in class, but I recommend you read them as they all serve as excellent examples of issue-analysis reports:
"Throwing Like a Girl" URL
"The Reason College Costs More than You Think" URL
"Why We Keep playing the Lottery" URL
"Homeless on Campus" URL
"Multitasking..." URL
How Your Essay Will Be Graded:
Your final edited and revised essay will receive an evaluative grade (A through F) based on the following criteria:
Are sources used well with a blend of direct quotes, paraphrase, and summary?
Do you include in-text citations?
Do you have at least four timely, relevant, and credible sources?
Are the end-of-text sources properly cited in a works-cited page (MLA), references page (APA), or bibliography (Chicago)?
Do you withhold judgement on the topic while offering a reasonably unbiased analysis (in other words, is it written as a report and not an argument)?
Does the essay adhere to assignment instructions (such as meeting the minimum word count)?