Rationale: We all have opinions, but do we have the expert knowledge to back them up? Stand on the Shoulders of Giants, and you will gain a better perspective.
Prove you are right.
Write a research paper in which you persuade your reader to believe something important, debatable, and obviously significant to a large number of people. You MUST have your topic approved by me before you write it.
Explanation: This should be something that you can argue for, something that is NOT obvious. Don’t write a paper about how we should wear seatbelts, for example. Do not write a paper about how we should eat healthy foods. It’s not really debatable.
Controversial topics are usually good, but avoid the standard topics [examples: LEGALIZE/CRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA, or REPEAL/EXPAND THE DEATH PENALTY, ABORTION RIGHTS/RESTRICTIONS].
You could possibly write on these topics, but find a new angle. Instead of writing about legalizing marijuana, for example, you could write a research paper that uses actual documentation and support about how the now-legal marijuana use in Colorado is changing the culture for the better... or for the worse. You will be persuading your reader to believe or actually do something about this topic, so you could talk about how the new marijuana law is actually helping the economy, adding to the tax base, etc. This will be an argument to continue to expand legalization to other states while following Colorado’s example. Or, if there is another way to legalize it that would be even better, THAT could be the core of your argument. If, on the other hand, you believe that marijuana use actually causes health problems, increases accidents, or leads to more dangerous drug use, THAT would be the core of a provable, worthy, and debatable argument.