Project #1: Social Issue Research Essay
Project #1: Social Issue Research Essay
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final draft Due in module 4
final draft Due in module 4
Assignment Summary:
One goal of this course is to expand our awareness of our society. We live in a time of immense controversy and sometimes it is difficult to see other perspectives of an issue. For the first project, writers will choose a social issue that impacts our society today to research.
Students will use this paper to present both sides of the issue, remaining neutral on the topic. In the first few weeks of class, students will develop an 1,300-1,500 word research essay briefly presenting both sides of the topic. Writers will also be expected to incorporate at least 3 outside sources into the paper. The paper should be in proper MLA format with a works cited page.
Students will earn a complete on this assignment by:
Choosing a topic that impacts our society
Researching the topic through various sources
Remain neutral on the topic of their research paper
Meet the minimum essay requirements:
1,300-1,500 words
Cite at least 3 outside sources within the paper
If students earn an incomplete, I will provide feedback on what needs to be revised in order to earn a complete. The student will have one month from receiving instructor feedback to revise and resubmit as many times as needed to earn a complete.
Step 1: Choose your topic
Step 1: Choose your topic
Begin preparing for this project by choosing a topic you would like to research and present. You can click here to get some topic ideas but if there is something you are interested in learning more about, please feel free to seek other topics. Your topic should be something that impacts our society and has two or more view points (since you will be researching opposing sides of the argument for your paper).
For example, you might consider addressing the topic of gun control. This argument has a clear two-sided argument.
Side 1: Pro gun control
Side 2: Against gun control
However, you don't want to choose something that is generally one sided.
For example, if you addressed the topic of child trafficing, there is not a pro to that topic, there is only a con. Although you could address various ways to solve the issue of human trafficking. That would have two sides.
The purpose of this project is not to present on something you feel you already know a lot about but to educate yourself and others on an issue that impacts us as San Diegans, Americans, and/or global citizens.
Step 2: Research
Step 2: Research
Once you have chosen a topic, you want to begin researching right away. I recommend first looking into the background of your issue, then investigating both sides of the issue. One way you can begin your research is by seeking answers to the following questions:
What is the history behind this issue?
Who/what is directly impacted by this issue?
Who/what is indirectly impacted by this issue?
Why is this a controversial issue?
What are possible solutions to this issue?
What involvement/impact does the government, underprivileged citizens, children, etc. have regarding this issue?
This is not a comprehensive list of questions to answer, just some to get you started. Once you have researched the background, history, and impacts of your issue, you'll need to determine the two ‘sides’ to this argument.
Throughout this research, you'll need to understand both perspectives in order to present both sides of the argument. Additionally, your research should be based on facts rather than opinions of people (although personal opinions are also helpful in your research process). Many issues have had research conducted behind them so seek out what research has been done already.
Step 3: Essay Outline
Step 3: Essay Outline
Once you have a good understanding of the topic and two opposing points of view regarding the topic, you are ready to start developing your essay. Remember, your essay is a research paper so you are not taking a stance or sharing your opinion on the topic. You are merely presenting the topic, why it's controversial, and what the two opposing sides believe. (**Note: on some topics, there may be more than two sides to the controversy. You don't need to address multiple sides, just pick two opposing sides.)
Sample Outline
Please follow this structure for your outline. Make sure to only bullet point your information, don't write out a full draft quite yet. This outlines what you will cover in your entire essay but for the purpose of the outline, I only need to see the highlighted parts (thesis and main ideas). If you have more to include, great. But you must at least include your thesis and main ideas in order to earn a complete on your outline.
Introduction – hook (maybe a statistic or quote), provide background on the issue, thesis (stating the two sides you will be presenting).
Body paragraph #1: SIDE 1
Main idea: what is one reason why people believe the way they do on this side of the argument
Citation from outside research supporting that side's argument
Discussion of why one side feels the way they do
Body paragraph #2: SIDE 1
Main idea: what is one reason why people believe the way they do on this side of the argument
Citation from outside research supporting that side's argument
Discussion of why one side feels the way they do
Body paragraph #3: SIDE 2
Main idea: what is one reason why people believe the way they do on this side of the argument
Citation from outside research supporting that side's argument
Discussion of why one side feels the way they do
Body paragraph #4: SIDE 2
Main idea: what is one reason why people believe the way they do on this side of the argument
Citation from outside research supporting that side's argument
Discussion of why one side feels the way they do
Conclusion – restate your thesis, summarize your main points again, concluding statement
You will have to decide how many main ideas you can cover in your essay. You may be able to present four main ideas or you may only have space for two, depending on your word count.
You could also take an alternating structure where you address side 1, side 2, side 1, then side 2.
It is up to you, just be sure to make a claim and support your argument.
Example of Partially Completed Outline
Below is an example of a completed outline for this essay. Notice I identified my thesis and main ideas in bullet points. I could also bring in outside quotes already but at minimum, please submit your thesis and main ideas.
Introduction – hook (maybe a statistic or quote), provide background on the issue,
Topic: free college for everyone
thesis: While many people believe a free college education would benefit society, there are also those who feel free college would negatively impact our country.
Body paragraph #1: SIDE 1
Main idea: Some people believe that free college for all would benefit our society by providing the opportunity to an education to those who may not be able to afford it.
Citation:
Discussion:
Body paragraph #2: SIDE 1
Main idea: Another reason why people are in support of a free college education for all is it could eliminate crippling student debt in our country.
Citation:
Discussion:
Body paragraph #3: SIDE 2
Main idea: Although some are in favor of a free college education, there are many who are also opposed to the idea, voicing the concern that colleges would become too full to function.
Citation:
Discussion:
Body paragraph #4: SIDE 2
Main idea: Others opposed to free college also argue that free college would impact the job market, providing too many completing people with college degrees.
Citation:
Discussion:
Conclusion – restate your thesis, summarize your main points again, concluding statement
Step 4: Rough Draft
Step 4: Rough Draft
Once you have submitted your outline and received feedback from the instructor, you will turn your outline into a full rough draft. Your goal for your rough draft is to have a complete paper, as if it's your final draft. However, if you are still not done with your draft by the due date, it's better to submit what you do have so you can engage in peer feedback rather than not submitting something at all.
When you are drafting your rough draft, keep in mind the assignment requirements:
Remain neutral on the topic of the research paper
Meet the minimum essay requirements:
1,300-1,500 words
Cite at least 3 outside sources within the paper
You will provide peer feedback to others in class on their drafts. When providing feedback, focus on revisions (not edits). Here are some recommendations for feedback:
Highlight and label their thesis
Highlight and label their main ideas - one for each paragraph
Do their supporting points help their main ideas in each paragraph? Comment on each paragraph whether you feel the supporting points help their main idea or not
Give feedback on anything that seems unclear
Highlight one thing they did well in their writing
Identify their outside sources - are there at least three?
If you are able to, it would be good to give some feedback on their MLA formatting as well. It's ok if you're not certain, but you can identify something that they should double check with Purdue Owl.
Step 5: Final Draft
Step 5: Final Draft
Once you receive peer feedback, make those revisions and edits!
Revisions - Looking at the content, sentences that seem unclear, main ideas that might not support your thesis, reworking paragraph structure
Edits - spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, MLA formatting (do your editing last, as your final step before submission)
Final draft check list:
1,300-1,500 words
Cite at least 3 outside sources within the paper
English Center
Remember that if you're working toward an A grade, I highly recommend you need to work with an English center tutor at least twice during the semester. You can meet with them in person or on Zoom. Please provide me with proof of attendance. I highly recommend you take your rough draft to the English center for another round of feedback before submitting your final draft.
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