Tug of Truth
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General Research Description Many think a research paper is merely an essay in which they define a topic. For example, they might research Web2.0 tools such as blogs then proceed to define what a blog is, who invented the blog, who uses a blog and why. This is true, but only in part. The main function or purpose of the research paper is to first analyze the topic (define Web2.0 tools and describe how they impact society) and second construct an argument in regards to the topic (Web2.0 tools turn the average writer into a true scholar with publication of writing). Essay Outline Thesis Statement The thesis statement establishes the argument of the research paper. Topic + Analysis = Argument (Thesis). The thesis statement is the road map for your essay. If you provide analysis and evidence for every component of your thesis statement, you will theoretically win your argument. The thesis also gives your reader a clear understanding of what the text will be about. It engages the reader in the argument by encouraging them to read further. Definition The definition paragraph introduces your audience to your interpretation of the topic. This paragraph will answer the majority of the closed questions you researched, but it also needs to include your personal understanding of the topic. For example, while there is a specific definition of empathy, how we demonstrate empathy as individuals varies greatly, which is open to interpretation. While some topics like empathy may end there, other topics, like the Civil War may need more information in the definition paragraph. Other components might include:
Visual Argument In this portion of your essay you will establish a problem statement by analyzing a picture by Richard Misrach. This picture may not be one that we already analyzed in class, but you should analyze just as we did in class: SEE | Identify things you see within the image THINK | Explain what this image expresses or makes you think WONDER | Question what this image suggest about society or human response Researched Argument This is the portion of your essay in which you will synthesize your argument using academic research. Remember that an innovative argument not only recognizes the conversations about the topic via academic research, but also adds to the conversation by offering new insight not yet considered. CLAIM EVIDENCE EXPLANATION A claim is like a mini-thesis. It sets up the argument for a specific paragraph within your essay. Your claims must represent a specific component of your thesis statement. Notice in my example that my claim directly relates to the “capitalism” component of my thesis statement. Next provide evidence to support your claim. This evidence must directly relate to your claim, but it should not summarize your claim. Instead, it should support your claim and advance your argument. Finally, provide an explanation of how the evidence supports your claim and supports your overall argument. This explanation also leads your audience into the next paragraph of your essay. Conclusion Restate thesis. Restate argument. Restate purpose. Sounds simple. It is not. Remember that restate actually means that you have already provided your readers with this information once. While it is important to do so again to remind them of what your paper was about, you are actually doing so in a new way, not in fact restating. Restating is redundant and boring to your readers. Works Cited At the end of the Research Paper, you must include a Works Cited. Remember a Works Cited is different from your Annotated Bibliography in that it is only the sources referenced in your paper and there are not annotated paragraphs. Reference the Étude Formatting and Style Guide for specific information on creating a Works Cited. FAQs
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