In Project 2, you began conducting popular and scholarly research exploring how policy can address a specific social or civic problem of your choice. Now you’re ready to build your argument, taking a...

In Project 2, you began conducting popular and scholarly research exploring how policy can address a specific social or civic problem of your choice. Now you’re ready to build your argument, taking a clear position arguing for
a specific policy addition or change
to address that social problem/issue you’ve been exploring. This argument will be contained in a
1600-2000 word
argumentative, academic research paper based on the research compiled in Project 2. Remember that this is not a report; your paper should not simply summarize or report research findings. Instead, your thesis and main points should reflect your ideas, analysis, and arguments about this issue, taking a clear argumentative position that others could potentially disagree with


1 Prof. Whalen English 102 Project 3: Academic Research Paper Due Dates: Outline: Sun. Apr. 4 by 11:59pm Draft Posted on Discussion Board: Sun. Apr. 11 by 11:59pm Peer Feedback Due: Wed. Apr. 14 by 11:59pm Final Draft: Sunday, April 18 by 11:59pm Prompt: In Project 2, you began conducting popular and scholarly research exploring how policy can address a specific social or civic problem of your choice. Now you’re ready to build your argument, taking a clear position arguing for a specific policy addition or change to address that social problem/issue you’ve been exploring. This argument will be contained in a 1600-2000 word argumentative, academic research paper based on the research compiled in Project 2. Remember that this is not a report; your paper should not simply summarize or report research findings. Instead, your thesis and main points should reflect your ideas, analysis, and arguments about this issue, taking a clear argumentative position that others could potentially disagree with. Source Requirements: · Cite 6-8 separate sources utilizing both paraphrase and direct quotation. [Note: you are not required to use all of the sources in your annotated bibliography; you’re welcome to switch sources for new sources you locate that you deem more appropriate for your argument.] · The same source type minimums from the annotated bibliography apply for this research paper: at least 2 sources should be scholarly and at least 2 should be popular (but keep in mind you will have more than 4 sources total). · Follow all conventions of MLA in-text citation and MLA document format, including a correctly formatted and cited MLA Works Cited page. Tips/Reminders for Success: · Your annotated bibliography may have included a wide variety of information about many different aspects of your issue. Remember to narrow your focus to specific, arguable main points. · Integrate sources smoothly with thoughtful signal phrases. After integrating the source, analyze how this information relates to the claim in your thesis statement. · Using outside sources without giving the author(s) credit is plagiarism and may result in a failing grade for this paper and/or the course. When in doubt, cite. Why am I being required to find an additional, new source? Didn’t I already do research?: As we discussed at the beginning of this project, research and writing are discovery processes. As you begin to outline and draft your argument, your understanding of your topic will likely shift, and you’ll realize that there are gaps in your current research. For example, extra research may be needed to help you support a main point you didn’t anticipate, etc. While you are only required one new source for this paper, you’re welcome to seek out as many new sources as you think will be necessary for your project, keeping our source requirements listed above in mind. Components of Academic Research Paper I. Introduction (one paragraph): Grab the reader’s attention with an attention getter and give them a brief overview of the paper’s topic (including any necessary context), as well as the larger conversation this research project enters. Consider: what information/context is essential to understand this argument? Why does this argument matter? What is the larger conversation that this argument is entering? Then, end the introduction with a clearly identifiable thesis statement articulating the paper’s overall argument (both the claim and the support for that claim). II. Main Points/Body Paragraphs (at least 5 paragraphs including a refutation): a.) Your argument should be supported with fully developed body paragraphs supporting unique main points with clear evidence. These body paragraphs should contain your own, unique arguments, but use source material as evidence and support, utilizing both direct quotations and paraphrase. Remember that these paragraphs’ main purpose is argument, not simply outlining or reporting information. b.) Refutation: Your paper should include at least one clear refutation (counterargument, rebuttal) paragraph, focusing on naming and then refuting an argument that an opposing side would have in response to your argument. Remember that strong refutations are specific: refute a specific point of support an opposition is making, not a general claim. III. Conclusion (one paragraph): Summarize/review your main points using new language and discuss why your readers should heed your argument/why this topic is important to us all. End by promoting closure. IV. Works Cited Page: Full list of cited sources in alphabetical order. This should be a separate page with all citations in correct MLA format. Remote Resources Keep in mind that you have three major resources to help you when outlining, drafting, and revising your academic research paper. 1.) Prof. Whalen – while you’re required to attend one Zoom conference with me during this project, you’re welcome to meet with me more than once to discuss your work. 2.) Brookens Library – since this stage of the writing process still requires research, it may be useful to schedule a one-on-one virtual research consultation with a librarian. 3.) The Learning Hub – the Hub is a great resource for help with any stage of the writing process; learn more about their services on the Leaning Hub module on our Canvas page. This project should demonstrate the following skills & abilities: · Research paper shows an understanding of its rhetorical situation, including its purpose, genre, audience, & tone. · Project contains all components of an academic research paper and demonstrates an understanding of how each component contributes to the research paper’s overall argument. · Thesis statement is strong and focused, asserting a narrow, arguable claim followed by specific support, keeping in mind our course’s larger emphasis on policy as a method to promote change on social issues. · Paragraphs are used to organize and thoroughly develop ideas—supporting all claims, ideas, and analyses with clear evidence and fully-developed reasoning. · Considers and even reconsiders argument in full complexity, skillfully refuting specific opposing viewpoints. · Source material is skillfully chosen, smoothly integrated, and accurately cited to support the writer’s unique argument. · Argument is organized in a logical order, making it interesting to follow author's train of thought; varied and thoughtful use of transitions between paragraphs and sentences. This project should demonstrate the following processes & conventions: · An understanding of the importance of revision. From reading the research paper, it is clear it has moved through the stages of the writing process and is not an obvious first or only draft. · An understanding of the importance of proofreading and editing. Project doesn’t contain careless errors that suggest it has not been proofread. · An understanding of MLA format including document format, correct MLA in-text citations, and a correct Works Cited page, showing care and precision for the citation process. · Meets all constraints and requirements, including project length, stipulated on the prompt.