This document provides guidelines for a research paper assignment, including the structure and content required. Students must write an 800-word academic argument on a pre-approved topic, using at least 4 credible sources to support their thesis. The paper must include an introduction with background on the topic and counterarguments, 2-3 body paragraphs with evidence to support the thesis, and a conclusion emphasizing the importance of the argument. Specific formatting and citation guidelines are also outlined.

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Last Name 1
Research Paper and Guidelines
Rough Draft: 10/10
Peer Review: 10/11
Final Draft: 10/12
Research Topics: Continuing from your Above the Noise topic
and preliminary research,
you will now begin building your argument. Your essay must be
an academic argument,
which means it should be well reasoned, supported by
substantial evidence, and balanced
throughout with the inclusion of counterarguments.
Goals & Objectives:
• Produce a well structured and developed argument using the
three persuasive

2. appeals
• Construct an explicit thesis statement that connects directly to
the topic and
audience
• Implement research documentation and in-text citations
following MLA formatting
• Identify the targeted audience and purpose
• Demonstrate basic computer competency skills
Length: 800-word minimum, not including works cited page
(950 max.)
Audience: Your paper should be oriented toward an academic
audience and will be
evaluated according to the grading rubric for this course;
therefore, your language must
remain professional. Avoid the first and second person,
contractions, slang, clichés, and/or
colloquial language.
Resources: You must have at least 4 sources from your group’s
works cited page. At
least . . .

3. • Five (3) MUST be academic sources from North Lake
databases,
• One (1) counterargument. You must represent opposition
fairly, and/or
• One (1) web source. I must have already approved the source.
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Last Name 2
Basic Outline Structure
I. Introduction- Ethos (Two paragraphs)
a. Paragraph One: Background Information- state the problem,
explain/define
relevant terms (Even though you should include research, this
should be in
your words. You will summarize and paraphrase, but reference
where you
retrieve your information.)
b. Paragraph Two: Counter Arguments- the opposition’s most
robust

4. viewpoints and rationale (include specific details from your
research)
II. Body Paragraphs- Logos (Each paragraph, at least 2-3,
should offer the
following):
a. Grounds-reasons
b. Backing- supporting evidence
c. Warrants- concluding point (connects grounds to claim)
III. Conclusion- Pathos (“So what” statement)
a. Emphasize the importance of your argument without listing
additional
information.
b. Avoiding “talking at” your audience and/or ending with
cliché rhetorical
questions.
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Last Name 3

5. Student Name
Professor Hernandez
ENGL 1300-10000
14 October 2016
Essay Title
I. Introduce your topic: Your two introductory paragraphs will
initiate your
credibility with your audience. You want to illustrate that you
are knowledgeable about
the issue by using specific details. You should attempt to be
clear and precise. Avoid
ambiguity, but also avoid using quotes immediately. In addition,
your word choice
(diction) should be concise, avoiding any deadwood, utility
words, and/or passive voice.
A. Contextual information [First Paragraph]
1. Define key terms and create the parameters for your issue.
Ex. Corporal
Punishment is . . . . [This will help you avoid generalizations
and problems
later with your topic. This information should be specific. Do

6. not make
broad general statements.] Ex. “Children who experienced
corporal
punishment are abusive as adults.”
2. If necessary, within this first paragraph, provide your
audience with
background information. What details must they have in order
to understand
your topic; however, consider your audience; remember, you are
writing to
professionals within the field you are arguing and not your
peers.
B. Opposition’s assertions [Second Paragraph]
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1. Summarize the oppositions’ claims. Again, be specific. Avoid
making ambiguous assertions such as “The opposition believes
....... ”
Make explicit assertions: “Proponents for abstinence education,
such

7. as Mark Smith, believe . . . .”
In a fluid manner, introduce your thesis. “Finally, say that you
nevertheless believe your thesis because . . . . and begin to
present your
evidence” (177).
II. First point supporting your claim
A. Begin with your weakest point
1. Provide grounds that support your assertions.
2. Typically, your weakest point is where you may consider
addressing any concession(s).
B. Consider the logical movement of your argument
1. Inductively: Are you beginning with specific data and then
moving
to a conclusion? Even if you begin your argument based on your
research, you should paraphrase or summarize your source.
Your
paragraphs should open and close in your words.
2. Deductively: Are you building an assertion based on
eliminating
possibilities and coming to a general claim? Meaning, you hope

8. to
provide a major and minor premise in which you illustrate your
point
that will ultimately, support your claim.
Ex. Plagiarism is prevalent on college campus. [Major premise]
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29-Sep-19
Such cases oftentimes happen in Liberal Arts classes. [Major
premise]
Since I teach composition, it is highly likely that I may have a
student
plagiarize in one of my courses. [Conclusion]
III. Second point: This point should help to shift the tone of
your paper
A. This point should begin to focus your claim, but avoid
making generalizations.
1. If the previous paragraph began inductively, this paragraph
should create a nice shift to deductive reasoning.

9. 2. Provide adequate proof (evidence) to support your reasoning.
Your sources must be explicit, detailed, sufficient, but try to
avoid
long quotes. Try summarizing and/or paraphrasing (refer to your
handouts). Remember the point of evidence is to support what
you
are attempting to say, not make the argument for you. Quote
just
the “good stuff.”
IV. Third point: This should be the strongest reason that
supports your claim
A. This point should clarify any questions your readers may
have about your topic
and claim.
A. Provide your strongest evidence
B. Reiterate the weakness within your opposition’s perspective
V. The conclusion is your last chance to show your audience
why they should care
about this issue. Pathos, in this case, is to show the relevance of
this issue, and to
reiterate the “so what” point. Avoid any references or quotes,
rhetorical questions, new

10. information.