This document outlines a three-part assignment on persuasive writing. In part one, students are instructed to select three research topics from a provided list, identify an audience and write a preliminary thesis statement for each. They must also identify two credible sources for each topic. Part two requires choosing one topic and writing a 1-2 page research proposal that further develops the thesis and outlines the paper. Part three involves writing a 3-4 page persuasive paper on the chosen topic that presents a problem and proposes a solution, supported with references. The document provides detailed formatting guidelines and learning outcomes for the assignment.

1. ***Each [art is its own paper and should be written as such- its
own cover page and length requirements***
PART 1
Read through the list of research topics (Attached Separately).
Select three (3) topics that interest you most and identify two
(2) credible sources for each topic. Note: This is one (1) of
several parts that will build toward a final draft of your
persuasive writing research paper.
Write a one to two (1-2) page paper in which you:
1. Explain the reason for selecting topic one (1), identify the
audience, and provide a preliminary thesis statement.
2. Explain the reason for selecting topic two (2), identify the
audience, and provide a preliminary thesis statement.
3. Explain the reason for selecting topic three (3), identify the
audience, and provide a preliminary thesis statement.
4. Identify and document six (6) credible sources (two (2) for
each topic) that you would expect to use. Note: Wikipedia and
other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting guidelines:
· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size
12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow
APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for
any additional instructions.
· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the
student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the
date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required page length.
PART 2
The second part of the assignment is to choose one of the topics
that you chose from above and write a one to two (1-2) page
research proposal in which you:
1. Identify the topic you selected and explain two (2) reasons
for using it.
2. Include a defensible, relevant thesis statement in the first

2. paragraph.
3. Describe three (3) major characteristics of your audience
(official position, decision-making power, current view on
topic, other important characteristic).
4. Describe the paper’s scope and outline the major sections.
5. Identify and explain the questions to be answered.
6. Explain your research plan, including the methods of
researching and organizing research.
7. Document at least three (3) primary sources and three (3)
secondary sources. Use credible, academic sources available
through Strayer University’s Resource Center. Note: Wikipedia
and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting guidelines:
· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size
12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow
APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for
any additional instructions.
· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the
student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the
date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required page length.
PART 3
The Third part of the assignment is to use your thesis statement
and research, present the problem that needs to be addressed
with your proposed solution.
Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you:
1. Provide an appropriate title and an interesting opening
paragraph to appeal to your stated audience (appeal with logic,
ethics, or emotion).
2. Include a defensible, relevant thesis statement in the first
paragraph. (Revised from Part 2)
3. Describe the history and status of the issue and provide an
overview of the problem(s) that need to be addressed. This
should be one or two (1-2) paragraphs.
4. Explain the first problem (economic, social, political,
environmental, complexity, inequity, ethical/moral, etc.) and

3. provide support for your claims. This should be one or two (1-
2) paragraphs.
5. Explain the second problem (economic, social, political,
environmental, complexity, inequity, ethical/moral, etc.). and
provide support for your claims. This should be one or two (1-
2) paragraphs.
6. Explain the third problem (economic, social, political,
environmental, complexity, inequity, ethical/moral, etc.) and
provide support for your claims. This should be one or two (1-
2) paragraphs.
7. Provide a concluding paragraph that summarizes the stated
problems and promises a solution.
8. Develop a coherently structured paper with an introduction,
body, and conclusion.
9. Use effective transitional words, phrases, and sentences
throughout the paper.
10. Support claims with at least three (3) quality, relevant
references. Use credible, academic sources available through
Strayer University’s Resource Center. Note: Wikipedia and
other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting guidelines:
· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size
12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references
must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your
professor for any additional instructions.
· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the
student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the
date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required assignment page length.
Note: Submit your assignment to the designated plagiarism
program so that you can make revisions before submitting your
paper to your professor.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this
assignment are:
· Recognize the elements and correct use of a thesis statement.
· Recognize the use of summary, paraphrasing, and quotation to

4. communicate the main points of a text.
· Analyze the rhetorical strategies of ethos, pathos, logos in
writing samples and for incorporation into essays or
presentations.
· Prepare a research project that supports an argument with
structure and format appropriate to the genre.
· Recognize how to organize ideas with transitional words,
phrases, and sentences.
· Incorporate relevant, properly documented sources to
substantiate ideas.
· Write clearly and concisely about selected topics using proper
writing mechanics.
· Use technology and information resources to research selected
issues for this course.
ENG 215 – Appendices
Appendix D: ENG 215 Topics for Persuasive Writing Research
Paper These topics are to be used for Assignments 1-5.
Assignment 1: Research Topics with Explanation
Assignment 2: Research Proposal – Thesis, Major points, and
Plan
Assignment 3: Persuasive Paper Part I: A Problem Exists
Assignment 4: Persuasive Paper Part 2:
Solution
and Advantages
Assignment 5: Persuasive Writing Part 3: Possible

5. Disadvantages and Answers
Some topics focus on the entire county; however, other topics
may focus on states, local areas, and / or businesses.
Topics / Questions
Student Name
Course Section
1) Should taxes on people making over $250,000 a year be
changed?
2) Should Transportation Security (TSA) regulations be
changed?
3) Should regulations for home schools be changed?
4) Should funding for the U.S. space program be changed?
5) Should changes be made to the regulations for foods that are

6. served in public schools?
6) Should changes be made to regulations for mental health
drugs for minors?
7) Should regulations be changed regarding genetically altering
plants and/or animals?
8) Should the Family and Medical Leave Act be changed?
9) Should taxes on alcohol and tobacco be increased to help pay
for rising medical costs?
10) Should regulations regarding the use of cell phones while
driving be standardized?
11) Should the instant replay used in the NFL be applied to
other sports?

7. 12) Should regulations regarding payment of college athletes be
changed?
13) Should minors who commit violent crimes be tried as
adults?
14) Should child welfare regulations be changed?
15) Should DUI (driving under the influence) laws be changed?
16) Should sex offender registration laws be changed?
17) Should laws governing student laws be changed?
18) Should laws governing nursing homes be changed?

8. 19) Should children of parents who do not allow them to be
vaccinated be allowed to attend public school?
20) Should unemployment regulations and benefits be changed?
21) Should rules requiring all members of a jury to agree for
conviction be changed?
22) Should financial incentives be offered to high school
students to perform well on standardized tests?
23) Should the government offer tax credits for the purchase of
hybrid or alternative energy vehicles?
24) Should the U.S. Government prohibit companies from
outsourcing jobs to people in foreign countries that do not have
unions and / or fair labor laws?
25) Should the U.S. government provide financial assistance to

9. people whose retirement funds were invested in the stock of
companies that may have used unethical accounting practices
(e.g., Enron, Arthur Andersen, etc.)?
26) Should colleges and universities expel students who are
caught cheating on exams and / or plagiarizing their homework
assignments?
27) Should the U.S. prohibit trade with countries that have poor
records on human rights?
28) Should vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, SUVs) be required to
have backup cameras?
29) Should all U.S. students be required to take four years of
foreign language in high school?
30) Should the state and / or federal government provide
subsidies to organic farmers?

10. 31) Should all states require motorcyclists and passengers to
wear helmets?
32) Should state and local governments provide health insurance
only for retirees who have served 20 years in government
service?
33) Should your state or local government enact different laws
regarding certain animals (e.g., pit bulls)?