Original Argument Process Paper

AP Lang

Grissom

ORIGINAL ARGUMENT INCLUDING RESEARCH

The Assignment:

Come up with an argument of your own…the number of potential topics is virtually endless.  Choose something that means something to you, something you don’t mind delving into for the next month or so.  Again, you have some flexibility with the way you structure and organize your essay. 

The Requirements: 

You must include research that stretches the boundaries on your previous experience with the “research paper.”  Use at least one strong primary source in addition to several secondary sources.  In addition to the normal secondary sources (book, website, EBSCO), make sure you also include an alternative secondary source.  Try looking at media, transcripts, pictures etc.  Cite everything according to MLA style and include a works cited page.  The word restrictions stay the same (500-750 words); therefore, be concise!

Objectives:

• Apply knowledge of appeals and fallacies to write a persuasive original argument
• Evaluate the credibility of various sources of information and use them effectively to add merit to an argument
• Expand knowledge and experience with primary and secondary sources
• Correctly use MLA citations (parenthetical and works cited)
• Fit a mass of information into a tightly-written essay

Step One:

Try to pick your topic by tomorrow.  Let me tell you why.  That way, you can use the majority of the week to start conducting some preliminary research.  Make sure you’ve chosen a topic for which you can find information.  You will need to complete this step BEFORE you complete your proposal.  Possible resources to check out include the EBSCO database, other IHS subscriptions, Dunn, credible websites.  You must evaluate these sources—I’m not just grading you on having research, but also on the quality of sources you choose as support for you argument.  Your textbook clearly spells out what to look for in quality sources.

Step Two:

Write your proposal.  A detailed, organized plan of what you intend your argument to look like is due a week from today.

1. What is your topic and thesis?  In other words, tell me first about what you’re going to write about and then what you plan to say about it. 
2. What points do you plan to make in order to support your thesis?  In other words, what are the reasons your thesis is true?
3. What are the warrants for those reasons?
4. Tell me about some of the sources of information you’ve already gathered.
5. What plans do you have for your primary source(s)?  Be specific.  Don’t just tell me the type you plan to use.  I want to know who, how, what, and when you plan to gather that information.  If you’ve already developed interview questions, a survey, or some type of observation/experiment plan, please include a copy with your proposal.  DO NOT BEGIN YOUR PRIMARY RESEARCH UNTIL YOUR PROPOSAL AND ANY OTHER NECESSARY STEPS ARE COMPLETED.  Absolutely DO NOT give out a survey that I have not seen and approved.  I must also approve the WAY and NUMBER you will give out.
6. How do you plan to organize and structure your argument initially? Keep in mind this may change.
7. What questions or concerns do you have at this point?