Tenn/ English 7/ Spring 2009
Essay #3
At this point in the semester, we’re really getting into some of the economic, health, safety, and
environmental aspects of food. (And as we start focusing more and more on what’s good for us, good for
business, and good for the planet, we shouldn’t entirely forget what tastes good, too.)
For this research paper, you can take one or more of these angles, but you need to start with a
specific, researchable question about food that you have not yet addressed in an essay this semester.
For example:
Ex. What is the story on fats? Saturated, unsaturated, poly-unsaturated? Trans-fats? Olive oil, vegetable
oil, butter, margarine? Do we know the differences? What SHOULD guide our decisions?
Ex. What is the story on milk? Low-fat, non-fat, whole? Soy? Organic? What’s healthiest, safest, or
best for the planet? Who’s behind all of those “Got Milk?” ads any way? Are we being duped?
Ex. What do terms like “free-range” or “cage-free” really mean? Who is accountable? Who checks
up? Are the animals treated more humanely? Are the products healthier? Tastier? Better for the planet?
Ex. Are all “organic” products better? Are they all the same? What should we know about USDA
“certified organic” or Quality Assurance International certified organic products? Is there more to being
organic than a label?
**Note** Your research can, but doesn’t have to align with what you’re doing for your group
presentation. However, if it does, you can “kill two birds with one stone.”
Requirements:
You must cite at least ONE of the two non-fiction writers whose books we’ve been
reading in class: Michael Pollan or Barry Glassner. (For Pollan, many texts are possible.)
In addition to Pollan and/or Glassner, you must also find at least 5 credible sources that
present relevant information or arguments on your topic. You’ll need to study these well,
hence the term “research paper.” NO WIKIPEDIA allowed, you must have at least one
book, and at least two of your sources must come from a library database.
You are WELCOME and HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to do field research. Go to a
farmers market and talk to people. Conduct a survey … or a taste test. Interview someone
in the field (cook, restaurant owner, organic farmer?). Compare product labels!
Your paper must be in MLA format and 8-10 pages long, not including your Works
Cited page. Visuals optional.
Proposal and Annotated bibliography due: __4/15_____
Rough draft due:
___4/29______
FINAL DRAFT due:
_____5/6_____
Important! Do NOT write a report of other writers’ arguments. Instead, AFTER you’ve
done considerable research, come up with your own stance on what Americans should consider
in deciding what to eat (or not eat), and use your research to both support your argument, and
show opposing viewpoints (which you’ll have to refute or concede to). You’ll want to
summarize ideas and information from your sources, as well as paraphrase and quote, but always
explain your take on them, and connect back to your thesis.
Suggested steps to follow in writing a research paper:
1. Write your research question and start brainstorming, making a list of possible search
terms for on-line research. Think about what you plan to accomplish in your paper, what kind
of argument you’re hoping to make. You will turn this in for my feedback.
2. Go to the library and compile a “working bibliography” – a list of potentially useful
sources of information on your topic. You will later add to and delete from this list, of
course, but choose your sources carefully. Academic databases offer credible sources; many
sites on the WWW are not. Annotate your working bibliography: write a short note
summing up the main points of each source. You will also turn this in for my feedback.
3. Start reading, and take notes. One smart strategy is to print or photocopy your best sources
and then use different colored highlighters to mark useful information or comments for
different sections of your essay. Index cards are also helpful if you’re quoting, summarizing,
or paraphrasing short sections from a book or video. Always be sure to get down the full
citation information for your source text right away for your works cited list!
4. After you’ve got a good deal of research done, write down your “working thesis
statement” and make an outline for yourself – probably not more than one or two pages,
but with enough info to help you write your paper.
5. Organize your notes according to your outline, and write your first draft. Be careful to
avoid plagiarism by introducing your sources clearly as you use them, and citing them after.
6. Bring your draft in for peer-review, and solicit additional feedback from others. Revise
your draft. Look for areas to cut or expand. Proofread, proofread, and proofread some
more!
7. Finalize that list of Works Cited, per MLA format, print a clean copy of your paper, and
turn that baby in!