GUIDELINES: CURRENT EVENT PAPER
TOPIC
Find a current topic in the news that relates to what we are discussing in class. Sources may include
scientific journals, newspaper articles, news reports, internet sources. The source should be current – no
more than two months old.
For some good sources, search http://www.sciencedaily.com/ or http://www.eurekalert.org/ .
PAPER
Include either the URL or a copy of the article with your paper.
Write 1-2 pages of analysis. Tell if the article was a primary source or secondary source. Tell if the
experimental design was good- did it include satisfactory controls, have enough test subjects . How is
the research relevant to your/our lives. Is it new for you, something you had never heard before? How
does it relate to Biology 1408? A general format for the paper is:
Introductory paragraph
a. Catch the reader’s interest.
b. Give a brief background on the topic.
c. Begin or end with a thesis statement.
Body paragraphs (2-4)
a.
b.
c.
d.
Develop, expand and/or support the thesis statement.
Include a topic sentence for each paragraph.
Include supporting details which reinforce the topic sentence.
Make sure you explain how the article or report relates to class.
Concluding paragraph
a. Restate the thesis or sum up the argument.
b. Tell the reader what you think is important to remember.
(Never introduce new information in the conclusion.)