English 102.38 & 102.41
Samuel C Bowles
Project 2
University of Louisville
Spring 2014
Argumentative Research Paper
TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT DRAFT
1800-2200 words
Due on Thursday, March 6
!
This assignment will easily be the “most academic” essay you are asked to write in this class, and
while other assignments may well serve you better once you are out of school, this one is designed
to prepare you for the many different types of somewhat rigorous and sometimes tedious writing
required in various academic situations. As such, you will be asked to strike a formal tone and
present a solid argument supported by scholarly sources, all compiled in a professional and
standard form.
The Purdue Online Writing Lab offers the following descriptions concerning Research
Papers:
“Research” - What it is.
!
A research paper is the culmination and final product of an involved process of research,
critical thinking, source evaluation, organization, and composition. It is, perhaps, helpful to
think of the research paper as a living thing, which grows and changes as the student
explores, interprets, and evaluates sources related to a specific topic. Primary and
secondary sources are the heart of a research paper, and provide its nourishment; without
the support of and interaction with these sources, the research paper would morph into a
different genre of writing (e.g., an encyclopedic article). The research paper serves not only
to further the field in which it is written, but also to provide the student with an exceptional
opportunity to increase her knowledge in that field. It is also possible to identify a research
paper by what it is not.
“Research” - What it is not.
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A research paper is not simply an informed summary of a topic by means of primary and
secondary sources. It is neither a book report nor an opinion piece nor an expository essay
consisting solely of one's interpretation of a text nor an overview of a particular topic.
Instead, it is a genre that requires one to spend time investigating and evaluating sources
with the intent to offer interpretations of the texts, and not unconscious regurgitations of
those sources. The goal of a research paper is not to inform the reader what others have to
say about a topic, but to draw on what others have to say about a topic and engage the
sources in order to thoughtfully offer a unique perspective on the issue at hand.
“Genre and the Research Paper,” Purdue Online Writing Lab
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English 102.38 & 102.41
Samuel C Bowles
Project 2
!
!
University of Louisville
Spring 2014
Using many of the sources you compiled in your Annotated Bibliography, you will write a
substantial argumentative research paper. This the most significantly weighted project
in the entire class, so it is vital to your success that you put forth your best effort.
This paper will primarily consist of two parts.
In the first, you will layout the two (or more) stances on your assigned issue or
argument. Each side should be presented without bias, and this section should rely heavily upon
your sources, as you weave together a cohesive description of each stance.
Having adequately outlined each stance, you will then present a well-argued position of
your own (which may be some combination or slight alteration of those already
presented). You position can contain more of your own voice, but should still be an argument built
on good reasons and solid evidence.
!
The Norton Field Guide lists the following as the key features of an “Arguing a Position” essay, and
these are good guidelines to keep in mind, particularly for the second half of the paper:
● A clear and arguable position. At the heart of every argument is a claim with which
people may reasonably disagree. Some claims are not arguable because they’re completely
subjective, matters of taste or opinion (“I hate sauerkraut”), because they are based on belief
or faith (“There is life after death”). To be arguable, a position must reflect one of at least two
points of view, making reasoned argument necessary [...]
● Good reasons. By itself, a position does not make an argument; the argument comes when
a writer offers reasons to back the position up.
● Convincing evidence. Once [you’ve] given reasons for your position, you then need to
offer evidence for your reasons: facts, statistics, expert testimony, anecdotal evidence, case
studies, textual evidence.
● Appeals to readers’ values. Effective arguers try to appeal to readers’ values and
emotions...[particularly] deeply held values that we may not think about very much and as a
result may see as common ground we share with writers.
● A trustworthy tone. Arguments can stand or fall on the way readers perceive the writer.
Very simply, readers need to trust the person who’s making the argument.
● Careful consideration of other positions. No matter how reasonable and careful we are
in arguing our positions, others may disagree or offer counterarguments. We need to consider
those other views and to acknowledge and if possible, refute them in our written arguments.
Taken verbatim from the Norton Field Guide, pages 135-137.
English 102.38 & 102.41
Samuel C Bowles
Project 2
!
!
University of Louisville
Spring 2014
Your paper must also meet the following criteria:
1. 1800-2200 words (not including Works Cited page)
2. Be formatted COMPLETELY and ENTIRELY according to MLA guidelines (including
in-text citations and a Works Cited page).
3. Make use of at least 8 sources, 3 of which must be academic (these should
probably all come from your annotated bibliography, though it is fine if you
find additional sources and want to use them)
4. Contain a clear and recognizable thesis statement!
!
This paper will be scored on a 25 point scale and account for 25% of your final course
grade. You’ll receive up to three points for visiting the Writing Center for help with this
assignment (1 point per visit).
If you have questions, I welcome them via email, text, and Twitter (or in class of course), BUT I
encourage you to ask them early, #notthedaybefore #procrastinationkills.
Submit your papers via HARD COPY at the start of class on Thursday, March 6. After
doing so, you can head to the beaches of Cancun, your parents’ couch, or your Spring
Break destination of choice with a big weight off your shoulders.