Name:_________________________________
Date:_________________
Research Essay for Website
Government – Wallace
Period:___________________
Research Essay: Pick an issue! It must be something that has a pro (for) and and con (against) side.
You will look at an issue – both sides – and then choose one side and convince me why this side of the
argument is best. For example – Gay marriage – you will give me 3 reasons why it should be legal or 3
reasons why it should not. You may use Procon.org for ideas but you MUST google the argument itself
and use a different source to describe and explain that argument. The best search terms to use are
“arguments against . . . . “ and “arguments for . . . . . ” AND/OR try “pros and cons of. . . . . ” Or, you can use
the argument itself such as “gay marriage slippery slope argument.” Today, you will begin working on the
outline.
How to get started: Open a word file and name it research essay outline. Go to
http://pueblowallacegovtclass.wikispaces.com/
Click on the Resources page and Click on the link to download “Research Essay Outline.” Copy and paste
the outline below to your word file. If you do not have a computer at home, copy and paste Access to
computers and everyone should copy and paste my email address. You are now ready to start
researching! Start with the problem statement. Think about how to introduce your issue. Jot down some
notes on what you already know. Google the issue. Call me over if you need help with search terms.
When you find information that you would like to use, be sure to copy and paste the website url first and
then copy and paste the information. ALWAYS PUT THAT INFORMATION IN QUOTES IMMEDIATELY
to help prevent you from plagiarizing the information. YOU WILL GET A ZERO ON THIS PROJECT AND
A REFERRAL IF YOU PLAGIARIZE. When you understand your issue, go and google for the arguments
on one side and then do the other. You will not write your thesis statement until the information for
these sections is identified.
Issue: ____________________________________
Paragraph 1 Introduction Introduce your topic
Last sentence – thesis statement – state your position on the issue and provide your three strongest
reasons (arguments) why.
Paragraph 2 - Problem Statement Describe your issue – this paragraph may provide background information, why it is important, who does
it affect
Paragraph 3 - Arguments For
Pick the three strongest arguments on the pro side of this issue – first state the argument and then
explain it. You must have three arguments.
Argument #1 –
Explanation –
Argument #2 –
Explanation Argument #3 –
Explanation Paragraph 4 - Arguments Against
Pick the three strongest arguments on the con side of this issue – again, first state the argument and then
explain it. You must have three arguments.
Argument #1 –
Explanation –
Argument #2 –
Explanation Argument #3 –
Explanation Paragraph 5 - Analysis
Choose the side you agree with and analyze the evidence.
Paragraph 6 - Analysis
Address the arguments on the opposing side. Criticize the argument and explain why it is not valid
Paragraph 7 – Conclusion
Restate your thesis statement, review your strongest argument, convince the reader that your stance on
the issue is correct.
Citations: Your citations are “in text” meaning after each citation you must put your reference in
parenthesis as shown below. You practiced this skill in a previous assignment. Here is the citation on
gay marriage, with both the example of using in-text citations and what the reference looks like on your
Sources page.
According to the one expert, “States that issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples include:
Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and the District of
Columbia” (ncsl.org).
"Same Sex Marriage." NCSL Home. National Conference of State Legislators, 11 July 2011. Web. 07 Nov.
2011. <http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=16430>.
NOTE – YOU MUST WORK ON THIS RESEARCH ESSAY OUTSIDE OF CLASS!
If you do not have the internet at home, you can use:
Pueblo
Library computers before and after school
College and Career Center – when it is open before and after school
Computer Lab 254– CCLC Academic Success class – T,Th 3:30 to 5:00 and W, 2:30 to 3:30 IF there is room
Public Library – Hours vary – call
El Pueblo – 101 W. Irvington
Mission Branch – 3770 S. Mission
Valencia – 202 W. Valencia
Quincie Douglas – 1585 E. 36th St.
(If you know of other available computers please let me know.)
My help – The best way for me to help you is to email me – mary.wallace@tusd1.org – Anytime you
email me before 7:00 p.m., I will answer the same day. Otherwise, I will answer it by the following day.
When to email me:
You are stuck and you don’t know what to do next!
To check your thesis statement
To help you find a source for one of your arguments
To check a paragraph you have written