Persuasive Research Project
The Guidelines & Requirements
A persuasive essay is simply a writer’s attempt to convince readers of the validity of a particular opinion on a controversial issue. In a
persuasive essay, the writer tries to persuade the reader to think or act in a particular way. The writer’s purpose is to convince the
reader that his or her point of view is a reasonable one. A persuasive essay should be written in a style that grabs and holds the
reader’s attention, and the writer’s arguments should be backed up by strong supporting facts and details. When writing a
persuasive essay, your purpose is to convince your audience to embrace your idea or point of view. Keeping this purpose in mind
is the key to writing an effective persuasion.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be working together to create a final persuasive paper using a series of steps to create your
final project. Your research project grade will be divided into two major parts: PROCESS and FINAL PROJECT.
PURPOSE:
The sophomore research project is designed to help students learn how to research a topic, assimilate material gathered in
research, form an opinion about a topic based on literature, write a 3-4 page paper in which literature is discussed, utilize expert
literary criticism to support ideas, and practice MLA formatting. Many of the writings you will do in college are similar to this project.
You will be expected to know how to develop an idea based on a question, expand, and support it. Your paper will be formatted
and written in a persuasive style, which we will discuss in class.
TOPICS:
Students will be able to select a topic from the list. These topics are broad. You will need to limit and focus your topic. Research on
your topic is very important to the project. Be sure to explore a variety of sources before committing to a topic. Once you begin the
research process, it will be difficult to change. (See the list of possible topics on topic page.)
MATERIALS:
You will need the following materials for this project:
o A folder – you will keep all materials for the project/hand in project in a folder (This needs to be separate from
your current binder)
o Colored pencils (or pens) for editing
o Highlighters (several colors are better)
o Flash drive (for saving progress)
I will be checking that you have all four materials for a grade.
RESEARCH:
You will be required to use a variety of works to support and strengthen your thesis. The use of the following materials are
recommended as possible sources for this project:
o books
o magazines
o essays
o database articles, from EBSCOhost or other similar sources
o Internet sources and online magazines
You must use a variety a sources. You must use a MINIMUM of 5 sources for this project.
The breakdown of sources include:
o Two sources come from an online database such as EBSCOnost, Ohiolink, etc.
o Three sources from books, magazines or other internet sources
o YOU MAY NOT USE WIKIPEDIA. It is NOT an adequate source for information to complete the assignment. THE
GOAL OF THE ASSIGNMENT IS TO USE EXPERT OPINIONS and credible sources!
o ANY ONLINE RESOURCE MUST BE PRINTED AND PLACED IN YOUR RESEARCH FOLDER. THIS IS A MUST. NO
EXCEPTIONS. This is how you will be taking notes!
GUIDELINES:
Your grade will consist of several elements. The paper itself and the process will be the major portion of your grade. The other
assignments will also be a factor. You will complete the following tasks during this process:
o unit materials
o parent/student signature sheet
o paraphrase/summary/direct quote worksheet
o topic selection sheet
o brainstorming worksheet
o thesis statement worksheet
o annotated bibliography/article summaries
o skeletal outline worksheet
o typed outline
o two writing conferences (one with typed outline, one with rough draft)
o two peer editing sheets
o rough draft
o works cited draft & final copy
o title page draft & final copy
o final typed paper 3-4 pages in length, not including your title page and works cited page.
o Daily participation
Students are expected to be working on the project during class time. Working on other homework, laying your head down,
playing games, texting, socializing, etc. will result in a loss of participation points for the day.
There will be progress checks throughout the research process. These process activities will be a reflection of your research
knowledge and your understanding of the writing process. It is strongly recommended that you be present EVERY DAY during
the research paper process. ALL OF THESE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE 90% PORTION OF YOUR GRADE.
REQUIREMENTS:
o Materials must be brought with you daily to class EVERY DAY. A daily participation grade will be given throughout the
research process, as we will be working in class on assignments.
o A calendar of assignments and due dates will be issued at the beginning of the project. Please use this calendar as a
reference throughout the project. Absences are NOT an excuse for not completing the work.
o NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED! Papers have a due date. I will not accept ANY papers after the due date. If you are
not here on the due date, your paper must be.
o Emailed papers are not accepted.
o Computer & printer problems will not be considered an excuse for late papers. Even with a note from your
parents, the paper is expected on the due date.
o Any evidence of plagiarism will result in an F for the project. Students who plagiarize will be referred to the appropriate
office for additional consequences.
o Failure to complete a research paper will result in an F for the quarter.
o If you are absent on any day of the research paper project, it is your responsibility to keep up with assignments. I will not
remind you of your missing work.
o Process assignments must be completed on time to receive full credit. Assignments are due at the beginning of class.
Students who hand in assignments during the class time will be marked late.
ESTIMATED DUE DATES FOR MAJOR PORTIONS OF YOUR ESSAY:
These are the estimated dates for your parts of the project, however these might change depending on how the classes are
progressing. I will let you know if these dates are going to change as we progress.
Sources: November 7
Typed Outline: November 13
Rough Draft: November 22
Final Paper: November 30
PERSUASIVE RESEARCH PROJECT TOPIC IDEAS:
Adapted from Mr. Donald E. Morton at http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/writing/persuasive-essay-topics
1.
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3.
Should college athletes be paid for playing?
Should state colleges be free to attend?
Should all American citizens have to complete a year of
community service?
4.
5.
6.
Should students be required to take foreign language
classes?
Should the voting age be lowered to thirteen?
Should students be paid for having good grades?
7.
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9.
10.
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13.
14.
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18.
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20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
Should students’ textbooks be replaced by notebook
computers?
Should students have to pass a basic skills test to graduate
high school?
Should schools raise money by selling candy and sugary
soft drinks to students?
Should students’ grades in gym affect their grade point
averages?
Should girls be allowed to play on boys sports teams?
Should teens be able to buy violent video games?
Should boys and girls be in separate classes?
Should our country have a universal health care program?
Should people who download music and movies illegally
be punished?
Should school athletes be on the honor roll to play?
Should the government place a tax on junk food and fatty
snacks?
Should the 2nd amendment give citizens the right to own
assault weaponry?
Should people travelling in airplanes have to undergo
intensive security screenings?
Should restaurants be allowed to sell genetically modified
chickens under the name “chicken?”
Should teachers have to pass a basic skills test every ten
years to renew their certification?
Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals?
Should celebrities who break the law face stricter
penalties?
Should the government increase spending on the space
program?
Should larger passengers have to pay for two plane or
movie theater tickets?
Should people have to get a license to become parents?
Should there be tougher federal restrictions for content on
the internet?
Should people be allowed to curse on daytime television?
Should owners be legally accountable for clearing snow
from sidewalks on their property?
Should sexual education be taught in public schools?
Should students who commit cyber-bullying be suspended
from school?
Should corporations be allowed to advertise in schools?
Should more be done to protect and preserve endangered
animals?
Is it appropriate for students and teachers to be friends on
Facebook?
Should students have open campus lunch periods?
Should the death penalty be used to punish violent
criminals?
Should students learn about world religions in public
schools?
Should schools start later in the morning?
Should the USA end overseas military operations?
Should politicians be allowed to accept campaign
contributions from corporate lobbyists?
Should people with terminal illnesses have the right to
doctor assisted suicides?
42. Should stem cell researchers be able to use the stem cells
from aborted babies to cure diseases?
43. Should school athletes have to take drug tests?
44. Should professional athletes have to take drug tests?
45. Should high school students have to complete community
service hours to graduate?
46. Should teens over 13 years be allowed into R rated
movies?
47. Should state tests be given in other languages for ESL
students?
48. Should scientists be allowed to test products intended for
human use on animals?
49. Should unhealthy fast food products be sold with a
warning label?
50. Should students or teachers receive money for scoring
well on standardized tests?
51. Should everyone under the age of 17 have a 9:00 PM
curfew?
52. Should schools with low scores on standardized tests be
closed?
53. Should alcohol manufacturers be allowed to advertise on
television?
54. Should students as young as 14 be allowed to hold jobs?
55. Should American families have a two child max rule to
limit population growth?
56. Should people who are caught driving drunk lose their
licenses for a year?
57. Should students who fail their classes be retained and
have to repeat the grade?
58. Should children in temporary living situations with 3.0
GPAs earn free college tuition?
59. Should gambling and sports betting be illegal or should the
government regulate it?
60. Should children who commit violent crimes be tried as
adults?
61. Should teachers have to wear uniforms or have a dress
code?
62. Should talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device
while driving be illegal?
63. Should students earning less than a 70% have mandatory
tutoring sessions?
64. Cigarettes should be more expensive or should be levied
with a health tax. Or the sale should be illegal.
65. Child support dodgers should go to jail.
66. Violent video games should be banned.
67. College graduates should go off for the travels for a year
before getting the job.
68. Teachers should not interfere into the private lives of
students.
69. People have become overly dependent on technology.
70. Plastic surgeries: a way to become more beautiful, or
someone’s unhealthy idea?
71. Censorship is a justifiable act.
72. Drunk drivers should be imprisoned on the first offense.
73. Is the death penalty inhumane?
74. Euthanasia: The Right to Die?
75. Pros and cons of adoption
76. Positive or negative effects of divorce on children
Parent/Student Research Paper Signature Form – Ms. DeMaio’s Language Arts Class
By signing below, I acknowledge that I read and reviewed the Persuasive Research Project Guidelines and
Requirements for the 10th grade research project.
1.
2.
3.
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5.
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7.
8.
9.
I understand that the research paper outline final draft (hard copy), along with process folder, is due on Friday, November
30th by 3:00 p.m. even if I am not present at school that day.
I understand outlines turned in after 3:00 p.m. on November 13th will be considered late.
10 points will be deducted for each day a benchmark assignment (outline, rough draft, etc.) is late.
I understand that the final draft needs to be typed in MLA outline format and placed in my process folder to be turned in.
I understand that the research paper outline is a major grade for the second quarter, and by not handing in my paper on time,
or not completing my paper, I will earn a failing grade for the quarter.
I understand that I must not plagiarize during this process. I may use database and book sources from the library, but I
will properly document these sources on an MLA Works Cited page, attached as the last page of my final draft. I understand
that I will receive a zero for the assignment if I am caught plagiarizing any part of it.
I understand that I must upload the final draft on www.dropitto.me.com by Friday, November 30th at 11:59 p.m. (*This
guideline may change. Information will be given at a further date.)
I understand that if any benchmark assignment (outline, rough draft, final draft, etc.) is not handed in, I will receive a zero for
that portion of the major grade.
I understand that over the course of this research project, I am responsible for keeping ALL handouts and work in progress in
my process folder.
The goals and objectives of the project are aligned with the state curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, independent and cooperative
learning, research skills, and improving written communication skills. Grades will be based upon meeting deadlines and the careful and
thorough completion of the various components of the Research Project. It is the student’s responsibility to find help as needed, utilize the
resources available, and complete the work on time.
Please sign and return this form to me by Thursday, November 1st.
* I understand that all electronically-generated material can be found on the class website for reference & up-keeping.
* I also understand the requirements, due dates, and penalties associated with the Persuasive Research Project and agree to abide
by them. In particular, the inability to complete parts by certain deadlines (both in and outside of class) will result in either zeroes
that cannot be made up or lowering of the project grade.
* Lastly, I understand that by not doing the stages of the project completely AND on time will impact the student's ability to
successfully pass second quarter, and therefore affect passing for first semester.
The signature below states that both the parent and student have read the policies and procedures for the research paper project
found on the class website. It also acknowledges that both the parent and student understand the requirements, due dates, and
consequences stated above.
I have reviewed this packet with my child, _________________________________, and acknowledge that this project
is an important part of his/her education at Brunswick High School.
_____________________________________________________
Parent Signature *
I will be researching:________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Student Signature *
* I understand that I will be held accountable for all of the project components and will make every effort to meet all deadlines.
Please sign and return this form to me by Thursday, November 1 st.