Persuasive Research Paper Assignment Sheet – Eng 101 Spring 2014
Directions: Write a 6 to 8 page persuasive research paper about an issue relating to pop culture. I expect for
your paper to have a well-defined thesis (claim about the issue) and use various persuasive techniques. This
essay will use the strategies of argument, and you will be using what you learn in your research to decide on
a claim and defend/explain your point of view. You will be choosing a specific topic and submitting a
research proposal to me. Your research proposal will outline the question that your thesis, after you have
done your research, will answer. If you are having trouble narrowing your topic, please come and see me.
Format: Your paper should be written in Times New Roman font with one inch margins on all sides. The
upper left hand corner of the first page should include your name, the date, the class, the assignment, and your
word count. It should have a title, which should be centered above the first line of your paper. These guidelines
are the same as they are for every paper you will write for me. Please consult the format guide that came with
your syllabus if you have any questions.
Also, each page after the first should have your last name and the page number in the upper right hand corner.
Suggested Topics: If you are having trouble picking a topic, I have two suggestions for you.
Suggestion #1: Pick one genre of film, television, music, or fiction and analyze one significant way that genre
has changed over time and how the specific change in the genre you picked is related to or shows how society
has changed along with it.
Suggestion #2: Pick a product that is commonly advertised in an intriguing or problematic way. For example,
think about fast food commercials that use extremely sexualized images of women. What is the interesting or
problematic strategy that you noticed being used to advertise the product? Find some specific examples of this
strategy and describe/analyze them in detail. What are some of the broader implications/effects of the
specific product being advertised using the specific strategy you have noticed?
Length: Your paper must be at least six pages long, double spaced, not including your Works Cited page.
Please include your word count in the upper left hand corner of the first page along with your heading.
Sources: Your paper must cite as least seven different reputable sources. It is up to you to convince your
reader that your sources are reputable. You may use books, articles from online databases, videos, internet
sources, and any other source you believe will increase the credibility of your paper. Your paper must include a
Works Cited page that lists your seven (or more) sources in correct MLA format
Friendly Advice:
If you have never written a research paper before, it may seem like a big task. However, if you follow the steps
that we go through in class and keep up with your research, you may find it to be an enjoyable process.
Be sure to turn in all required papers and write required drafts ON TIME. Falling behind is one of the worst
things that can happen to a paper during this process. Don't be the student who stays up all night writing his or
her first draft.
Write about something you are genuinely curious about. Don't write about a topic simply because you think it
will be easy, or you think you should. We will be doing this assignment for a long time, and you don't want to
be stuck writing about a topic you don't care about.
If you are feeling lost, or if you are having any problems with this assignment, please let me know as soon as
possible. I would be happy to talk to you about any concerns you have.
Research Paper Timeline
Note: All research paper assignments must by typed.
*Thursday, 4/24 – Research Proposal Due
Your research proposal must be typed, it must be at least 200 words, and it must include your narrowed
research question at the top. Please discuss why you chose this topic, the knowledge you already have about it,
what you hope to find out, and possible sources of information.
Acceptable (Good) Example Research question: "How has the genre of science fiction changed from the 1950's
to the present to reflect changing concerns about technology?"
Unacceptable Example Research question: "I'm going to write about science fiction."
 Too broad – needs to be more specific. This example gives you no direction.
 Not a question. What is it, specifically, that you want to find out about science fiction?
*Tuesday, 5/6 – Annotated Bibliography due
List seven sources in MLA format that you have chosen for your research paper. Below the MLA citation for
each source, write a well-developed paragraph that summarizes the source's claim, argues for the source's
authority and relevance to your question, and explains why you have chosen to use it in your research paper.
We will be discussing this at length in class.
Note: Your annotated bibliography will be worth 50 points, and I will be grading for completeness, the quality
of your paragraphs, and correctness of MLA formatting.
*Tuesday, 5/13– Rough Draft of Research Paper due for peer review
Bring four copies of your draft for peer review.
*Friday, 5/16 at 11:59 PM - Revised Rough draft of Research Paper for instructor comments on turnitin
If you participated in peer review, you are eligible for instructor comments, provided your draft meets these
requirements. Your rough draft that you turn in to me must be at least three pages long, and it must include an
introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Also, it must quote or paraphrase three different sources and
have a rough works cited page attached to the file you upload. If you do not meet these requirements, I will not
comment on your draft.
*Thursday, 5/22 – FINAL DRAFT of research paper due in hard copy and on turnitin
Your final draft must include (in this order):
- Your final draft (with works cited page)
- Your rough draft
- Your outline
- Your peer review sheet
- Your revision log
At any time, please feel free to make an appointment with me so we can talk about your draft one on one.