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SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT THE PERSUASIVE PAPER

Your largest and most important writing assignment for this year is a persuasive/argumentative research paper. This is an exercise in creating an effective argument for a controversial topic from a biblical worldview, which means you will draw from the Bible itself, commentaries on scripture, a face-to-face interview with a pastor, and additional outside sources in order to convince a wavering audience of your viewpoint. Researching and writing this paper is going to be the most difficult assignment that you’ll have and it’s going to require that you spend a good amount of your time on it if you expect to get a good grade.

A list of possible topics is attached. With each topic is a possible question that you might consider answering in terms of that subject; you may also choose to address a different question. If you decide to write on a topic not on this list, though, you must be sure to run it by me first.

Parameters of the assignment:● your paper must be 1500-2000 words (that’s going to be 6 to 8 pages, double-spaced;

not including works cited page)● Sources: you must use at least seven (7)

○ 3 sources from books or periodicals○ 1 source is the Bible○ 1 source must be a face-to-face interview with a pastor or someone on a pastoral

staff and you must include at least 2 direction quotations in your paper○ 1 source must be a commentary on the Bible passages that you’ve chosen to

support your argument○ 1 source from a news site (CNN, Newsweek, Time, etc.)○ Please note: 1 of your sources must address the opposite position of the

argument, from whichever side you’re taking● it’s absolutely essential that you have a thesis sentence as part of your introduction● the primary goal of this assignment is for you to make a persuasive argument for the

biblical perspective of your topic● one of the most important elements of this assignment is your use of sources, which

means quality of sources as well as the integration of your thoughts with those of others● if you don’t follow basic formatting (proper heading, margins, font, header) there will be a

5 point penalty● if you use 1st or 2nd person in the paper (I, you) there will be a 5 point penalty

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Due Dates

1. Select a topic – due: January 12/132. List of sources – due: January 14/153. Read and summarize sources – annotated bibliography due: January 19/204. Research and take effective notes -- research notes due: January 255. Develop a working research thesis – due: January 276. Continue researching and taking effective notes based on thesis – in-class sessions7. Organize notes by main points and sections – due: January 28/298. Create a research outline – due: February 2/39. Write rough draft and works cited page – due: February 9/10 (peer edit that day)10. After a peer review, create a final draft – due: February 12 (Turnitin.com)

Useful Tips:● Google Scholar is a help source that pre-screens scholarly websites for you.● Easybib.com may be used in the construction of your works cited page.● Studylight.org is an excellent source for commentaries.● Remember that your works cited page does need to include a specific citation for the

Bible you use as a source.● To cite the Bible parenthetically according to MLA format, you must include the following:

(John 3:16 NIV).

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Argumentative/Persuasive Writing: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

The goal of argumentative writing is to persuade your audience that your ideas are valid, or more valid than someone else's. The Greek philosopher Aristotle divided the means of persuasion into three categories - Ethos, Pathos, Logos.

1) Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal, means convincing an audience using the character of the author. We tend to believe people whom we respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project an impression to the reader that you are someone worth listening to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect. Example- Underline the words that show ethos.

❖ “I am a husband, a father, and a taxpayer. I’ve served faithfully for 20 years on the school board. I deserve your vote for city council.”

2) Pathos (Emotion) means persuading an audience by appealing to their emotions. We can look at texts ranging from classic essays to contemporary advertisements to see how pathos, or emotional appeals, are used to persuade. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can effectively be used to enhance an argument.

Example- Underline the words that show pathos.

❖ “My opponent wants to hurt the elderly by cutting Medicare.”

3) Logos (Logic) means persuading by the use of reasoning. Giving reasons is the heart of argumentation, and cannot be emphasized enough. We'll study the types of support you can use to substantiate your thesis, and look at some of the common logical fallacies, in order to avoid them in your writing.

Example- Underline the words that show logos.

❖ “We do not have enough money to pay for improvements to our railroads. And without improvements, this transportation system will falter and thus hinder our economy. Therefore, we should raise taxes to pay for better railroads.”

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POSSIBLE TOPICS

1. Abstinence programsDo they work?

2. AdvertisingShould certain kinds of ads be banned in the interest of health/morality/annoyance – alcohol, cigarettes, prescription meds, and so forth?

3. AfricaWhy so many wars? What’s the solution?

4. Airport securityShould the government use invasive pat-downs and body scans to ensure passenger safety or are there better methods?

5. Al QaidaHas U.S. policy actually spread terrorism rather than contain it? Will it get better or worse? Why and how?

6. AlcoholShould the U.S. lower the drinking age to 18?

7. Animal rightsShould it be illegal to use animals for sports and entertainment?

8. Arming commercial airline pilotsGood idea?

9. ArtA few years ago, an artist was criticized for depicting the Virgin Mary with elephant dung. When is art not really art?

10. Beauty contestsDo they serve any purpose in society?

11. Bridges, roads, waterwaysWhy the government gets a bad report card on America’s infrastructure.

12. Bullying lawsShould the state or federal government put laws into place to prevent bullying?

13. Cell phonesHow have they changed us socially?

14. CensorshipShould parents censor textbooks and other literature for children in schools?

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15. Cheap laborU.S. companies that move factories to undeveloped nations barely pay employees enough to live on. Is it unethical to pay cheap wages or are companies doing those workers a favor?

16. CoalShould the use of coal be subjected to stricter environmental regulations than other fuels?

17. DivorceShould we reform laws to make it harder to get a divorce?

18. Fast foodAre we taking it too far by blaming fast food restaurants for obesity? When is it individual responsibility and when is it appropriate to place blame?

19. FeminismIs feminism still relevant? How do young women view feminism?

20. Fitness programsShould companies allow employees to exercise on work time?

21. FoodSteroids. Antibiotics. Sprays. Are food manufacturers killing us?

22. Gap yearShould teens in the U.S. adopt the British custom of taking a “gap year” between high school and college?

23. Health care crisisMost developed nations have universal health coverage. Why doesn’t the U.S., the wealthiest nation, have it?

24. InfidelityIn some states, it is illegal to cheat on a spouse. Should we prosecute cheaters? Is a law that’s not enforced really a law?

25. Internet and childrenAre children smarter (or more socialized) because of the Internet?

26. Juvenile offendersShould juvenile offenders be tried and punished as adults?

27. MalpracticeHow can we balance the need to lower the cost of malpractice insurance with the fact that physician malpractice is one of the leading causes of death?

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28. MilitaryShould the U.S. have mandatory military conscriptions? For whom?

29. MomsShould stay-at-home moms get a salary from the government?

30. No Child Left Behind ActIs it working?

31. Nonverbal communicationDo men and women communicate differently using body language? Why does it matter (in dating, the workplace, social circles)?

32. Obesity and weight lossShould thin people have to pay Medicare and other health costs for the health problems of obese people? Should obese people have higher premiums?

33. Organ saleShould we legalize the sale of human organs?

34. PaparazziWhat, if any, limitations should be applied to the paparazzi?

35. ParentsShould parents be held responsible when their children break laws?

36. Public figuresDoes the public have a right to know about a public figure’s private life?

37. School lunchesShould government impose restrictions on what kinds of foods can be served in school cafeterias?

38. School uniformsPros and cons of school uniforms. Are they effective in achieving the academic and behavioral goals that are intended?

39. Sex offendersOnce they leave prison, are laws about where they may live and be employed unfair?

40. Single sex schoolsDo children learn better in boys-only and girls-only schools?

41. Smoking bansShould the federal government pass a nationwide indoor smoking ban?

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42. SpankingIs it effective in changing the behavior of a child? How do these children behave once they become too old to spank?

43. Sports parentsWhat are the effects on children whose parents push them in sports?

44. SteroidsShould they be legalized?

45. Title IXHas it helped women’s sports? Has it harmed men’s sports?

46. VaccinesShould parents avoid vaccinating their children?

47. Wage gapWomen still earn only 75 cents for every $1 a man earns. Explain why the inequality and if you agree or disagree.

48. Wind energyIs wind energy really that cheap? Is it effective? Is it practical?

49. WorkaholicsDo Americans work too hard? Does working more actually reduce productivity? Is a 40-hour work week too much? Should there be a mandatory cap on the number of hours a person can work? Should there be changes in employment laws to give Americans more relaxation time?

50. Working mothersWhat differences, if any, are there in children who are raised by stay-at-home moms and working moms? Does society today still discriminate against working mothers who wish to have flexible work schedules?

51. Topic of your choice--must be approved

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Step 1: Select a topic--_____________________________________________

Steps 2 and 3: Develop a Research Question and Brainstorm

As stated previously, you are free to use the question listed underneath your chosen topic, or are free to brainstorm in a different direction based on your level of interest and biblical applicability.

List your research question here:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

List sub questions that may merit further investigation: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

List possible search terms that may help you in uncovering the biblical perspective of your topic:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Use the space below to generate raw material on your subject. Brainstorm, free-write, list possible sources, state your off-the-cuff perspective and opinion, and otherwise get your intellectual juices flowing.

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Step 4: Develop an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is like a works cited page with summaries added. It's not the final list of your sources, but it's pretty close. The purpose of this section is to make you skim over each possible source and provide a brief summary of the content in order to decide how each article will contribute to your project.

Your annotated bibliography page should follow the format below and should contain the minimum number of sources required for your assignment:

Annotated Bibliography

Dean, Cornelia. "Executive on a Mission: Saving the Planet." New York Times. New York Times, 22 May 2007. Web. 25 May 2009.

This source talks a lot about how it is important for those in the business class to work hard at saving the environment. It might be useful to help me prove that the preservation of the environment is important not just to those who work blue collar jobs, but also to those who are in higher positions of society.

Milken, Michael, Gary Becker, Myron Scholes, and Daniel Kahneman. "On Global Warming and Financial Imbalances." New Perspectives Quarterly 23.4 (2006): 63. Print.

This source discusses how saving the earth is ultimately a financial issue. Those who have more money, it seems, have more control over issues like recycling and preserving the global climate. This might help to prove the argument that the environment is really only controlled by the wealthy.

Step 5: Take effective notes

Note-taking for your research paper should conform to the following method:● All notes must be hand-written on the Source Information sheets at the end of this

packet● You must have at least three pieces of information from each source●

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Step 6: Develop a Working Research Thesis

At this point in your research project, you are educated enough on your subject to create a thesis statement. In other words, you are prepared to define, precisely, the very crux of your argument. In order to create a thesis statement complex and interesting enough to compel your reader and argue your position effectively, follow the format detailed below.

Part 1:  The Topic The “topic” of your essay is the general category your essay is about.How do you decide on a topic? Well…What do you have an opinion about?  What are some things that interest you? Topics are just general categories--fad diets, zombies, space exploration, animal rights, etc...Example of a Topic: School.   Write your topic in the space below:

Part 2: The position What is one thing about your topic that you believe to be true, and that you wish to argue? You may already have a “position” in mind, or you may just have a general topic you know you wish to work with.  If you do not yet have a position, making a cluster or a map with your topic in the center is a good way to help yourself find a position. Another good way is to begin a free write, “I’m supposed to write an essay about____________. . .”  and see where it takes you.However you get there, write a short statement describing your position in the space below. Example of a Position: Schools have too many people in them!   Write your position in the space below:

Part 3: The QualificationIs what you say always true always?  Are there exceptions?  Are there good reasons why your position may have a downside? How can you make your position have a reality check? What general reasons why your position may have problems can you admit up front? To make absolute statements usually causes your essay’s thesis to seem foolishly simplistic. Get real! Here’s a trick: begin your qualification with a word like “although” or “It is true that. . .” Don’t worry if it’s not a complete sentence.Example Qualification: Although schools of over a thousand students have flourished in America. . .Write your qualification in the space below.

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Part 4: The ReasonIn general why do you believe your position to be correct in spite of your qualification? What is the overall good to be gained by agreeing with your position? This is a general statement; your specific reasons will follow in the body of your essay.Example of a reason: Small school populations lend themselves to building a good community of learners.Write your reason in the space below: 

Part 5: Put them all together. In one or two sentences, present your thesis, including a qualification, a reason, and a position.The classic, traditional way of combining is to first present your qualification. This immediately demonstrates your interest in accuracy. Then present your general reason which demonstrates your thinking process, and finally the punch line-- your position. Notice how in the example the qualification comes first, then the reason, and finally the position which has become a specific recommendation.Example Thesis: Although schools of over a thousand students have flourished in America, small school populations lend themselves to building a good community of learners, and therefore we should consider limiting school populations to a hundred. Put yours all together in the space below:

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Step 7: Organize Your Notes by Main Point

At this point in your paper, it is time to revisit your collection of notes and begin to impart some sense of organization and meaning on your argument. For this paper, you will use the color coding method of notes organization.

1. Look back over your notes. Read them carefully and look for common main ideas that will constitute the body of your research paper.

2. In the space provided below, create a list of these main ideas. A good persuasive research paper, as a general guide, will probably include at least 3 or 4 main ideas or points of argument.

3. Select a different color pencil, pen, or highlighter for each main point. Underline/highlight your main point list accordingly.

4. Go back over your notes (meticulously!) and highlight/underline each note you’ve recorded with the appropriate color. Notes that do not ascribe to a particular color may be marked with a check-mark or a star to remind you that they are “free-floating” and may not be included in your final paper.

Step 8: Create a Formal Outline

Your formal outline should follow this format. Use complete sentences and specific pieces of evidence. It cannot be a bullet list.

I. IntroductionA. Hook (no questions!)B. Background information on the issueC. Present opposing viewpointsD. Thesis statement

II. Body paragraph (you’ll have SEVERAL of these)A. Topic sentenceB. Authorize your evidenceC. Present a valid piece of evidence that supports your argumentD. Persuade your audience with your analysisE. Authorize your evidenceF. Present a valid piece of evidence that supports your argumentG. Persuade your audience with your analysis

III. ConclusionA. Restate your thesisB. Recap your main argumentsC. Clincher (quote, statistic, story, etc.)

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Step 9: The Rough Draft

A rough draft is "a late stage in the writing process". It assumes that you have adequate information and understanding, are near or at the end of gathering research, and have completed an exercise in prewriting.

What you need:● Adequate time period for focus ● Clear study area to eliminate distractions, whether other school projects or friends'

demands, in order to concentrate on the task at hand ● Preparation and research with as much current and historical data and viewpoints as

necessary ● Target audience or a clear idea for whom you are writing: your professor, an age group,

a friend, a profession, etc. ● Prewriting exercises and notes on ideas from your research ● Review all the above. Don't "study" it; just refresh yourself on the main concepts for now● Review the ideas, topics, themes, questions you have come up with in your

prewriting exercise. Try reading the prewriting text out loud ( a type of self-mediation). Listen for patterns that seem most interesting and/or important. Summarize them.

● Evaluate the ideas, topics, themes, questions whether by scoring, prioritizing, or whatever method seems best. Keep this list in case your first choice(s) don't work

● Sequence what you have prioritized as in outlining, above.

RESEARCH PAPER CHECKLIST

Make sure that you have all of the following:

correct formatting Times New Roman, 12pt font 1” margins on sides, top and bottom a correct heading title correct spacing (“before” and “after” under “page layout” should be set to 0 pt) a clearly stated thesis good introduction that goes from a broad examination to a more specific focus good use of transitions as you move from point to point an interesting conclusion use of sources total of 7 sources that meet the specific criteria listed earlier works cited page correct use of parenthetical citations within the paper

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Writing your draft:

Your first paragraph● Introduce the topic; entice the reader (remember: audience) ● Establish perspective and/or point of view● Focus on main points to develop

Establish flow from paragraph to paragraph ● Topic sentences of each paragraph define their place in the overall scheme● Transition sentences, clauses, or words at the beginning of paragraph connect one idea

to the next● Avoid one and two sentence paragraphs which may reflect lack of development of your

point ● Continually prove your point of view throughout the essay

o Don't drift or leave the focus of the essay o Don't lapse into summary in developing paragraphs--wait until its time, at the

conclusion ● Keep your voice active

o "The Academic Committee decided..." not "It was decided by..." o Avoid the verb "to be" for clear, dynamic, and effective presentation

(Avoid the verb "to be" and your presentation will be effective, clear, and dynamic)

o Avoiding "to be" will also avoid the passive voice ● Support interpretations with quotes, data, etc.

o Properly introduce, explain, and cite each quote o Block (indented) quotes should be used sparingly;

they can break up the flow of your argument

Conclusion ● Read your first paragraph, the development, and set it aside ● Summarize, then conclude, your argument ● Refer back (once again) to the first paragraph(s) as well as the development

o do the last paragraphs briefly restate the main ideas? o reflect the succession and importance of the arguments o logically conclude their development?

● Edit/rewrite the first paragraph to better set your development and conclusion

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Step 10: Write the Final Draft

● Sit down with your peer review and carefully go over each comment and correction.● Select which comments to respond to and which corrections to make with a highlighter.● Read your draft yourself with pen in hand. Carefully mark the following:● Errors in spelling● Errors in punctuation● Errors in flow of thought● Errors in transitions● The use of passive voice● Errors in parenthetical citations● Errors in source introductions● Apply any necessary corrections and changes to your paper.● Put any finishing touches on your title● Double-check MLA formatting and works cited page● Go through your research paper check-list (located at the beginning of this packet. Must

be handed in with your final draft).● Run a final spell check● Submit to turnitin.com

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