Argument Research Paper Assignment | Online Assignment

Pick a topic in which you are interested and of which you would like to learn more. Choose a subject
you have NOT previously researched.
➢ Develop a Proposal: This must be typed
o Topic
o Why is this subject important now?
o Write a 2+2 (two things you know about this subject and two things you want to learn about
this subject)
➢ Reflective Journal Entries (rhetorical analysis)
o Choose four sources—essays, speeches, news articles, government documents
o Write journal entries using the following format (sources must be credible). You MAY NOT
use Wikipedia or any wiki source, and you MAY NOT use Encyclopedia Britannica. Your entries
must be typed. You must have at least five entries from each source. Create a document like the
one below to record your journal entries. You must complete at least one page for each source
and your interview. The following dates list when the sources and journal entries are due. You
will turn in a copy of your source with the journal entries.
✓ Source 1 due November 15/18
✓ Sources 2 & 3 due December 4/5
✓ Source 4 due December 12/13
Question
questions brought up during
research
Answer
how does text answer
(document where you found the answer)
Response
what do you think

➢ Interview Information Report—Completed by January 14/15
o Conduct a live interview with a person who is knowledgeable on your subject
✓ Plan your interview carefully—write strong substantive questions
✓ Practice your interview with a peer—edit questions if necessary
✓ Conduct your interview—be “professional” (record your meeting). You must ask
permission BEFORE you begin recording the interview.
✓ Transcribe your interview word for word from your recording or submit a copy of the
recording to me. Be sure to include a final paragraph sharing what you learned from the
interview.
➢ Exploratory Ideas—ideas to include in your research
o What is the status quo thinking of your topic?
o Why is now a good time to re-think the status quo thinking of this subject?
o What are some alternatives to this type of thinking?
o What are benefits and drawbacks (+ or -) if people thought differently about this subject?
➢ Academic Research Argument with documented sources—APA format (3 Summative grades)
➢ Oral Presentation—may use a visual aid, but only if it enhances your presentation (Quiz grade)
o You will give a 5-7 minute speech over your topic. Presentation of speeches begins Monday,
February 10. Be prepared on the first day. You do not know when I will call on you to give
your speech. Deductions will be taken if you are not ready when your name is called.