Research Paper
For this essay, you will need to determine your purpose and pattern after doing research on your topic.
TOPICS
Choose from one of the following topics:
- Research the phenomenon of distance education and write an essay exploring the effectiveness of online classes.
- Write about a revered local custom or institution. For example, a student in one of my previous classes wrote a persuasive essay arguing against keeping Austin weird. You could do the same or the opposite.
- You can choose your own topic, but you need to clear this with me early in the semester. The topic you choose has to be local–something to do with your hometown, community, place of work, etc. For example, you can choose to research the culture of an Austin institution like the Alamo Drafthouse, or how a bond proposal approved by voters in the last election has affected your community.
SOURCES
You will need to use at least 4 sources, but no more than 6. Sources must include at least one of the following:
One book that you check out of the ACC or the Austin Public Library.
One Interview–Your interview subject must be an expert on the subject you are researching. The subject could have experienced a significant life event that is related to the topic of your choice.
An article from an established journal, newspaper, magazine, encyclopedia that you accessed using the ACC library databases.
You can use one internet source, but you cannot use Wikipedia, since it is not a credible source. Google too is becoming problematic—Google returns search results that are arranged based on your browsing preferences. To avoid problems, read “Evaluating Sources” (538-555 in The Bedford Handbook), talk to a librarian, and complete the Info Game worksheet (Journal 3) as you do your research. This will reduce the chances of using a non-credible source.
PURPOSE AND PATTERN
Once you have done your research, you need to pick a purpose and pattern for your paper. These are your options:
- Persuasive Classification
- Read Chapter 3 (“Persuasive Writing) and Chapter 5 (“Classification”) in Purpose, Pattern, and Process
- For a sample essay using this purpose and pattern, read John F. Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address on page136.
- Persuasive Comparison and Contrast
- Read Chapter 3 (“Persuasive Writing) and Chapter 5 (“Classification”) in Purpose, Pattern, and Process
- For a sample essay using this purpose and pattern, read Gloria Steinem’s “Erotica and Pornography” on page 154.
- Referential Classification
- Read Chapter 4 (“Referential Writing) and Chapter 5 (“Classification”)
- For a sample essay using this purpose and pattern, read Desmond Morris’s “Four Kinds of Talking” on page 140.
