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Research Paper – Rough Draft

An introductory paragraph should capture the reader’s attention, define the issue or problem, and express the writer’s thesis or indicates the writer’s stance. This includes:

i. Exordium: The beginning or opening words, designed to win attention and good will by introducing the case in an interesting and favorable light (a quotation personal reference, story, case study, etc)

ii. Exposition or narration: An account of the history of the case (what gave rise to the present problem; how the issues developed)

The thesis should state the controversial topic, state an opinion or value judgment, and the desired or projected result. Include how the MEDIA influences our opinions on the topic, using one of the following models:

1. Misinterpretations model: “Although many scholars have argued about A and B, a careful examination suggests C.”

2. Gap model: “Although scholars have noted A and B, they have missed the importance of C”

3. Modification model: “Although I agree with the A and B ideas of other writers, it is important to extend/refine/limit their ideas with C.”

4. Hypothesis-testing model: “Some people explain A by suggesting B, but a close analysis of the problem reveals the possibility of several competing/complementary explanations such as C, D, and E”

The next paragraph can be a brief background of the topic and its history. Briefly present a narrative of past events, an overview of others’ opinions on the issue, definitions of key terms, or a review of basic facts. Discuss multiple perspectives.

The body paragraphs should have use transitional technique for the first sentence. Then assert a claim that support the writer’s thesis. This should be supported by presenting reasons, facts, examples, and expert opinions. The writer should have at least three supporting reasons or evidence to prove thesis. Evidence includes one or more facts, reasons, statistics, opinions, reports, and/or examples. Please follow the MLA 8 in-text citations and parenthetical citation rules. Lastly, the writer should connect this evidence to the thesis and provide thoughtful commentary on how this supports the thesis.

Another paragraph should contain a transitional sentence that leads to a refutation argument. The writer should acknowledge opposing viewpoints and either concede that it is a good point or refute it by demonstrating that it is not as compelling as the writer’s views. To refute a point, the writer can show that the opposing views are either untrue, illogical, self-contradictory, ambiguous (not clearly defined), dishonest (deliberate attempt to deceive), absurd, or commits a logical fallacy.

The conclusion paragraph presents a summary of only the key points and strong conclusive evidence that can be logically drawn from the argument to connect to the writer’s thesis. It briefly reinforces points, and to make certain readers have not misunderstood what has been presented. Finaly, the writer can make a final, heightened appeal for support or present a call to action for the readers.

Works Cited

Last Name, First Name. Title of a Book with One Author, Publisher, Publication date.

Last Name, First Name and First Name Last Name. Title of Book, 2nd ed, Publisher, Publication date.

Last name, First name of 1st author. et al. Title, Publisher, Date of publication.

Author(s). “Title of Essay/Chapter” Title of Collection, edited by Editor’s Name(s), Publisher, Year. pp. 36-94 (range of pages).

“Title of Newspaper or Magazine Article With No Author Listed.” Title of Magazine or Newspaper, Day Month Year, page numbers.

Author(s). “Title of Journal Article.” Title of Professional Journal, vol. #, no. #, Year, pp. #-#. Name of Database, URL address.

Author(s). “Name of Web Page.” Website Title. Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site (if any), URL. Accessed DD Mmm. YYYY.

Author’s Name. “Title of Image or Video.” YouTube, uploaded by poster’s username, date of posting. URL. Accessed DD Mmm. YYYY.

For more information, check out the MLA handout or the OWL Purdue site.

Last name 1

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Research Paper – Formal Outline

Thesis: state the controversial topic, state an opinion or value judgment, and the desired or projected result. Include how the MEDIA influences our opinions on the topic.:

I. Introduction

An introductory paragraph should capture the reader’s attention, define the issue or problem, and express the writer’s thesis or indicates the writer’s stance. This includes:

ii. Exposition or narration: An account of the history of the case (what gave rise to the present problem; how the issues developed)

iii. Thesis

II. Background

Briefly present a narrative of past events, an overview of others’ opinions on the issue, definitions of key terms, or a review of basic facts. Discuss multiple perspectives.

III. Body

Use a transitional technique for the first sentence. The body paragraphs support the writer’s thesis by presenting reasons, facts, examples, and expert opinions. The writer should have at least three supporting reasons or evidence to prove thesis.

a. Use a transitional technique for the first sentence. Present the first example to support the proposition or claim using one or more of the following evidence types and cite the source:

1. facts

2. reasons

3. statistics

4. opinions

5. reports

6. examples

b. Use a transitional technique for the first sentence. Present the second example to support the proposition or claim using one or more of the following evidence types and cite the source:

1. facts

2. reasons

3. statistics

4. opinions

5. reports

6. examples

c. Use a transitional technique for the first sentence. Present the third example to support the proposition or claim using one or more of the following evidence types and cite the source:

1. facts

2. reasons

3. statistics

4. opinions

5. reports

6. examples

d. Use a transitional technique for the first sentence.Refute opposing views by demonstrating that they are not as compelling as the author’s views or that the opposing views are one or more of the following:

1. untrue

2. illogical

3. self-contradictory

4. ambiguous (not clearly defined)

5. dishonest (deliberate attempt to deceive)

6. absurd

7. commits a logical fallacy

IV. Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph presents a summary of only the key points and strong conclusive evidence that can be logically drawn from the argument to connect to the writer’s thesis.

a. Recap and summary of argument. To repeat is to reinforce points, and to make certain readers have not misunderstood them.

b. Peroration: A final, heightened appeal for support