English 1A
Essay #3 - Argument/Research Essay
2400 - 3600 words (8-12 pages)

Purpose: 

To practice the techniques for creating and evaluating a strong argument
To practice research skills, including searching and evaluating sources, incorporating information, properly citing sources and avoiding plagiarism, and using proper MLA format.

Overview: 

In this essay, you'll be taking a position on some issue and arguing your point of view to a particular audience, using research to back up your postion.

Directions:

 Before you begin, please read all the materials on argument and research in Module 4. You will be responsible for all the information there. Here are the steps for a research project.  You will find more information about each step in the Module 6 resource entitled Research Process

1.   Choose a topic. 

2.   Ask a series of questions.
4.   Plan a search strategy.
5.   Find and Evaluate Sources
6.   Gather and Manage Information
6.   Formulate a thesis      
7.   Organize your points, including research findings, into an outline
8.   Write a rough draft, incorporating your research
9.    Revise draft and cite with proper MLA format.
10.  Save your work as a .doc or a .rtf document, and submit it as an attachment.    
11.  Relax in the sun or shade with your favorite beverage, and propose a toast to yourself - you have completed the requirements for the English 1A Research Project. Woohoo!