Research Question and Thesis Worksheet
n this course, you will write a persuasive essay on a topic that interests you. Each week, you will be introduced to a specific component of the final persuasive essay. This 5-part, step-by-step approach will guide you through the essay writing process using a structured method. In this first assignment, you will select a topic and research question, begin your research, and write a thesis statement. Follow the steps below to complete this assignment.
1. Review the essay topics and research questions below and select one as the focus of your persuasive essay. Keep in mind the goal of this paper is to create an argument that will persuade someone to adopt your perspective or point of view on the issue.
- Animal Rights: Do animals deserve rights? What are 3 reasons you support or oppose this position?
- Artificial Intelligence: Is artificial intelligence helpful or hurtful to our economy? What are 3 reasons you hold this viewpoint?
- Climate Change: What argument might you make about climate change? What are 3 ways to support this argument?
- Fake News: What are ways to protect ourselves from fake news? What are 3 ways to solve the problem?
- Technology: Does technology advance or threaten our democracy? What are 3 reasons why you take that stance?
- Parenting: Is corporal punishment an appropriate discipline for children? What are 3 reasons why that you agree or disagree with corporal punishment?
Note: If none of the topics above appeal to you, you may select a different topic for your argument and write your own research question. You must obtain instructor approval if you choose this option. Review the following guidelines for selecting a different topic and locating sources:
Access the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database via the
Week 1 University Library
page. This database includes hundreds of possible topics and identifies statistics, alternative viewpoints, articles, and videos from various points of view.
2. Begin preliminary research for articles related to your essay topic. Read the article associated to your topic on the Week 1 University Library page, or conduct a search for other sources using a database or the general search box on the
University Library home page
. While you are not required to use the sources you find this week in your final paper due in Week 5, you will have to reference material from 3 separate University Library sources, including at least 1 that is peer-reviewed.
3. Complete the
Research Question and Thesis Worksheet
.
ENG/200 v4
Research Question and Thesis Worksheet
ENG/200 v4
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Research Question and Thesis Worksheet
1. Share the topic you selected and the associated research question.
2. Read an article related to your topic and research question and summarize it in 3 to 4 sentences. Include the citation in APA style. You may use the citation tools from the library or the Reference and Citation Generator from the Center for Writing Excellence. Note: Always double check that citations are in the current APA style.
3. Consider your topic. What is your position? How will this affect your approach in writing the essay?
4. Next, focus your work by creating a thesis statement. A thesis statement expresses the position taken in the argument and provides the reasoning for that position. It is the answer to your research question. It is okay if your thesis changes over time; the research may inspire a new direction later.
Copyright 2019 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2019 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
ENG
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2
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v
4
Copyright
2019
by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Research Question and Thesis Worksheet
1.
Share the topic you selected and the associated research question.
2.
Read
an
article
related to
your topic and research question and summarize it in 3
to
4 sentences
.
Include the
citation in APA style
.
Y
ou may use the citation tools from the library or the
Reference
and Citation Generator
from the Center for Writing Excellence
.
Note
:
A
lways double check that
citations are in the current APA
style
.
3.
Consider your topic. What is your position
?
How will this affect your approach in writing the
essay?
4.
Next, focus your work by creating a thesis statement.
A thesis statement expresses the po
sition
taken in the argument and provides the reasoning for that position
.
It is
the answer to your
research question. It is okay if your thesis changes over
time
;
the research may inspire a new
direction later
.
ENG/200 v4
Copyright 2019 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Research Question and Thesis Worksheet
1. Share the topic you selected and the associated research question.
2. Read an article related to your topic and research question and summarize it in 3 to 4 sentences.
Include the citation in APA style. You may use the citation tools from the library or the Reference
and Citation Generator from the Center for Writing Excellence. Note: Always double check that
citations are in the current APA style.
3. Consider your topic. What is your position? How will this affect your approach in writing the
essay?
4. Next, focus your work by creating a thesis statement. A thesis statement expresses the position
taken in the argument and provides the reasoning for that position. It is the answer to your
research question. It is okay if your thesis changes over time; the research may inspire a new
direction later.