Defending a Research Thesis

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Defending a Research Thesis

(Defending a Research Thesis)

English 102 Research Paper

This is the main paper you will write this semester. Write a 5-7 page essay defending a thesis that is the answer to your research question, using outside sources and documenting them according to MLA rules. The topic is your choice.

The grade for the paper will be the average of the grades on each of the following criteria, using the 4.0 scale, where 4=A, 3=B and so forth.

Thesis (T)

  • Arguable
  • Descriptive
  • Unified
  • Specific to scope of paper
  • Answers the research question

Evidence (E)

  • Sufficient
  • Relevant
  • Representative

Quantity and Type of Sources

  • Minimum of 5 sources
  • Minimum of 3 scholarly sources
  • Minimum of 2 sources from one of the approved library research databases

Sources (U)

  • Summaries as needed
  • Paraphrases as needed
  • Quotations as needed
  • Critiques as needed (over)

Reasoning (R)

  • Terms are defined
  • How conclusions follow from evidence is explained
  • Assumptions are valid; conclusions follow from evidence

Organization (O)

  • Material is grouped appropriately
  • Organized point by point, not source by source
  • Focus is maintained throughout
  • Transitions are effective, including introduction and conclusion
  • Relationships among ideas are clear

Language (L)

  • Most of the paper is in your own words
  • Occasional completely accurate quotations, with correct punctuation and grammar
  • The mechanics (punctuation, spelling and grammar) of the rest of the paper are correct
  • The style is objective, formal, concise, precise and varied

MLA Documentation (M)

  • Correct in-text citations
  • Complete and correct bibliography, listing only those sources you have used in your paper at the end of the essay (MLA style).

English 102 Research Paper

1. Thesis (T)

  • Your thesis is the main argument that answers your research question. It should be specific, arguable, and directly related to the topic you are exploring.
  • Example: “The rise of social media has significantly impacted the mental health of teenagers, leading to increased anxiety and depression due to constant comparison and cyberbullying.”
  • This thesis is arguable because you are taking a stance that can be debated. It is also specific, outlining the exact issue (social media’s effect on teenage mental health) and your stance (negative effects).

2. Evidence (E)

  • You need at least five sources. Three of them should be scholarly (peer-reviewed journal articles, books, or other academic sources). The remaining sources can come from reputable websites, books, or other media, but they must be relevant and credible.
  • Use of sources: Ensure you integrate sources through summaries, paraphrases, and direct quotes. Make sure they directly support your thesis and arguments.
  • Example sources could include:
    • Scholarly articles on mental health and social media
    • Studies on teenage behavior
    • Reputable health websites or government health reports

3. Sources (U)

  • You’ll need to engage with your sources in several ways:
    • Summarize: Condense the information in your own words.
    • Paraphrase: Reword specific passages.
    • Quote: Use direct quotes for key concepts or powerful statements.
    • Critique: Analyze how the source supports or challenges your argument.
  • Make sure each source is integrated naturally into the flow of your essay, and always explain how it relates to your thesis.

4. Reasoning (R)

  • Each claim or point you make should be explained thoroughly.
  • Terms: Define any key terms or concepts that are crucial to understanding your argument (e.g., what “cyberbullying” entails or how “social comparison” works).
  • Evidence and conclusions: For each piece of evidence you present, clearly explain how it supports your argument. For instance, after citing a study, explain how the findings link back to your thesis about social media’s effects on mental health.
  • Valid assumptions: Make sure the assumptions in your argument are reasonable and backed by credible evidence.

5. Organization (O)

  • Group information logically: Organize your paper around themes, not individual sources. For example, you could discuss the impact of social media on self-esteem in one section, and the impact on mental health in another.
  • Transitions: Use smooth transitions between paragraphs to ensure that your argument flows logically.
  • Your introduction should set up the issue and present your thesis clearly. Your conclusion should summarize your points and reassert your thesis in light of the evidence provided.
  • Example transitions: “In addition to the impact on self-esteem, social media has also been linked to heightened anxiety among teenagers.”

6. Language (L)

  • Style: Your tone should be formal, objective, and academic. Avoid overly casual language, and aim for clear and concise phrasing.
  • Mechanics: Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Use varied sentence structures to keep the writing engaging.
  • Example of a formal, precise style: “Numerous studies indicate that teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of social media, as it provides a platform for constant comparison and exposure to cyberbullying.”

7. MLA Documentation (M)

  • In-text citations: Every time you reference a source, you need an in-text citation in MLA format (e.g., (Smith 12)).
  • Works Cited page: At the end of your paper, you must include a complete list of all sources you referenced in MLA format. This page should only include the sources you have cited directly in your paper.
    • Example for a journal article:
      • Smith, John. “Social Media and Mental Health: A Growing Concern.” Journal of Psychology, vol. 25, no. 4, 2020, pp. 50-65.

Paper Structure Suggestion:

  1. Introduction
    • Hook to capture attention
    • Brief background of the issue
    • Clear thesis statement
  2. Body Paragraphs
    • Each paragraph should focus on one major point that supports your thesis.
    • Include evidence, reasoning, and analysis.
  3. Conclusion
    • Summarize key points
    • Reaffirm the thesis with the evidence discussed
 
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