Week 15 Blog Post Topic

For this week's blog assignment, I would like for you to reflect on the research paper writing process so far. Indicate any troubles and/or successes that you've experienced, as well as anything new that you've learned about researching, writing, yourself, etc. Part of becoming successful college students is becoming independent learners and thinkers. In college, as in life, you will not always be handed the answers. Sometimes you have to rely on yourself to find out what you need to know. With that in mind, I would like you to identify at least 3 problems/concerns that you've had or encountered during your research paper writing process AND how you overcame those problems or will find out the information you need to overcome them.

Research Paper Outline Format

For your research paper outline due Monday in class, you may follow the following format or something similar.

I. Introduction
A. Hook (think of something that's going to grab your reader's attention)
B. Background/Definition (tell us what we need to know to understand your claim)
C. Thesis (WHAT-your argument/claim, HOW-how are you going to support it, WHY-the overall importance of your claim)

II. Supporting Point #1 (you might want to consider writing a full topic sentence)
A. Reason/evidence (summary, paraphrase, direct quote--you don't have to write out the whole sentence, but you want to be as specific as possible as to what you're including and where it's from--i.e. direct quote from...about...)
B. Repeat A
C. Repeat A (as many times as necessary)
D. Transition to next supporting point

III. Supporting Point #2 (repeat for as many times as necessary)
A. Repeat above

IV. Opposing Views (if you have them)
A. What are the opposing views
B. Your rebuttal

V. Solution
A. Example (include how you plan to organize/structure your solution)
B. Models (make sure to include references to any proven models from other organizations that you are basing your solution off of)

VI. Conclusion
A. So what? (explore the WHY in your thesis)
B. Leave with a final concluding thought

Week 14 Blog Post Topic

For this week's blog assignment, you may write about anything you would like! It can be creative. It can be reflective. It can be informative. Just write.

Week 13 Blog Post Topic

*Revised Due 4/17* For your blog post for week 13, please choose one sample argumentative essay from the models in Chapter 3 Argument or Chapter 64 Argument Readings in your HWA textbook. When you are done, please respond to the essay's argument in a 150 word min. post where you will identify and analyze the essay's use of the three rhetorical appeals (appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos). In addition, make sure to respond to the following questions. Do you find the argument to be a strong one? Are there weak points? Pay close attention to the use of outside sources and how the student incorporates quotes/paraphrases to support his/her points. Do the sources seem credible? How can you tell?

Annotated Bibliography Links

Here are some helpful links to get you prepared to write your annotated bibliography. Remember, though, to always look back to your instructions to determine the exact requirements for this assignment! http://olinuris.library.cornell.edu/ref/research/skill28.htm http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/01/ http://wordsworth2.net/writing/annotbibguide.htm You will be graded on the number/types of sources, the formatting of the page (margins, spacing, heading, title, ABC order, etc.), the source information (Did you include the required information for each source?), and the source punctuation (Was it in proper MLA format?). As always, let me know if you have any questions!