Research Paper- Problem Solution essay
Overview of the Final Research Paper
The final research paper situates you squarely in real-world efforts to solve real-world problems. The topic you select may be a huge, global issue (such as climate change) or it might be a more interpersonal issues (such as helping students with special needs find jobs). One of the more important qualifications for the topic for this paper is that you are sincerely interested in it, and welcome the challenge to identify the problem and explore/offer solutions. Overall, this should be a serious look into a real-world problem and a realistic attempt on your part to contribute to the solution.
Rather than be lost in a world of ideas, central themes will be identified (from the text) and you should choose a topic from within one of them. (You can also discuss topics not from this with me in advance.) Example:
· Topic: Chapter 4, Education
o Student Loan Debt
· Problem/Question: Is there a feasible and fair way to eliminate or lessen student loan burden for students once they graduate?
o Should the government enact protective policies?
o Does the school bear some burden?
o Should there be laws that protect students from predatory loans?
o Can interest rates be modified?
o Other?
· Possible Readings:
o Bazelon, The Next Kind of Integration
o Carson, Two Cheers for Brown vs Board of Education
o Rose, What College Can Mean to the Other America
·
The Assignment
Compose a Problem/Solution Essay that relates to a specific topic/theme from our course text and/or other readings. Write a 7-8 page paper that describes the problem clearly and identifies realistic, doable solutions. Your job is to think deeply and read about the issue, explore the suggested solutions/ideas from others (who are Giants and/or reliable), and then create/assemble your own ideas along with theirs and offer a best, plausible solution. In short, it is a chance for you to contribute to the conversation.
Like any good research paper, you will build this over time. First you will choose the topic and name the organizing/central question. Next, you will write a brief, non-graded proposal. Then you will review the research on your topic, which will take some time. As you read, you will pick the best ideas from the readings (or documentaries or speeches or other formats you explore) and integrate them into your paper. The choices you make around your sources — your Giants — strengthen your paper and make your problem/solution compelling to your reader. Find what you think are the best ideas from others, analyze them, and use them to solve the problem. Lastly, you will write two brief drafts and a final essay on your topic after the research has been explored. Your overall job is to argue for what you think is realistic solution to a real-world problem that interests you.
Possible structure for the Paper
Part One / Introduction / Naming the problem
What is the problem or issue to be solved? The problem should be stated in the paper’s introduction, and any necessary background information (key terms) needed to understand the problem should be addressed. The thesis is the statement of the problem.
Part One / Background of the Problem
What are the causes of the problem? Why did it happen? For whom is this a problem? What are the effects of the problem? Why is it a problem? Provide an thorough overview of the problem. (1-2 pages)
Part Three: Possible Solutions/Using the Research
What are the options to solving the problem? What are the various ways to solve the problem? What resources are available? Each solution must be examined for its feasibility. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Use logical thinking in your discussion. Consider all sides and look for repercussions. What could go wrong; what might not work; what might not be supported? (3-4 pages)
Part Four: Conclusion
After the analysis, which solution is the most feasible and why did you choose it? In this conclusion the value of the chosen solution is rationalized. (1-2 pages)
Required Steps:
There will be required steps within the writing of the research paper itself.
· Clarify topic and central question
o You have to get approval for the topic before you write
· Submit a non-graded proposal.
· Do a free write (in class).
· Do at least peer reviews from two different sections of the paper
o This will be on the schedule with assigned dates.
· Write a fully developed works cited.
· Compile the final edited paper and submit on the due date.
Nuts and bolts:
· 7-8 pages double spaced, 12 point font
· Correct MLA format
· 5 reliable sources
o (Five points will be taken off the total grade for any non-reliable/non-approved source used in this paper. These sources will be submitted in your annotated works cited page in advance, so this shouldn’t be a problem IF you do the annotated works cited page correctly and on time)
· Works cited page (You can use the annotated one here, removing annotations.)
How to Succeed
This paper is carefully divided into smaller steps that are carefully placed within our course itinerary. If you keep up with each step, you will be able to build a rich, engaging paper that can serve as a model for future papers. So the best thing to do here is to keep up with the work. The second best thing to do is be in touch with me with any problems you come across.
