Research Question, Thesis, and Outline / ESSAY/ Annotated Bib

1. Research Question and Working Thesis and Outline

Keep in mind: The research question and working thesis are the driving force behind your research and eventual argument.

Your research question should be a single sentence, framed as a question.

Your working thesis should be a single focused sentence, framed as a statement that takes a clear position on the research question.

Include your research question followed by your working thesis.

2. Detailed Outline

Keep in mind: Your detailed outline provides a map of the argumentative research essay that you will write, including your key claims and the sources that support them. You may not have all your sources yet, and that is fine. The outline is a way to organize your essay and determine which areas (e.g. your sub-points) will require researched evidence as support.

Headings: one for each paragraph with a brief label of the paragraphs controlling idea(s).

An introduction, at least five body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Introduction includes your working thesis.

Body paragraphs should each have their own unique title and key points.

Conclusion includes notes on your final thoughts.

Subheadings: two to five for each paragraph, below each heading, indicating key points that support the controlling idea

Sources: one to three for each paragraph, as relevant, indicating the support for the key points

For each source, include the authors name and the idea or information relevant to your argument (e.g. Lapp on mono-cropping corn/soy and production)

1. Annotated Bibliography

Make sure to:

Alphabetize the entries, according to APA style.

Include the required bibliographic information in APA format for each entry.

Include 3-4 sentences for each entry that provide a short summary of the source and how you plan to use it to support your argument.

Include at least seven entries in your annotated bibliography, all of which must be credible, academic sources.

Choose your own sources, but use no more than three websites (there is no limit on the number of online journals used).

Thoroughly check the formatting requirements for the different source types.

Indicate the required sources (book, peer-reviewed journal, newspaper/magazine, and credible website) by including the source type in parentheses after the relevant entry.

3. ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

 Argumentative Thesis Statement

Have you included a thesis in your introduction that takes a clear, specific position on one side of a debatable issue?

2. Argument Development

Are all of the details relevant to the purpose of your essay?

Is the argument supported using rhetorical appeals and source material?

Is your essay 6-8 pages (approximately 1500-2000 words)? If not, which details do you need to add or remove?

3. Research

Have you cited outside sources effectively using quotation, summary, or paraphrase techniques?

Are the sources incorporated smoothly, providing the reader with signal phrases and context for the source information?

Have you referenced a range of at least 7 credible sources?

Have you properly cited your sources according to APA style guidelines?

Have you included an APA style reference page below your essay?