Write an analytical or argumentative essay based on the research topic of your choice.
Cite your sources parenthetically in the text, and include a list of “Works Cited.” The research essay assignment is an exercise in a number of tasks: library research, reading, summary, synthesis, analysis, note taking, paraphrasing, quoting, citing properly, and documenting properly—and that is in addition to the usual composition tasks:
formulating a topic, narrowing a topic, organizing, drafting, revising, and editing. Your finished paper should provide the following elements:
Identification of the problem or issue
A review of the literature on the topic
Your thesis or hypothesis
Analysis of the issues
Presentation of evidence
Interpretation and discussion of the findings
