English I For The Topics Inventory You Will Construct A List
English Iifor The Topics Inventory You Will Construct A List Of Topic
English II For the Topics Inventory, you will construct a list of topics from which you may choose one to develop into a Research Paper for this course. This exercise is based on the models on p. 318 of Strategies for Writing Successful Research Papers , so you will want to refer back to this page for examples. The book does not always provide three possible topics per category, but you will be required to do so. Please see the Unit I Example. Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to help you formulate an inventory of topics that you are interested in so that you may choose one to research in Unit II and develop into a Research Proposal. Be sure to choose a topic that you are invested in, as you are more likely to be motivated and excited about a subject that interests you.
You will want to choose a topic that is academically viable, for as Lester et al (2011) state, “You can’t write a personal essay and call it a research paper, yet you can choose topics close to your life” (p. 318).
Description: You will supply three (3) possible topics in each of the following four (4) categories: 1. Academic subject 2. Social issue 3. Scientific subject 4. Cultural background. Within each of these four (4) categories, you will supply three (3) possible academic topics. Use the following format to organize your topics inventory: 1. Personal interest 2. The category (repeated from above: academic study, social issue, scientific subject, and cultural background) 3. Three possible academic topics (each should be distinctive, developed, and as specific as possible). After you complete Part I, you will have twelve (12) possible topics that you could choose from and develop into a research project. You will choose one of these and work with the same one for Part II and Part III.
Example: Academic study 1. Personal interest: Cars 2. Academic subject: Eco-engineering 3. Possible academic topics: • “The Fate of Hybrid Vehicles: The Cost Is Not Worth the Environmental Toll” • “Hydrogen Cars: Are They a Safe Alternative?” • “Electric Cars Are Not ‘Saving’ Environmental Resources, Only Saving Money at the Gas Pump”
Paper For Above instruction
The assignment requires constructing a comprehensive topics inventory for a research paper, categorizing potential topics across four key areas: academic subjects, social issues, scientific topics, and cultural backgrounds. This inventory aims to help students identify interests that are both engaging and research-feasible, aligning with expert advice on choosing viable research topics (Lester et al., 2011). For each category, students must select three specific, well-developed topics, resulting in a total of twelve potential research ideas. These topics should reflect genuine interest and have sufficient scholarly depth to support a rigorous research paper.
Developing a balanced and diverse list encourages students to explore various perspectives and subject areas, enhancing their ability to formulate a clear research focus. Ethical considerations suggest that topics need to be researchable within available resources and time constraints, emphasizing academic viability over personal preference alone. Examples like the provided automotive topics demonstrate how to craft specific and arguable research questions, which are critical for subsequent argumentative writing.
Ultimately, this inventory serves as a foundational step toward selecting a single, compelling topic for in-depth investigation. By thoughtfully considering each potential subject, students can identify a research area that not only interests them but also offers enough scholarly material to develop an insightful and persuasive paper.
Controlling Idea Statement
The second part of the assignment focuses on formulating a Controlling Idea Statement that will guide the research process. This statement must be a clear, contestable argument—such as a thesis, enthymeme, or hypothesis—that presents a specific position to defend through research. Students are instructed to select one topic from their list, consider which type of controlling idea best suits their approach, and craft a statement that advances a conclusion or claim to be supported.
The goal is to develop a statement that invites debate and can be substantiated through scholarly evidence, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming research paper. Students should review examples and the webinar provided by the Success Center to understand how to construct a compelling argumentative statement. This step encourages critical thinking and strategic planning, ensuring that the research effort is focused and purpose-driven.
By completing this assignment, students will have a well-defined research focus that will inform their subsequent research and writing stages, leading to a cohesive, evidence-based final paper.