Major Paper 4 Explaining A Concept Research Paper 421161

Major Paper 4 Explaining A Concept Research Paperthis Is The Longest

Major Paper #4--Explaining a Concept Research Paper This is the longest paper you will write for this class. The Explaining a Concept Paper will be due at the end of Unit 14. In the Explaining a Concept Paper, you will simply want to explain a concept of your choice, using research to support your explanations/definitions. This paper should be at least 4-6 pages long, it should include at least two sources, and it should accomplish the following: Inform your particular audience about a specific subject. Present information confidently and efficiently. Use established information for support, as well as personal “evidence” (if applicable) such as short anecdotes and examples from your own experience, or the experience of others. Maintain an informative tone (not an argumentative tone, as this is not an argumentative or persuasive paper). * IMPORTANT NOTE: Papers on the following topics will not be accepted: abortion capital punishment * euthanasia These topics are far too controversial for the Explaining a Concept Research Paper, which should be informative (not persuasive) in its purpose.

Also, I've already read more papers on these topics than anyone should in an entire lifetime, so I won't read anymore. I encourage you to be more creative in selecting your topic. * There are several different ways that one can explain a concept. While you do not have to use all five of these strategies (some may be more helpful to your paper than others, depending on your topic), the following options may be useful for you to consider: 1.) Defining Directly: This is the most obvious strategy—using a direct, dictionary-type definition to explain what something is or does. For instance, in the “Love” essay, Toufexis defines terms such as “attraction junkies” and “endorphins” directly (see paragraphs 12 and 13). In the “Cannibalism” essay, Ngo defines cannibalism directly (see paragraph 5). For more on this concept, refer to Chapter 16. 2.) Classification: Another way to explain something is to break information into groups, and discuss each of the groups one by one. This is called classification. In the “Love” essay, Toufexis divides hormonal chemicals into two groups: those associated with falling in love and those associated with lasting relationships (see paragraphs 9 through 14). In the “Cannibalism” essay, Ngo divides cannibalism into three different types—survival cannibalism, dietary cannibalism, and religious or ritual cannibalism. He then devotes several paragraphs to each of these types (see paragraphs 6-14). For more on this concept, refer to Chapter 17. 3.) Process Narration: Particularly if your topic is of the how-to variety, this strategy will be very helpful. Even if your topic is not how-to, a clear explanation of how something is done can be valuable. In the “Love” essay, Toufexis uses process narration to explain how romantic love may have been part of the evolutionary process (see paragraphs 3 through 6). In the “Cannibalism” essay, Ngo uses process narration by providing stories about specific cases of cannibalism (see paragraphs 1 through 4), and by describing cannibalistic rituals (see paragraphs 11-13). For more on this concept, refer to Chapter 14. 4.) Comparison and Contrast: This method involves discussing similarities and differences between your concept and one your audience is already familiar with. Throughout the “Love” essay, Toufexis compares and contrasts traditional assumptions about love with scientific perspectives. In the “Cannibalism” essay, Ngo compares western notions of cannibalism with factual information, and uses comparison/contrast to transition between types (e.g., “Unlike survival cannibalism, in which human flesh is eaten as a last resort after death, dietary cannibalism involves consuming humans as part of cultural tradition,” see paragraphs 8 and 11). For more on this concept, refer to Chapter 18. 5.) Cause and Effect: Discussing causes of your concept and its effects can be useful depending on your topic. In the “Love” essay, Toufexis explains possible causes of romantic love’s development in evolution and its benefits. In the “Cannibalism” essay, Ngo discusses causes such as starvation leading to survival cannibalism. For more on this concept, refer to Chapter 19. Structure In general, this paper should follow the basic research paper format: Introduction, Body, Conclusion. A more specific outline includes: 1.) Listing your audience before your title, identifying who they are or which publication the paper targets. 2.) Introduction with a hook to engage readers—questions, quotes, stories, or tone shifts. 3.) State your thesis statement clearly, outlining what your paper will explain. 4.) Orient your readers by describing or defining your concept. 5.) Provide detailed information using effective strategies such as comparison and contrast, process narration, or classification, incorporating examples. 6.) Conclude by summarizing key points and possibly referencing the introduction or emphasizing the importance of understanding your concept. MLA Documentation MLA documentation is a standardized method for citing sources. When using a source, introduce it to establish credibility and include parenthetical citations when quoting or paraphrasing, even within your own text. For sources without an author, use keywords from the article title in citations. At the end, include a Works Cited page formatted according to MLA guidelines, providing full citations for all sources referenced in your paper.