The Activity Questions Are Adapted From A Library Tutorial

The Activityquestions Are Adapted From Alibrary Tutorialat The Univer

The activity/questions are adapted from a library tutorial at the University of Arizona. If you created a question with just the broad topic, you might have asked, “Should we raise the minimum wage?” However, this topic can be discussed through many lens. Are you considering the ethical reasons why people should make a living wage, or are you considering the larger financial benefits to the overall economy? Will you discuss the benefits for working teenagers, working parents, or single millennials? Will this affect healthcare, education, or the costs of living?

If you go into your paper preparing to argue why we should or shouldn't raise the minimum wage, your paper will lack a clear focus and be all over the place. Therefore, you need to narrow your topic. Once you have completed your pyramid, you can create a more focused research question that will allow you to present a more precise argument. Now our research question is no longer “Should we raise the minimum wage?” Instead, we might ask, “Will raising the minimum wage improve the lives of single mothers and their children in urban US cities?” Keep track of your process when you complete the pyramid activity and then post your results for this discussion board. As always, please respond to two of your peers.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of narrowing a broad research topic is essential for developing a focused and effective argumentative paper. In the context of debating whether to raise the minimum wage, individuals often start with a broad question that encompasses multiple perspectives and issues, such as economic benefits, ethical considerations, or societal impacts. However, such broad questions risk producing an unfocused paper that lacks clear direction. To refine the topic, a structured approach like creating a pyramid diagram helps identify specific aspects and variables relevant to the argument. This process involves selecting a particular population, geographic region, timeframe, and specific angle or perspective that aligns with the intended research goal.

For example, instead of asking a general question such as “Should we raise the minimum wage?” a more precise research question might be, “Will raising the minimum wage improve the lives of single mothers and their children in urban US cities?” This specific question narrows the scope to a particular demographic and location, allowing the researcher to gather targeted evidence and develop a compelling argument around the social and economic impacts on a defined group. Narrowing the topic in this way enhances the clarity and depth of the research, making it easier to construct a persuasive and well-supported paper.

The importance of this process is exemplified by peer examples. Katherine Rodgers plans to argue whether cuss words are necessary in daily life, focusing on feelings, expression, language, and social implications. By narrowing her broad topic into specific categories, she can develop a more structured argument about social norms and language use. Similarly, Adriana Ravelo uses a pyramid to focus on whether grouping students by ability affects lower-performing children in math and language in US schools. Her carefully defined approach helps her target a clear question about educational equity and the impact of ability grouping.

In academic writing, this methodical narrowing process ensures that the research stays focused and manageable. It encourages the researcher to move from a vague or overly broad topic to a specific issue that can be thoroughly explored within the constraints of the assignment. When selecting a research question, consider the relevance, interest, and practicality of the topic to ensure it is engaging for both the writer and the audience. A precise question guides the research process, facilitates critical analysis, and ultimately leads to a more persuasive and effective argumentative paper.

References

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