PA#9 -- Topic and controversy for WA # 5

PA#9 -- Topic and controversy for WA # 5

Due date: Sunday, 10-26 at 5 PM on the bog and a hard copy in class on Monday, 10-27

1. Look at the list of topics on the research-paper assignment sheet, and choose a couple that interest you. Read some general articles on those subjects. Look for controversial aspects that might make for an interesting research paper.

2. Write a paragraph proposing to write about one of those controversial issues. It should include the following.

a. Declare the topic, give a bit of background, and state the point of controversy.

b. Explain the controversy and state the main points of view.

c. State the position you will take on the controversial issue and give the main reason why you are
      taking that position

1. Try to avoid describing the writing process. Thus, avoid language like "I am writing about x."

2. Narrow your topic wisely. Remember, you are writing only 1,500 words.

3. Choose wisely. If you are interested in a topic, it is much easier to sustain your interest through the
       long stages of the writing process.

4. You are not married to the topic. You can change it later. However, read around enough (at least
        look at titles of works) to make sure your research can generate enough material to work with.
        Changing topics can be injurious to your mental health later on.

5. As you are reading around, take a few notes. You can use the research-project work sheet for just
         that purpose.

PA#8 -- Write your introductory paragraph for WA#3

PA#8 -- Write your introductory paragraph for WA#3

ALERT! The due dates for the bog entry have changed. Because of a change in the scheduled date of my daughter's dissertation defense, I will NOT be in class on Wednesday, October 8. I WILL hold class on Friday, October 10.  We will discuss your bog entries, therefore in class on Friday, October 10.
 
Due on the blog: Thursday, October 9 at 5 PM.

Due as a draft in class by 9 AM (bring it with you):  Friday, October 10.

Write a draft of your introductory paragraph for WA#3. Note that the paragraph is NOT the summary paragraph you wrote for a previous PA assignment. Instead, it should include at least the following:

1. A hook. Try to make it vivid and attention grabbing.

2. Transitional sentence(s) that lead from the hook either to your thesis or to the author's thesis. Try to make the transition a smooth one. Build the bridge.

3. The author's point to which you are responding. The point may or may not be the author's entire thesis. You may only be responding to one of his or her sub-arguments. However, you should at least summarize the author's main point and then transition to the point to which you are responding.

4. Your thesis, which is a response either confirming or refuting her or his thesis. Try not to repeat. Try to make your thesis a unique take on the author's point of view. All good theses are precise in their wording, restricted in their scope, and unified in their response.

You may want to include elements of your summary paragraph in a paragraph that follows your introductory paragraph, especially if you are responding point by point to his sub-arguments. However, please don't include a detailed summary of his arguments in the first paragraph.

A place to blog your notes for WA#3

Please blog your notes for WA#3 as a comment to this post.