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Choosing Your Topic. You will want to “love” what you’re writing about!. Your Mission:. Write a 5-7 page persuasive research paper about an issue or topic that has opposing sides. You are not researching the problem; you are researching the solutions to those problems.
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Choosing Your Topic You will want to “love” what you’re writing about!
Your Mission: • Write a 5-7 page persuasive research paper about an issue or topic that has opposing sides. • You are not researching the problem; you are researching the solutions to those problems. • A minimum of five sources are required to serve as evidence for your thesis. Copy this mission onto a note card and place in the front of your portfolio.
Hacker book, pg. 92 • Choose a Narrow Question. • Choose a Challenging Question • Choose a Grounded Question
Narrow Questions:Remember, it’s only a 5-7 page paper. Broad Narrow Do school uniforms truly decrease school violence? Do school uniforms effect bullying in high schools? • What are the effects of school uniforms?
Narrow Questions:Remember, it’s only a 5-7 page paper. Broad Narrow What are the hazards of low-carbohydrate diets? • What are the hazards of fad diets?
You try it this time Broad Topic Narrow topic In question form……… You have one minute to think of two narrowed topics. Now pair/share Now class share • Cell Phones
Ask a Challenging QuestionDon’t be predictable! Predictable/Bland Challenging/Controversial Is spanking a child wrong? How does exercise affect student’s academic performance? • Is child abuse wrong? • Is it important for teenagers to exercise?
You try it this time. . . Bland/Predictable Challenging/Controversial In question form. . . You have ONE minute to think of ONE challenging question Now pair/share. . . Now class share. . . Is steroid use in sports bad?
Choose a Grounded Question Speculative Grounded How does religious diversity effect a school’s social climate? How has easy copying technology changed the professional photography industry? Data Driven • Should prayer be allowed in public schools? • Should people have the right to copy professional photographs? Opinion Based
You try it this time. . . Speculative Grounded In question form. . . You have ONE minute to think of ONE GROUNDED question. . . Now pair/share. . . Now class share. . . Is it wrong to share music files on the internet?
You Choose the Better Issue Should teenagers be allowed to use social networks like Facebook and MySpace? OR How does Facebook and MySpace effect a teen’s ability to communicate and socialize. • Do SAT scores thoroughly predict college success? OR Should SAT tests be abolished?
You Choose the Better Issue Does technology increase student understanding, learning, and scores? OR Should classrooms provide technology for students to use? • Should schools be required to serve healthy lunches? OR How do healthy school lunches affect student performance?
What is your opinion? • As you choose a topic, keep an open mind. You don’t have to know a lot about the topic or have an opinion about it. Your research will help you learn more about your topic and your discoveries will help you form an opinion and write about your solutions to the problem. Warning: Review from Last Class
What are you interested in? • Choose a topic that has a personal interest or connection. Don’t choose a topic because it’s easy to find information about it. Be ready to “dig” for information about something that really interests you. Warning: Review from Last Class
OFF LIMIT TOPICS!!!! • Abortion – Too broad and emotional • Global Warming – Over done • Legalizing Marijuana – Way over done. This issue has gone up in smoke! Warning: Review from Last Class
Core Group Project • Meet with your group and present your 3 topics. • Group will select the most “interesting” topic . • Select a name for your publication • Design your Front Page. • Add your pictures • Caption each picture with a controversial “question.” • Sign off on your poster • Present!!!