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ENGL 5 Argumentative Research Paper

Introduction

This guide will assist you in finding, evaluating, and citing sources for an argumentative research paper. In this paper you will choose a controversial topic, research that topic, and argue for or against it. 

A few things to keep in mind:

  • The strength of your argument will rest on the quality of information you find.
  • Watch out for bias which comes in many forms. An example would be an article published by Phillip-Morris about the health benefits of smoking cigarettes. Evaluate your information thoroughly.
  • Evaluate sources of information for currency (when the resource was published). New developments (laws passed or changing social attitudes) means that topics are constantly changing.

Choosing a Topic

There are a seemingly endless number of controversial topics but the best one will be one that interests you personally. Here are a few to get you started:

  • Gun Control
  • Animal Testing
  • Abortion
  • Death Penalty
  • Recreational Marijuana
  • Social Media
  • Assisted Suicide
  • Immigration
  • Right to Health Care
  • Standardized Tests
  • Education Reform
  • Sanctuary Cities
  • Net Neutrality
  • Climate Change
  • Minimum Wage
  • Universal Basic Income
  • American Foreign Policy
  • Gay Marriage
  • Video Games and Violence
  • Drug Use in Sports

For more topics visit ProCon.org, MySpeechClass.com, browse Merritt Library's Hot Topic Collection located behind the reference desk in the library, or ask a librarian.