Research Question and Thesis Worksheet

In this assignment, you will review potential essay topics and select one for your Final Paper, which is due in Week 5.

Review the possible topics for your Final Paper assignment listed below. You can also view the topics and questions in the University Library, where each of the topics is associated with an article. Keep in mind that the goal of this paper is to create an argument that will persuade someone else to adopt your perspective or point of view about the issue you choose.

Choose one of the following topics for your Final Paper, consider the research questions listed along with the topic, and review the source provided for this assignment. You are not required to use the provided source in your paper, but you will need to use 3 pieces of material from the University Library in your Final Paper, one of which will be peer-reviewed.

• Animal Rights: Do animals deserve rights? What are 3 reasons you support or oppose this position?
• Artificial Intelligence: Is artificial intelligence helpful or hurtful to our economy? What are 3 reasons you hold this viewpoint?
• Climate Change: What argument might you make about climate change? What are 3 ways to support this argument?
• Fake News: What are ways to protect ourselves from fake news? What are 3 ways to solve the problem?
• Technology: Does technology advance or threaten our democracy? What are 3 reasons you take that stance?
• Parenting: Is corporal punishment an appropriate discipline for children? What are 3 reasons that you agree or disagree with corporal punishment?

If none of the topics above appeal to you, you may select a different topic for your argument. If you choose an alternative topic, you will also have to create a research question (like those listed after the topics above) and identify one research source from the library as part of this assignment. Follow these guidelines if you choose a different topic from those listed above:

• Check the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database to start, as that database shares statistics, alternative viewpoints, articles, and videos with various points of view.
• You are encouraged to select a topic you are interested in but no hardened beliefs about. Following these guidelines reduces the chance of bias and increases the likelihood that you may learn more objectively about how to get resources and respond in writing. You might consider your career field and search the database for keywords or ideas related to your career interest (for example, searching “workplace diversity” if you have an interest in business, or “K-12 education” if you are interested in a career in teaching).

Note: If you choose your own topic, you will need to obtain your faculty member’s approval. Remember to message your faculty member early in the week so you can begin working on this assignment as soon as possible.

Complete the Research Question and Thesis Worksheet related to your selected topic.

Submit your completed Research Question and Thesis Worksheet.