THIS IS AN ANALYSIS OF THE TOPIC YOU'VE CHOSEN FROM THE LIST

PROVIDED. YOUR PURPOSE IS TO PROVE TO YOUR READER SOMETHING

SPECIFIC ABOUT THE TOPIC AND THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM OR ARGUMENT
THAT YOU'RE MAKING ABOUT THAT TOPIC. THE PURPOSE IS NOT TO TELL
YOUR READER ABOUT THE TOPIC IN GENERAL OR WHAT SHOULD OR
SHOULD NOT BE. DON'T TELL WHAT SHOULD BE, TELL WHAT IS. DON'T
ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE ISSUE. ONLY CONVEY THE MEANING AND
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARGUMENT AS YOU HAVE
INTERPRETED IT FROM YOUR RESEARCH.
Remember to utilize the HCCC LibraryLinks to an external site. website as a resource for
finding your sources. You must use reputable sources, which include peer-reviewed journal
articles and published books. Do not use websites as sources. Other articles such as
magazine and news paper articles should not be used as primary sources, as they are
subjective. Websites, Wikipedia, and other non-reviewed sources are not permitted at all.
In a minimum of 1000 words, please write a full research paper on a specific argument based on
the topic of your choice from the list of topics provided in class.
Use the MEAL Plan for body paragraphs: MEAL-Plan.pdf

Actions

o
 M = Main Idea: A clear topic sentence at the start of every
body paragraph that clearly states a claim for that paragraph
that relates to and supports the thesis and central claim. It is
the focus of the paragraph. It is what that paragraph will prove
about that thesis. It is something specific, not a general
statement, not a question, and not evidence.
 E = Evidence: This is something from a source from your
research. Use a quote to show an example or to provide a
statement that supports and shows how the main idea of the
paragraph is true. It should be directly related to that main
idea. It should speak directly to it or be an example of it from
the literature around the topic. It may be a statistic, an example
of something happening, or an outcome described from the
research that supports and proves the main idea of the
paragraph is true.
 A = Analysis: This should be the bulk of your paragraph. This
is longer than just a sentence or two. It should describe many
things:

 It describes the meaning of the evidence
you've used. Don't just put evidence in
and not describe what it means. You
 can't assume your reader makes the
same conclusion about the evidence that
you do. Point to specific language in the
evidence and describe the meaning of it
as you interpret it.
 It describes the significance of the
evidence to your main idea. You have
to explicitly explain how the evidence
relates to your main idea of the
paragraph. You have to show your
reader why that evidence is important
by explaining your logic for using it and
showing your reader how it is an
example of or support for your
paragraph's main idea. Explain this
thoroughly
 It describes why your main idea is
important. Again, you can't assume
your reader makes the same conclusions
you do, so you have to explain why
your main idea is important to your
overall argument.
 L = Link to the thesis: This is one or two sentences that link
the main idea of the paragraph to the thesis and central claim
of your argument. This shows your reader why the main idea
supports your thesis. You have to explain to your reader what
part of the central claim the main idea of the paragraph
proves.

You must use AT LEAST 3 different primary sources (journal articles) as evidence. You
may use more, but you cannot use fewer.
Remember to mention and acknowledge counterarguments (the other side of the argument), but
don't make the other side's argument. You must present a rebuttal claim for every
counterargument you present.
Remember to be sure your paragraphs all focus on a single topic (the main idea) that relates to
and supports your thesis statement in some way. Don't get off topic.
All factual claims must be supported by evidence from your research. No personal experiences.
No anecdotes. No hypothetical situations. Do not generalize. If you make a statement that is
factual, you must have something to show it is true. It must come from a source. Don't make a
statement that is factual that you just know in your head. You have to support with evidence.
All body paragraphs must contain evidence from your research to support the claim of that
paragraph. The claims must be clearly defined in the topic sentence of the paragraph.
You should write only in third-personLinks to an external site. (no use of "I," "Me," "us,"
"we," "you," etc.)
Standard MLA or APA formattingLinks to an external site. should be used.