A Persuasive Research Essay
General Introduction:This essay is designed to expose you to the experience of composing an academic essay step by step, and the exerciseencapsulates this basic nexus of writing essays – selecting a text and settling on a topic, gathering information for it,reviewing the literature and writing an annotated bibliography, drafting, and finally submitting the essay. This essayis worth 20% of the final grade, and the specifics are Annotated Bibliography – 5%, Draft 1 – 8%, and the Revisionof Draft 1 – 12%Topic Selection:There will be no specific topic for this essay. However, these are the common areas you might want to work on forthis project.1. Social media and us• Privacy concern• Use of language in social media• Online business promotion• Cultural aspects of social media• COVID-19 and social media• Social media in the era of social distancing2. Identity and individuals• Racism and representation• Identity dynamics because of shifting geographic location• Identity and monetary dynamics• Evolution of identity3. Gender, gender roles, and society• Male/female binary• Family standing• Social responsibility and expectationBesides these, if you want to work on something else, let me know so that I can assist you.Library Research for Scholarly Resources:1. One corresponding texts from the 40 Model Essays: A Portable Anthology,2. One scholarly article from the library database, and3. One newspaper article.The Drafts and the Writing Directions:1• The annotated Bibliography (roughly 3 to 4 pages):Once you settle on a topic, the writing process starts with the annotated bibliography – an alphabetized entryand elaboration of your sources. A library resource – physical or online – is your best ally for acquiring preliminaryinformation on that said topic. For this draft, in particular, you need at least three (3) sources comprised of scholarlyarticles and a book or a book chapter published within the last 15 years. Once a suitable source presents itself, there1 You must follow the MLA format. Also, you have to follow the basic rules of citation (both for in-text and works cited section).Click here for the most accurate help with the MLA style.Kabir/English Composition/MLA Research Essay/Page 2should be two paragraphs in your bibliographic entry, one summarizes the source while the other explains how youare going to utilize the source to pursue your thesis. Whereas a summary follows the basic rules of writing, thesecond part becomes more analytical. For this part, you must assess the credibility of the author as well as the sourceitself. Also, you have to locate the relevant parts of the sources that best substantiate your (proposed) thesis. Take astep back and try to see the connections between your working thesis and your source and elaborate on theirinterconnectedness. Thus, annotations of your three best sources complete the annotated bibliography.• Draft 1 (roughly 5 to 7 pages):Draft 1 is the most important of all. The draft should start in a way that integrates your sources into yourargument. I would suggest you consider this as a platform to let the scholars talk about your topic based on whatthey have argued in their respective articles/book chapters. You should be watchful to these points:2• Are your sources supporting your claim? If yes, then mention how or in what ways do the sourcessubstantiate your thesis.• If some of the sources are contradicting your thesis, then explain to the readers your claim is worthy ofconsideration, nonetheless.• It is not rare that none of your sources is talking explicitly about your topic. If handled subtly, you couldturn this to your advantage by providing a stronger rationale for pursuing your thesis. However, in this case,you have to weigh the pros and cons of your argument more convincingly. That means you have to supportyour argument as well as play the Devil’s advocate – plant a naysayer.• So, quote intelligently, cite properly, and explain every single quotation/reference as to how that said partof the source is bolstering the thesis.Remember, your sources, however reputed, are merely there to assist you. The onus is on you to make your logicsound convincing. So, try to find a unique voice of your own. In other words, do not let your sources interact witheach other in this essay, rather find a way to let them address your topic. In doing so, you will initiate a dialoguebetween your sources and your thesis. Once you have elaborated on your sources at the opening of this draft, it istime you elucidate your take. Be analytical as much as possible and try not to end up writing a long summary. Youressay must be clear on these fronts: awareness of audience, purpose, and genre, adept development of content andorganization, control of grammar and mechanics, and proper evidence of sources. Once you have weighed all thepros and cons, reinstate your thesis, and recommend avenues for further studies.• Draft 1 [Revision] (roughly 5 to 7 pages; it’s a revision after all):Upon submission, I will make some observations on the first draft, and then you have to revise your draftaccordingly based on my comments.Some Final Words:The submission of this essay is a course requirement, and you cannot pass this class without completing it. It may beoverwhelming at times, and composing college essays are, to be honest. So, I will be there to assist you. If you haveany questions or concerns, the best way to reach me is via email at md.kabir@ncc.edu. I am looking forward toreading your essays. Good luck!
