Persuasive Writing Differs Markedly from Previous Arguments

The differences between a documented essay and a research paper fall into several categories:

  • complexity of topic
  • breadth of discussion
  • focus of the author
  • formality of language
  • number and diversity of sources consulted
  • types and quality of sources used
  • degree of integration and synthesis
  • quality of processing of material by the writer, including explanations and interpretations
  • achieved balance between writers’ own voice and multiple voices of other writer

Avoid the “I didn’t find any of the topics interesting” approach, please, and pick from the list.  I’m restrictive about sources, only accepting websites if you clear them with me by email first.  Mostly, we’ll be using books and database articles for this paper.  We will get several scholarly sources as well, so it’s important not to let the decisions (topic, sources) wait too long.  Since each of the topics must be narrowed (so you couldn’t write a book about the research question or claim you create), it’s all the more important that you begin.