Over the next few weeks, we will work on our research paper that is due in Week Five. We will be breaking this down into parts to help build a cohesive paper. The best place to start for writing a research paper is with the research question. This will guide the paper and create a scope for what the paper will cover.

The first step is to think of a topic that fits the expectations of the assignment. Once you have the topic, you need to think about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the topic. The answer to a research question is not just a factual statement. It argues or proposes a position about a topic. The answer to the research question will be your thesis statement.

• Read the instruction sheet for the Argumentative Research Paper. You are just looking at the scope and expectations of the paper to help you get an idea of an appropriate research question.

• Follow these guidelines to complete this assignment:
  • Formulate and submit a research question to submit to the faculty member for approval.
  • A simple document with a statement of the research question is all that is needed.