Discussion of Research Assignment

Enc. 0010 Writing II

Professor Y. M. McShay

 

 Due Date: ___________  

Overview: General Topic/ Injustice
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, an injustice is the violation of another’s rights or what is right, lack of justice, or a wrong.  Accepting the definition as truth, I believe it is fair to say most persons have experienced an injustice either at home, on the job, or in a relationship. Or another way to look at it is economically, socially, or politically.  Regardless of the experience, it doesn’t leave one feeling satisfied; in fact, the result of an injustice makes one feel unloved, rejected, hurt, alone, and or angry.  With that thought in mind, I would like for you identify an injustice you have experienced.  Please don’t attempt to delay the activity by saying, “I’ve never experienced an injustice” because it is not an acceptable response.
General Topics to Stimulate Your Thinking
Education  
Religion
Tolerance
Movie industry
Gun control
Oppressed people
Political
Drugs
Employment

On a sheet of paper, record your answers to the following probing questions: Do you believe you have ever been wronged? What was the wrong/ injustice? What were the circumstances? Who was involved?  How did you respond? Was there a resolution? Is a resolution required for an unjust act? Why or why not?  As you see an injustice can emerge from a person or from a society. 

Before beginning your research, a reference source like an encyclopedia will offer you background information on specific topics.

Limit your topic to an injustice that has occurred within the last 15 years.

Some examples are: (You aren’t restricted to this list)

Right to Bear Arms  

Robert Downey, Jr. 

Drug addiction vs sentencing 

Darryl Strawberry 

Bush Tax Plan

 

Youths Being Tried as Adults 

Clarence Thomas Confirmation 

Atlanta Church/ Child Abuse  

Florida’s Presidential Election Voting Ballot Dispute

The Elian Uproar HRS

 

 

Assignment

 Write a five paragraph essay using parenthetical documentation. Consult your text book  Holt Handbook for Writer’s Part II Research PP. 191-302. Use two outside resources.

                           

Steps to follow:

 1.    Choose a topic- List and prioritize five acts of injustice. If you have problems doing so, you may speak with a group member, browse sites or books for ideas.  Prioritize the top three; then, choose the one you like the best and formulate a working title.

 2.    Narrow your title - Because you want to manage the title, the art of detail is important. State specifically what you want to do.  Now, is a good time to review your working outline.    

3.      Formulate a working thesis – Write the general topic. Next, focus on a single issue.  Then formulate a question. Next, write three reasons.  Finally, write the thesis.  (Try using the board notes as a guide for the activity below) 

                  

    Topic: Injustice    Issue: Elian Uproar                                         

                          

   Question:  Why did it take so long for the courts to decide if little Elian should return to Cuba or remain in the United States?                        

Practice writing the thesis__________________________________________________________                                                                                               

Review the literature – Once you have decided on a working thesis, begin working on collecting information. You may print or copy the research.  

4.      Evaluate the information – Read and highlight research.  You may write annotated notes in the margins if you desire, for later you will write note cards.

 5.    Three ways to take notes includes summarizing, paraphrasing and quoting.  (review class notes) To ensure accuracy of the method, practice writing the notes on a sheet of paper.   

6.    Then ask yourself if the method is correct.  If it isn't, you must review the procedure and make the necessary revision before transferring the notes to cards.  Remember to complete the bibliography section of the cards. 

7.      Rewrite the notes from the notecards, and your thoughts on to a sheet of paper.  Give credit to the authors four times in the text of the paper: 1 paraphrase, 1 quote and 2 summaries using MLA (parenthetical documentation. (see Holt Handbook PP. 191-302.   Read, edit and rewrite the essay.  Before submitting your paper for a grade, take the essay to a tutor in the TLCC for additional editing suggestions.  After the tutorial session, ask the tutor to sign and date your paper otherwise you don't have proof of going to the TLCC.  

8.      Rewrite and produce a final computer generated copy.  

9.    The Works Cited Page is an alphabetized listing of the two sources used in the paper.  (See sample in text and class notes)  Staple together the final essay and Works Cited Page.

Parts of the Essay:

The three parts of an essay are the introduction, body and conclusion. Follow procedure as taught in class. This essay must include five paragraphs with 450 to 500 words.  At the end of the essay, print the number of words and date the assignment was completion. (See: class notes or text for specific model).