Assignment+Steps

Choose one of the four topics above on which to focus your research. Complete the Independent Research Planning Guide.
 * ** Step One: Narrowing down your topic **

Find articles related to your topic. Read/take notes on these articles. You will need at 2-3 articles in support of your argument and 1-2 articles opposing your argument.
 * ** Step Two: Finding research/Notetaking **

Once you’ve gathered all the evidence you need for your topic, organize your research by completing an outline for your letter.
 * ** Step Three: Outlining and organizing your research **

Choose a character from //To Kill a Mockingbird// as the recipient or **//audience//** of your letter, or you may choose to write to the author. Make sure that your topic relates to the issues your character might have experienced throughout his/her life.
 * ** Step Four: Choosing an //audience// **

Create an introduction. This first paragraph should include a “hook” for the readers (i.e. a statistic, question, scenario, etc.), a **//thesis//** statement or **//claim//**, and clearly present the main idea of your argument paper.
 * ** Step Five: Writing the paper **

Begin writing your body paragraphs. Explain your position you’ve chosen by offering at least two solid arguments and pieces of **//evidence//** supporting your position. Be sure to present the information in logical order and avoid making any statements that lack obvious support. The reader should understand or **//infer//** why you think the way that you do. This step should be divided into at least two paragraphs, each with an assertion (topic sentence or main argument that supports your thesis statement), paraphrasing, summarization, and direct quotes from your research, and a **//warrant//** (ending statement that links back to your assertion and thesis statement).

Present a **//counter-argument//**. Pick a problem that someone against your views would bring up. Make sure you present it clearly and give the reasoning behind the counter-argument as well. Declare a resolution as well. Explain why the counter-argument doesn’t apply and reaffirm your view. Describe why the counter-argument doesn’t hold up and why your ideas are better.

End with a concluding paragraph. You should restate your **//thesis//** or **//claim//** and summarize the paper’s main ideas. Be sure to rewrite your ideas so you’re not just repeating the exact same thing. End with some final thoughts.

You must “share” your document with a peer using “googledrive”. Allow them to “comment,” not “edit.” This peer needs to read through the paper, commenting on **syntax** as well as asking the writer to clarify any parts that may need more explanation. This peer will also evaluate your paper for **//tone//** and **//voice//** as well as **ethos, logos,** and **pathos**.
 * ** Step Six: Peer Review/Revision **

Make any necessary changes to your argument paper. Make sure you have “shared” your final document with me via googledrive ( kalajainen.rachel@gmail.com ) and allow me to “edit.”
 * ** Step Seven: Final Draft **