Research Topics

Before you make a final decision on a topic, it is essential that you read --or at least scan-- the initial accompanying reading selections from the respective texts OR from the appropriate links on the side bar; there is no excuse for not reading the respective essays for the topic you have chosen.  How do you know what you think until you've read about BOTH sides of the issue?

• Should government tax sugary drinks?
• page 630 in the 12th ed.
• "A Tax That Invests in Our Health"
• "Fat Tax"
• "Let Them Drink Water"
• "Does This Tax Make Me Look Fat? -available ONLY in the text
• Is Walmart good for America (especially small communities)?
• "Don't Blame Wal-mart" -- online essay, not in text
• "The Case for Wal-Mart" -11th ed.
• "Down and Out in Discount America - 11th ed.
• Is there a case for torture?
• page 679 in the 11th ed.
• "The Case for Torture"
• "The Case for Torture Warrants"
• "How Much Torture is OK?"
• "Torture's Terrible Toll"
• How open should our borders be?
• page 648 in the 11th ed.
• "American Dreams, Foreign Flags"
• "Statement in Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform"
• "Why Americans Hate this 'Immigration' Debate"
• ""To Reunite a Nation"
• How can we address the shortage of organ donors?
• page 605 in the 12th ed.
• "The Meat Market"
• "The Case for Mandatory Organ Donation"
• "Yes, Let's Pay for Organs"
• "The Surgery Was Simple; the Process Is Another"

AFTER YOU READ THE ESSAYS:
Make sure you clearly understand the topic - remember, you will be providing an explanation of the issue in the opening paragraph: you will need to state the issue clearly, as well as both sides of the issue  before making your claim/ thesis.
Make sure you have a definite claim based on reason and logic
Once you have your ideas focused write the first draft of your introduction.
Remember that your target audience is an open-minded skeptic (who will pick you apart if you cannot support your position)

Next: write your first draft--before research.  Use your own ideas and logic, your own examples--then be prepared next week to begin research to support your claim.
THIS PAPER SHOULD BE WRITTEN IN THIRD PERSON: THERE SHOULD BE NO PERSONAL PRONOUNS AND NO 2nd PERSON.  Be objective and logical in your essay.