How social media is correlated with social anxiety

Research Paper Assignment Sheet
Write an argumentative essay that, after being reviewed by assigned peers, will be revised to your final
research paper. The essay should be five to seven pages long, should be APA formatted, and should
include the following:
1.) Introductory Paragraph(s)
The introductory paragraph(s) should set the context for your argument. The paragraph(s) should be
interesting enough to make the audience want to read of the rest of the essay (review the “hooks” we
discussed in class) and informative enough that they know what to expect from the rest of the paper.
Did you answer the readers’ “so what” questions? Also, be sure to include a clear statement of your
thesis (the main argument) in one sentence (or two) and to forecast the claims. In addition, you will
want to include the opposing viewpoint to your argument. This may be done in one of three ways: in a
sentence (or two) in your introductory paragraph; in an additional introductory paragraph (in which case
your research paper will include six paragraphs); or throughout your paper (refutation format).
Introductory Paragraph Checklist:
• Hook (strong quote; thought-provoking question; story/narrative; startling fact)
• Context/Background (define key terms; provide historical context; consider your audience:
hostile, supportive, or neutral; determine shared value premises).
• Opposing Viewpoint (delineate in a few sentences; define in a second introductory paragraph,
or include throughout your paper).
• Thesis (main argument of your paper; state in one or two sentences). You can also forecast the
organization of your claims (or sub-arguments).
2.) Three Developmental CSC Paragraphs
The developmental body paragraphs (the sub-arguments) may be written in a CSC or C/C
(comparison/contrast) format, depending on your information and purpose. The paragraphs are
typically based on the outline you prepared (taking into account any revisions that your instructor
suggested). Be sure to begin each of these sub-arguments with an argumentative claim and end each
with a warranted conclusion based on the evidence that you present. Each developmental paragraph
should include at least three supports that are paraphrased from a minimum of two sources (although
the same source may be used for more than one paragraph). You should cite no fewer than seven
sources in your paper; however, some writers may use more sources. The more well-researched and
well-developed your argument is, the more sources you will likely cite in your research paper, and the
more convincing it will be. Be sure to carefully consider the order not only of the CSC paragraphs, but
also the supports presented in each one. Each sub-argument (CSC paragraph) must be coherent, unified,
and developed!
Always use in-text citations that match your Works Cited page (i.e., whatever appears in the
parentheses needs to match what you include in your Works Cited page, and vice versa). Also, use
attribution (telling us the authority of the source) when appropriate, so your readers know why they
should believe what you say.
CSC or C/C Paragraph Checklist:
• Claim (argumentative, one sentence sub-argument).
• Supports (specific, paraphrased from at least two different sources, cited. At least three for each
claim).
• Attribution (especially if you use authoritative testimony or a direct quote: who is speaking?
Why are they a credible authority?).
• Conclusion (concluding sentence that summarizes the sub-argument).
3.) A Concluding Paragraph
The concluding paragraph should summarize the conclusions from your sub-arguments and restate your
thesis (use different words, but be sure you are arguing the same main point at the end as you were in
the beginning). If well done, the concluding paragraph will remind readers of your entire argument “in a
nutshell”. To make your conclusion more interesting, consider using one of the techniques discussed in
class. Your audience will remember best what they read last, so you want to spend time making the
conclusion effective.
Concluding Paragraph Checklist:
• Concluding signal (indicates to your reader that you are done proving your argument).
• Summary of main points (include in the order in which they appear in your paper; don’t
reiterate everything).
• Restatement of thesis (don’t “airdrop” it back in; consider the fact that your audience has read
your paper and is now more familiar with this topic).
• Make it interesting (use one of the following strategies: incorporate a strong quote; end with a
thought-provoking question; recapitulate the narrative from the introduction; forecast the
future; make a call to action).
4.) Works Cited Page
As stated earlier, your Works Cited page should match your parenthetical citations (i.e., everything that
is included in your paper should appear on your Works Cited page). Alphabetize your sources (a
minimum of seven is required), use hanging indent, and make sure that citations are in correct APA
style. You do not need to provide annotations for this paper.