Should Community College be Free?

I would like to conduct research on the problem of [insert problem/issue] for my argumentative paper.  [Describe the problem with enough detail and context so that someone not familiar with the issue can understand it – explain what the problem is, how we know it exists, and what people disagree about as well as relevant historical or contextual information. I strongly suggest providing credible evidence that this problem exists to show that it is a real and pressing problem.] Because this issue has become so prevalent in our society, I would like to address the question “[insert your research question here]” in my argumentative research paper that I will be developing this semester. 

​I am interested in addressing this research because [explain your personal connection with the issue – the connection should be clear, specific, and personal.  The strongest paragraphs will explain your motivation for writing (why you want to answer the question and what you hope to gain personally from better understanding the issue) rather than simply talk about your experiences].

​Because this is a debatable question, people hold varying perspectives on the issue.  Proponents of the idea that [one side of your research question], for example, argue that [summarize the viewpoint as objectively as possible focusing on the reasons/rationales people give for maintaining their position.  Must draw on at least one credible source here.  The source material that you draw on should reflect the general viewpoint/reason for the position rather than provide specific supporting evidence. I should not know whether you agree or disagree with this position based on this paragraph]

​In contrast, opponents of this idea argue that [summarize the opposing viewpoint as objectively as possible focusing on the reasons/rationales people give for maintaining their position.  Must draw on at least one credible source here.  The source material that you draw on should reflect the general viewpoint/reason for the position rather than provide specific supporting evidence. I should not know whether you agree or disagree with this position based on this paragraph.]

​This research question is clearly open to debate, and it is important answer this question because [explain what we have to gain from better understanding the answer to this question. I am not going to tell you how much to write here, but this section should be thoughtful and show a thorough understanding of the complexity of the issue as well as what is at stake.] Though I am still learning about this issue, I intend to take the position that [fill in your answer to the question] as I develop my argumentative research paper this semester].  

Annotated Bibliography 

Cite your first source in MLA format here.  Remember to follow all conventions for capitalization, punctuation, etc.  Sources should be listed in alphabetical order.  See chapter 22 and past class assignments for examples. 

Include your annotation of the source here.  Your annotation should be a summary of the source, and, as such, you should not include ANY quotations.  Make sure that the language and syntax (sentence structure) are your own.  The annotation should be 150-200 words, and you should include a brief synopsis of the source as well as an explanation of how the source should be used in your research. Remember, you must find sources that express different perspectives on the issue that you’re writing about (i.e., they can’t all be one-sided). Please review the guidelines for acceptable sources on the assignment sheet.