CMP 200 Final Research Essay
An argumentative essay investigates a topic and makes specific claims about the topic based on research and data that has been collected. You must write an argumentative research essay that is 4-8 pages which investigates a topic that has multiple perspectives and interpretations and make
your own argument on the topic. You have the freedom to choose your topic, but make sure it is not too broad or too narrow, and that it can be interpreted through different lenses and worldviews. You must also discuss and engage with opposing viewpoints and counterarguments
somewhere in your essay. Consider the class discussions, reading assignments, writing assignments, and projects that we have dealt with during the semester for possible topic ideas.
Some topic suggestions:
a. Social Topics: Poverty, Prison Reform, Mental Illness, Immigration, Education Reform,
LGBTQ+, Civil Liberties, Racism and/or Racial Injustice/Reconciliation, Gender Norms
& Expectations, Health, Politics, etc.
b. Controversial Topics: Death Penalty, Abortion, Boarder Patrol, The War on Drugs,
Police Brutality, Climate Change, Gun Control, Animal Research, Veganism, or any
other controversial topic that society is currently grappling with.
Literature (you can research and write about any of the readings we have done as a
literary research analysis, including turning any one of your short essays into a larger
research essay, but make sure you make an argument that has opposing views)
d. Science (cloning, CRISPR and gene modification, ethics in scientific research,
psychology and/or social experiments, etc.)
e. Other: get permission first; this can include a research paper you are being asked to write
in another class, so long as that professor has not prohibited you from submitting an essay
in more than one class.
• See this list of prompts for possible Argumentative Essay Questions:
https://www.thoughtco.com/argument-essay-topics-1856987
Consider turning one of the smaller assignments you completed into a larger research-based
argumentative essay, including your Persuasive Essay, Compare & Contrast Essay, “Unethical
Science Experiment” and “Get Lost in the Stacks” Projects.
Final Paper Requirements:
1. Essay must follow all MLA / APA guidelines.
2. Essay should be 4-8 pages in length (not including the Annotated Bibliography page).
3. Support your claims with evidence by either directly quoting, paraphrasing and/or
summarizing from primary and secondary sources and provide proper citations.
4. Your essay should have clear introduction, body, and conclusion sections.
5. Include an Annotated Bibliography (aka Works Cited) page with at least 5 different
sources of reliable/credible scholarly information.
6. Remember to discuss and engage with possible counterarguments to your argument.
7. See Rubric on back for complete grading expectations.
CMP 200 Final Research Essay An argumentative essay investigates a topic and makes specific claims about the topic based on research and data that has been collected. You must write an argumentat