English Composition 215
B. Research Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
1. Research Question and Working Thesis
Keep in mind: The research question and working thesis are the driving force behind your research and eventual argument.
H Your research question should be a single sentence, framed as a question.
• Your working thesis should be a single focused sentence, framed as a statement that takes a clear position on the research question.
T Include your research question followed by your working thesis.
1. Detailed Outline
Keep in mind: Your detailed outline provides a map of the argumentative research essay that you will write, including your key claims and the sources that support them. You may not have all your sources yet, and that is fine. The outline is a way to organize your essay and determine which areas (e.g. your sub-points) will require researched evidence as support.
H Headings: one for each paragraph with a brief label of the paragraph’s controlling idea(s).
H An introduction, at least five body paragraphs, and a conclusion, fl Introduction includes your working thesis.
FI Body paragraphs should each have their own unique title and key points.
• At least one body paragraph is devoted to addressing counterarguments.