Topics for Persuasive Research Papers

One of the best ways to organize topic brainstorming is to think of major categories and look for controversies within the subject. Listed below are some possible topics. Most are too large right now for a 10-12 page paper, so be sure to narrow them down.

Consider your favorite subjects as well; there may be something controversial about your hobby or interest: fighting in hockey, laws to protect bicylists, environmental concerns for vacation homes...
These topics have been discussed recently:

Medicine
Regulation of over the counter herbs/medications
Health care costs
Anti aging and plastic surgery treatments
AIDS in Africa
Genetic counseling
Genetic manipulation of people/crops
Plastic Surgery for Teens
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Childhood Obesity Issues

Privacy
Google protest about releasing user records
Wiretapping American citizens
Buying personal information on the internet
Employers forcing employees to quit smoking
Internet censorship
Employee surveillance
Patriot act

Education
Sex education
On-line education vs. brick and mortar
No Child Left Behind
Standardized testing
Cost of College
Arts Funding Cut for Schools
School Security
Cheating

Politics/Social Issues
Minors charged with child pornography for "sexting" their own pictures
Rebuilding New Orleans
Torture in interrogation
Alternative energies
Homeland security issues
Immigration Issues
Requiring I.D. for voters
Electronic Voting Machines
Deaf Culture vs. Cochlear implants
Off-shore Gambling
Minimum wage
Tobacco tax

Media
Reporters revealing sources
Sports Stars salaries/crimes
NASA/Manned space travel
Music/video pirates
Rap Music Lyrics
Liberal/Conservative Bias in Media
Advertising Images of Women

For more topics, Northwestern University also provides a list of hot topics to consider writing about.

Lindenwood Wednesday Westport Students

I went to check turnitin.com, and for some reason they did not have the Short Paper 1 assignment posted for the Wednesday class. I apologise if you have tried to submit it, and it did not work. I have now reposted the assignment, so you can now submit. Short Paper 2 is also listed, so be sure to submit the right paper for the right assignment.

If you have any problems, we will discuss them in class tonight. You have until tomorow to upload your Short Paper 1 to turnitin.com.

St. Charles EN095 Students

Study for the Midterm on Monday!

Midterm grades were due today, so if you receive notice you are not passing, come discuss the situation with me. The last day to drop and receive a "w" is October 23rd.

St. Charles Students in ENG 096: Reminders

The Final Comparison/Contrast essay is due on Monday.
Include in a two-pocket folder:
The Final Paper
Drafts
Peer Reviews
Typed Cinderella Assigment

We are having class Monday. Conferences start on Wednesday, so be sure to sign up Monday if you haven't already.

Conferences:
Wednesday, October 14
Friday, October 16
Monday, October 19

You must visit the Ace Center sometime while class is out for conferences. Meet with a tutor if you feel you are having problems correcting your work, or do the online writing exercises they provide for at least 20 minutes. English assistance is by appointment only. Students should call 636-922-8444 or come into the ACE Center to make an appointment.

Take your Explaining Paper (I will return it Monday). Someone who works there must sign the paper to confirm you've been there, or you will be counted absent for that week.
 
Daniel J. Conoyer Social Science Building Room 2201
Ace Center Hours of Operation:
Monday-Wednesday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Lindenwood Students: Reminders for Next Week

Remember to do the reading listed for next week, and submit the final version of Short Paper 1 to turnitin.com while you are printing it out. Turn it next class using a two-pocket folder. Include your drafts and peer reviews, and please indicate on the first page if you have written a narrative, description or definition paper.

Also, bring a first draft of Short Paper 2 for peer review.

Don't forget to start your grammar exercises and work on the journals.

See you in class.

Lindenwood Students: Turnitin.com Directions and Class Numbers

Hello Everyone,

The Class Numbers for Turnitin.com are below. You will need to register and join my class before it will let you submit your papers. I will give you the password in class this week; you will need it before you can sign on. Be sure to join the correct class.

Monday Communications Cluster Westport Fall 2009
Class Number: 2926065

Wednesday Communications Cluster Westport Fall 2009
Class Number: 2928444

Reminder: St. Charles 096 Developmental Classes

Bring at least two copies of your process paper draft for peer review tomorrow. We will be using the peer editing handout, so make sure you bring it as well.