Major Paper #4–Explaining a Concept Research Paper

We will be working on the Explaining a Concept Paper for the next four units, as this is the longest paper you will write for this class.  The Explaining a Concept Paper will be due at the end of Unit 14.

In the Explaining a Concept Paper, you will simply want to explain a concept of your choice, using research to support your explanations/definitions.  This paper should be at least 3-5 pages long, it should include at least two sources, and it should accomplish the following:

*Inform your particular audience about a specific subject.

*Present information confidently and efficiently.

*Use established information for support, as well as personal “evidence” (if applicable) such as short anecdotes and examples from your own experience, or the experience of others.

*Maintain an informative tone (not an argumentative tone, as this is not an argumentative or persuasive paper).

Unit 11 is designed to familiarize you with the Explaining a Concept paper, and to help you choose a topic.  I would like each of you to discuss your topic ideas on the discussion board this unit. 

Looking ahead, Unit 12 will discuss strategies to consider in terms of your approach to this paper, and Unit 13 will explain the basic structure of papers such as this.  Unit 14 is designed to give you time to revise.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Papers on the following topics will not be accepted: 

* abortion
* capital punishment
* euthanasia

These topics are far too controversial for the Explaining a Concept Research Paper, which should be informative (not persuasive) in its purpose.  Also, I’ve already read more papers on these topics than anyone should in an entire lifetime, so I won’t read anymore. I encourage you to be more creative in selecting your topic. 

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