This paper is the synthesis of your personal experience (essay 1) and the stories of others (essay 2). Basically, in this paper, you will theorize your experience and the experiences of others and support your theory with the sources that you annotated in your essay 2.
You cannot just cut and paste your essays 1 and 2 here. This paper should be well-organized and well thought through.
Introduction: Introduce your reader to your research topic. Be sure to list the controversy or complexity of the topic as well as its importance. Think about what information you want to present to your reader that would lead you to your thesis statement (is there a short statistics that you would like to present? Is there terminology that would be important to discuss? Is there a short anecdote/example/news/belief? You can also mention the counter viewpoint point (even though…). Your thesis statement should be the last sentence of your introduction (it is your main research question/the FOCUS of your research). You can simply convert your question into a statement (we will practice doing it in class).
Using counter-argument in your thesis statement: Counter-argument can be placed in your thesis statement to create a contrast for and in the thesis statement (Even though (counterargument), I believe that (your focus of the paper/your research question/your argument) because of (reasons which do not need to be specific in a research paper).
For example: Admittedly, many students would like to smoke on campus. Some people may rightly argue that if smoking on campus is not illegal, then it should be permitted; however, second-hand smoke may cause harm to those who have health issues like asthma, possibly putting them at risk.
Counter-argument: A counterargument can make an essay more persuasive because it shows that the writer has considered multiple sides of the issue. A counterargument involves acknowledging standpoints that go against your argument and then re-affirming your argument. This is typically done by stating the opposing side’s argument and then ultimately presenting your argument as the most logical solution. The counterargument is a standard academic move that is used in argumentative essays because it shows the reader that you are capable of understanding and respecting multiple sides of an argument.
It can be a whole paragraph or even a few paragraphs that acknowledge/s the opposing view and then refutes it.
Can be one sentence of acknowledgments of other opinions followed by a refutation.
Example:
An argument against animal testing: Some people argue that using animals as test subjects for health products is justifiable. To be fair, animal testing has been used in the past to aid the development of several vaccines, such as smallpox and rabies. However, animal testing for beauty products causes unneeded pain to animals. There are alternatives to animal testing. Instead of using animals, it is possible to use human volunteers. Additionally, Carl Westmoreland (2006) suggests that alternative methods to animal research are being developed; for example, researchers can use skin constructed from cells to test cosmetics. If alternatives to animal testing exist, then the practice causes unnecessary animal suffering and should not be used. Thus, as per Smith in his article, “…”
Other Choices:
If you are not writing an argumentative paper, consider using a weigh-in or exploratory style where you do not need to provide the solution or specific answer right away. You simply discuss different angles or sides of the topic and align your position within the topic somewhere closer to the end of your paper. Be sure to use transitions when switching from one side to the next (On one hand, … On the other hand…). This type of paper should be well-organized. Do not switch to the next angle/side until you are done talking about the first one.
Body/Paragraphs: 1 viewpoint at a time!!! Stay focused while writing your paragraphs. You should focus on each viewpoint at a time and do not shift to the next one or mix with other viewpoints. Each viewpoint should support your THESIS STATEMENT and be first introduced with a topic sentence, explained, and supported by a source or sources, details, and examples.
When you are writing each paragraph, ask yourself this question: How does this paragraph/info connect and/or support my main question/thesis statement?
Think about where you would place your personal story. I think it might be good to place it right after your intro.
Do you need to frame your argument or research by providing different opinions or terms presented in the readings of the course (about meaningfulness, for example, or Lyubomirsky’s pie)?
Do you need to provide some background information on your topic?
Where would you use the interview reflections? What do they support in your essay? Your counterargument? Your theory? One of your viewpoints?
Conclusion: Think about how you would want to finish your paper. You can look into the future, provide other research possibilities in your topic, or talk about something that is still unknown to you and unanswered. You can also position yourself in your argument or after exploring the topic, share your opinion or standpoint.
Works Cited page (in MLA)
**** I will attach my Essay 1 and Essay 2 for you to refer to***
My research topic is how sports and the support of teammates and coaches make you happier.