The sample essay "The Media Affecting Teenage Rebellion," was quite similar to what a normal research paper would look like. It has many similar characteristics as to what we came up with in class and fit the picture in my head of what a research paper should sound like. The main goal of a research paper, which is to inform/ persuade the reader about a certain topic was definitely reached by the end of the paper.
When first looking at a paper, it is easy to tell if it is research using one distinct component, citations. Obviously, if there is quotations in a paper from an outside source (either using quotation marks or blocked text) it is a probably a research paper. Being a rather long research essay this sample features many examples of both. For example in the third paragraph the author uses a quote from Bucholtz 141, "Adolescence has been shaped by both education and urbanization" (2). Along with other short quotes, a few longer blocks are used throughout the paper as well. A bibliography at the end of the essay also indicates research had been done. Whether a list of 3 or 15 sources, the bibliography proves that legitimate sources were used to write the paper.
Even without quotations in a paper, it would be easy to realize this paper was a research paper. After reading a few lines it was easy to see this paper was not exactly meant to entertain, rather inform. The author's use of questions in the opening paragraph hints at what exactly the point of the paper is. The author straight up admits what the paper will be about by asking the question "in what ways does the media affect how adolescents rebels against authority" (1)? This main focus question is answered throughout the paper with information, and is then reflected upon through personal experience, surveys, etc. At one point the author states "I, personally, have witnessed a great deal of underage substance use through both my high school and college career" (4), which is then followed by information from other text to explain the reason behind the behavior. This directly correlates to the "reflection about learned information" topic we discussed in class.
The fact the author used many different points of view about the same topic and also allowed the reader to form his/ her own opinion on the topic, created a good overall theme for the paper. The topic of media affecting teenage rebellion was looked at from many different angles, and from both a positive and negative outlook. A balanced coverage type paper, as is this one, is needed to establish the argumentative/ persuasive feel which we discussed was needed for a good research paper. Overall, the paper was well-written and had all the needed aspects for a research-based essay.
Tyler:
ReplyDeleteDid the elements you refer to (citations, sources, characteristics of a research paper, etc) come from our class discussion? If so, fine -- but you need to tell us that, and then you need to explain what you think of them or why you chose to focus on THOSE elements instead of other ones.
Also, I see a lot of play-by-play work going on here -- summarizing --instead of addressing the issues that this first assignment raised. I wanted you to think about how this research paper fit, or did not fit -- or both! -- the models you had in mind. Please take some more care in completing your assignments...look over the assignment after you think you are done so that you have covered all the bases.