This discussion begins your preparation for the researched argument paper (rough draft due W6 and final draft due W8) by focusing on selecting and narrowing a topic. A researched argument paper requires a topic that is controversial; this means that there is more than one viewpoint on the topic.

Your initial post should respond to the following discussion elements:

Step 1: Topics and Questions

• List three topics that interest you
• Write at least one question about each of the topics (remember: who, what, where, when, why, and how)

Step 2: Answering your questions

The answers you provide to the questions help develop and focus a thesis for a researched argument

• Answer one of the questions you posed for each of the three topics chosen.
• The answers to the questions should be a statement/sentence that contains the words “should,” “must,” or “need” as a helping verb.

Step 3: Expand upon one topic.

• Write a paragraph or two based on what you already know about this topic.
• Try to come up with several points (or reasons) why your statement (aka thesis) is true.
• Tip: Think about how someone would try to prove your thesis isn’t true.

Below is a list of 13 topics to avoid for your final project, and which you should also not select for this discussion. This was also sent out as part of this week’s announcement.

DO NOT WRITE ABOUT THE TOPICS DOWN BELOW!!!!!!

The Blacklist (13 Forbidden Topics)

•             abortion
•             bullying – school, cyber, or otherwise
•             death penalty
•             global warming
•             gun control/gun issues in general
•             legalization of marijuana or other drugs
•             obesity, childhood or otherwise
•             religious topics (such as whether or not God exists)
•             same-sex marriage, adoption, etc.
•             school uniforms
•             sports-related topics
•             stem cell research
•             video games (such as whether or not they cause violence)
•             ANY OTHER TOPIC WHICH IS TOO BROAD, TOO GENERAL, OR ABOUT WHICH YOU HAVE NOTHING ORIGINAL TO SAY