Why This but not That: Wild Fish vs. Farmed Fish

Research Paper about why people should choose wild fish and avoid farmed fish. Focus on the negative facts of farmed fish.

AUDIENCE: Think of your audience as a college-level group of individuals eager to learn where you stand on an issue (us). We want to know how your opinions formed—why you believe what you believe (this will be apparent through your use of paraphrase and direct quotations from experts). We expect that you have considered questions we might have about your topic and that you have tried your best to weigh all of the evidence, not falling so completely in love with one side of the argument that you might inadvertently offend or exasperate a skeptic. We also want to be impressed by the depth in which you have researched, puzzled, and generally employed your critical thinking skills. Surely we do not want to be told things we already know, have trouble following your line of argument, or be confused by weak grammar, formatting errors, or a lack of transitions. Face it: we want to be impressed!

ARGUMENTATIVE STYLE/APPROACH: For this paper you will not be arguing so persuasively for the side you believe in that you neglect to objectively consider the position of your opponent. In other words, I will encourage you to write a paper in which you present both sides (or, even better, all sides) of an argument, rather than focusing on one side (the one you agree with). This type of argumentative essay is also referred to Rogerian Argument, after Carl R. Rogers, a chief proponent in this type of all-sided debate. Here is a link to a recent article on the benefits of this type of argument:http://www(dot)counterpunch(dot)org/dziamka05162007.html. We will be discussing this approach in more detail as we work together to state our position while acknowledging that there are valid reasons to listen to contrasting viewpoints on the same issue.

FORMAT:

Length: 8 to 10 double-spaced pages (not including graphics, cover page, appendices, or works cited).

 Margins: 1 inch on all sides of your paper: top, bottom, left, & right.

 Font: no larger than 12 point (no fancy fonts, please).

 Identifying Information/first page: In MLA style 

Title: Why This but not That: Wild Fish vs. Farmed Fish

THESIS: must be included in the introduction, generally at the end of the introductory material. Your thesis must be a clearly worded statement (not a question) that limits your view on your subject, providing and angle/insight into an aspect of your topic. Use subheadings, where appropriate, to separate different aspects of your paper which support your controlling idea (your thesis). [The body of your paper should provide evidence to support your thesis, in a logical fully developed, consistent manner. For each new topic that supports your overall thesis, provide a topic sentence or two that is, in effect, the thesis for that subtopic which supports your controlling idea for the whole paper.]

OVERALL STRUCTURE: Plan on dividing your research paper into at least three (3) main sections. Sample three-part structure: (1) history or explanation of the issue at hand; (2) how we got into this mess, (3) how to solve the problem. Your structure should derive from your own grappling with your chosen topic, not from some prescribed template, but basically it should follow a progression that allows a thorough look at the problem or issue you are addressing.

SOURCES: Use a minimum of 8 varied* and CURRENT sources (for example, Internet sources, interviews, reliable magazines and newspapers (the BC library has full-text access to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal), books, and pamphlets. These sources should be spread evenly throughout your paper. Wikipedia is a great starting place for finding out about a subject, but do not use Wikipedia as one of your eight required sources. Also, make sure that only sources you actually cite in your paper are included in your works cited list.

Reliability: As always, check each source for reliability. In general, trust brand names, such asEncyclopedia Brittanica. Is the Internet site sanctioned by a reputable institution or organization? Is the person interviewed experienced in your subject? Does he or she have a bias you need to address in your paper? Look for scholarly authorship (no name listed usually equals less reliable). Is your resource authoritative? Sited by other experts on your subject? Unauthored articles from online sources are generally frowned upon. See me if you are unsure about a source/its reliability.

Relevance: You might end up getting your hands on dozens of sources, but in the end only a dozen or so of them (or even as few as ten, the minimum number) will end up being relevant, that is, useful to supporting your argument and thinking. Only include sources that advance your argument.

Comprehension: Only use sources you thoroughly understand.

Citation Guidelines: Follow the current standard MLA style for documenting sources. This means using parenthetical citations (citation information in text between parenthesis). Give parenthetical citation information for quotations AND paraphrases, including page numbers where applicable. Your works cited should only include those sources you have actually cited in your paper. Use our reference book, The Curious Researcher, the Internet (OWL at Purdue is a great online source for MLA guidelines; there are many others), the Writing Center (including their handouts), or myself as a reference for how to cite source material. 

Paraphrasing: restating in your own word and style the original author's EXACT meaning - not just rearranging words in the author's original text. You can embed a short quote of a key phrase in paraphrased material and give the page number of the quote. 

Using & Embedding Quotations: When using direct quotations, be sure you have copied the text word for word, with no spelling or grammatical errors or left out words. Put direct quotations in quotation mark. Embed (or blend) your quotations into your sentences, rather than dropping in quotations willy-nilly. In most cases, avoid beginning a paragraph or a sentence with a quotation - letting the source speak for you instead of incorporating the source into your text. Use direct quotations judiciously - only when paraphrasing would make the statement unclear or a kernel of an idea is so perfectly stated that trying to paraphrase in your own words will ruin the impact of the statement. See the MLA site and handouts or how to handle long quotations (I expect few long quotes) and omitting words from a quotation.

General Reminder: A writer of a research paper should synthesize the information gained from sources and weave them into a discourse, using the sources as evidence to support key points. A paper is not a string of quotes, as this shows that the author made no attempt to come to grips with the subject but is simply regurgitating information. Conversely, a paper with no direct quotations leaves a reader feeling uneasy—how come nothing was compelling enough to quote directly? Direct quotations can add flavor, color, and interest to your writing: make use of them!

Conclusion - should not be a boring reiteration of your whole paper, but should give your paper a sense of closure. Some summation is okay - echoing your main theme. For instance, your conclusion could project into the future, pose a solution or solutions, harken back to the title or the introduction, or end with a profound quotation from an expert

Graphics/Appendices: Graphics or charts should only be used if they can clarify some concept in your paper. Don't use them just for a "flashy" effect or to fill up space. If you include large graphics or charts, include each on a separate appendix page and label each one A, B, and so on. Refer to such appendices in the text where you discuss that issue.