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English 103: The Steps Involved in Writing a Persuasive Research Essay

Instructor: Vic Cavalli
Research writing is the process of developing your own ideas within the context of
recognized authorities.
1.

Begin a research journal (a brief note book or stapled collection of lined pages).

2.

On page one of your journal list the three or four most important / interesting
things in your life.

3.

Using the development techniques outlined in your LBH section 1e, connect your
three or four things to the subject area or topics provided by your instructor.

4.

As you experiment with the development techniques try to narrow your focus to
the persuasive topic which most interests you. For example, you might be
interested in the personal and social implications of body modification. In your
research journal, use the graphic aid of a range of opinion continuum to place the
various stances you suspect people hold on your topic. This will help you to
discover and clarify your own position, and it will also help you to create an
outline for your persuasive research paper.

5.

Once youve narrowed your topic try to create a tentative thesis statement and
tentative outline using argument model #1, #2, or #3.

6.

Now its time to make contact with your secondary sources.

7.

Look carefully at the table of contents and indexes of your secondary sources and
begin a working bibliography (using small note cards) of the texts which look
useful.

8.

As you look at the secondary sources youve isolated as promising, skim read for
main ideas and especially structure. What do the experts have to say on your
topic? Where on your range of opinion continuum will you place them? And how
do they structure their arguments?

9.

As you engage in step 8 try to refine your tentative thesis and tentative outline.
Keep the word limit of your assignment in mind and narrow or expand as seems
reasonable given your encounter with secondary sources thus far.

10.

Using your refined outline now create a source distribution chart. This chart
will give you a sense of proportion and perspective regarding your integration of
scholarly source materials: quotations, summaries, and paraphrases from
secondary sources.

11.

With your refined thesis, outline, and source distribution chart as guides in your
research journal, you are now ready to use your note cards for quotations,
summaries, and paraphrases. Colour-code and label your note cards so that
they are clearly linked to your outline; see your LBH chap. 36, section b for format.
Limit yourself to double the number of each determined by your source
distribution chart (x2). This rule of thumb will give you variety and options, and
also force you to look for the best material and not simply record everything
without discrimination.

12. As you are engaged in step 11, if you feel its necessary, revise your thesis and
outline until you really sense that it has crystallized. This may mean revising your
source distribution chart as well. Just re-sketch your chart and keep reading and
using your note cards until youre ready to contemplate a first draft of your essay.
13. With your final thesis, outline, and source distribution chart in your research
journal, and with your note card supply ready, now lay your cards out and decide
which ones will work best in which places. Once youve arranged them try to
speak your way through your essay, integrating your sources and commenting on
them with your own strong personal voice. Adjust as necessary until youd feel
comfortable with your arrangement as a formal oral presentation.
14.

Now stack your cards into a pile following the sequence youve decided upon
and begin typing into your computer. You can start from beginning to end, or you
may work on whichever section of your outline you feel most ready to type. Print
out your work and keep hard copy at the end of each typing session. Keep all
evidence of the process of composition. NOTE: Once you finish a complete first
draft of your essay, check the word count. Do not include the title page, formal
outline, and works cited page in your word count. At this stage of the process youll
clearly see if your paper is too long or if it needs expansion. Adjust as necessary to
fit the 1500 word requirement.

15. Revising and editing the paper (36h). Be sure to look for a sound structure; be sure
there is a balance between your voice and your sources; be sure youve presented a
good balance of quotations, summaries, and paraphrases; and also be sure that
youve used variety in your integration of sourcesboth verbs and punctuation
(author named / not named and degrees of integration)and that youve avoided
floating (dumped) quotations.
16. Citing sources in your text (37a)
17. Preparing the list of works cited (37b)
18. Preparing and proof-reading the final manuscript (36i)