How To Write A Controversial Research Paper
The controversial or argumentative research paper is similar in its purpose to persuasive or argumentative essay. The only standing difference between them is that you will have to look through the previous researches on this topic, analyze what you read there and present your findings in a form of a research paper. Your topic shall look over the issues the society does not have a stable opinion on yet. You will have to choose between 2 possibilities: either preset both sides, give arguments and let the reader decide, which side to take; or choose a side yourself and try to persuade others that your point of view is worth following.
- Choose the topic wisely. When writing a controversial research paper, you will need something to defend or argue about. Make sure the topic fits the criteria “no set public opinion yet”. You do not have to question if Nazi politics was good or bad, you have nothing to argue about here. Write a strong thesis statement you will be able to support with evidence throughout the research paper.
- Conduct the research before starting to write. Find as many credible sources with important information as you can. Look for proof to your arguments or to your point of view. Statistics, surveys and analytical data will make much better proof than just statements. Remember that you need to support your thoughts, not just flood the readers with a lot of information on your topic.
- Write the actual body of the essay. Review all the found material and divide it according to the argument it passes to. Do not be afraid of throwing some material out. It is better to leave something out, even if the information is very good and interesting, that to include something in the essay that does not fit to your topic or does not support your statement. If you are writing an argumentative research paper, make sure to give equal number of arguments to each side. Use actual evidence to persuade the reader, do not try to use too much rhetoric; it will not work in this kind of paper.
- Write a short conclusion section that will summarize the main points and the outcome you need your readers to see. If you are writing an argumentative research paper, leave the space for your audience to select the point of view. If this is a persuasive paper, briefly explain one more time why the others shall follow you.