The following templates come from Cathy Birkenstein and Gerald Graff's They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing (Norton, 2007). Which one(s) might be best suited to state your main claim and develop your argument for the research paper?
Post as a comment below at least two main claims that you might develop in your research paper, using the following templates as a guide:
1. Although it is often said that [your topic: e.g., autism] ______________________________, I argue _______________________. [Disagree]
2. I agree with X that _____________________________, and I would add that _________________. [Agree]
3. When I first thought about ______________________________, I assumed __________________________. Now, however, having _____________________________, I’ve come to the conclusion that _______________________________. [I was lost, but now I’m found]
4. Group X argues _______________________, and I have mixed feelings about it. One the one hand, _______________________________. On the other hand, ________________________________. [Yes, but. . . ]
5. Researchers have long wondered about ___________________________, having been unable to determine _______________________. My research offers an answer: ________________________________. [Problem-solving]
6. ___________________________ seems so unproblematic that we fail to recognize ___________________________. [Sell your problem]
7. Debates over ________________________________________ dominate discussions of ____________________________________________. What such debates obscure, however, is the more important issue of __________________________________________. [Change the conversation]
8. Although fierce debates have raged over __________________________, the debaters agree on one important thing: ________________________________________. [Opponents really agree]
9. Up to now I’ve been suggesting that ___________________________________. But it’s really more complex than that. First, ___________________________. Second, ______________________. And third, complicating matters even further, ____________________. [It’s more complicated]
10. At this point you will probably object that ____________________________. Although it is true that _________________________, I nevertheless maintain that __________________________________________. [Insert a naysayer]
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2. I agree with Professor Murfin that Heart of Darkness is about colonialism, and I would add that it is indeed a critique of such practices.
8. Although fierce debates have raged over whether Conrad and his novel are racist, the debaters agree on one important thing: Heart of Darkness is seen as an important work in the literary community. Even though some debaters are opposed to the standing the novel has in the literary community, they agree it has standing.
When I first thought about The relationship between Non profit organizations and For Profit organizations, I assumed that the for profit organizations were probably nice and donated bits of their profit, thereby helping the NPO. Now, however, having read many articles and journals, I’ve come to the conclusion that a majority of these companies actually sell products that cause their epidemic. So They are hurting the nonprofits, more than they are helping.
Although it is often said that any money going to a charity is good, but I would like to argue that that money is theoretical blood money. If your company is donating to prevent Breast Cancer, and your product causes breast cancer. The more of your product that is sold, the more breast cancer is caused.
I agree with the sources that I have found that animal testing is something that needs to be regulated and I would add that it is indeed animal cruelty.
Animal testing seems so unproblematic and distant from the eyes of everyday people that we fail to recognize it's happening and killing many innocent animals yearly.
I agree with experts that advertising marketed toward young children is unethical, and I would add that there should be regulations put on it.
When I first thought about children and advertising, I assumed it should be the job of the parents to monitor what their children watch. Now, however, having found out how companies market toward children as young as one year old who have no concept of lies and biases, I've come to the conclusion that some of the practices of marketers are unethical and there should be regulations put in place on advertising directed at children.
When I first thought about my life after college I thought it would be easy to find a job. Now, however, having seen people struggle, I've come to the conclusion that it's a more competitive business than I thought.
1. Although it is often said that ADHD should be treated with mind and mood altering drugs that immediately make the patient adapt to his or her surroundings, I argue that it is better for the patient to personally grow over time because adapting so quickly and unnaturally could cause the patients brain and growth habits to stray on a completely different path then the path that it should be on naturally.
6. Prescribing medications for ADHD immediatly after diagnosis to adapt seems so unproblematic that we fail to recognize the long term effects of takin mind and mood altering drugs over a period of time.
Many scientists argue that genetics is the main determinant for homosexuality, and I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, biology probably has a large part to do with sexuality. On the other hand, the environment of an individual may also change a person's preference.
Debates over what is the cause of sexuality dominate discussions of scientists, the public and the gay community. What such debates obscure, however, is the more important issue of treatment of an individual no matter their sexual preference.
Guh...I keep thinking that we post to OUR blogs..
sample templates.
Although it is said that computer code is complicated and confusing to people, I disagree. I argue it is the simplification of computer language over the years that has made is possible to develop our society as far technologically as it has come.
The almost seamless way computer work now a days it seems almost unproblematic that we fail realize the fierce war that companies undergo to out "code" the other one. A prime example is the Zune and the Ipod. Each one has its own individually created OS (operating system) along with individually written software that goes on your computer just so you can use it! Furthermore the computer software is FREE! The programming wars are just beginning and they will not end anytime soon as long as there is money to be made.
2. I agree with the man from the interview on 60 Minutes that if prisoners were educated, they would not commit crimes and there wouldn’t be as many people in the prison system today and I would add that lack of education is what drives the offenders to commit a crime in the first place, because he or she can’t get by in the real world without it.
4. Some officials argue that we should't fund offender's education rehabilitation in scholarships while in prison, and I have mixed feelings about that. One the one hand, I completely understand because it would take money away from honest people's scholarship money for college. On the other hand, not giving offender's the money to go through with a high school or college education does nothing for their self esteem. When getting out of jail (especially without a high school education), offenders now have a felony on their permanant record so it will be extremely hard to get any sort of job to support themselves and actually try to show that they have been rehabilitated.
When I first thought about the costs of medical insurance, I assumed our country was in a never ending spiral going up. Now, however, having looked at the changes in lawsuit amounts and the requested dollar amount, I’ve come to the conclusion that our country has already enforced bans and limits to help lower costs, and we should pursue to keep going.
Researchers have long wondered about rising costs of medical insurance, having been unable to determine how to give people the care they deserve, while keeping costs for everyone down. My research offers an answer: We need to limit these lawsuits, while using other methods to help ensure proper patient care.
3. When I first thought about scientific illiteracy in the United States, I assumed it was a lot better than it turned out to be. Now, however, having done research on the topic, I’ve come to the conclusion that we still have a long way to go, especially with regards to the debate between evolution and creationism.
1. Although it is often said that pseudoscientific ideas and subjects are harmless fun, I argue that when a large percentage, sometimes even a majority, of the population buys into these ideas, the country as a whole suffers intellectualy.
Although it is often said that English as the Official Language is "English Only," I argue that in my research I found that Official English means that the government must conduct all its business in English and documents must be written in English. Of course there are exceptions, if it relies on some sort of emergency.
I agree with Mauro Mujica that "English has been the language of our nation from its earliest days" (2003), and I would add that there is no reason to not have English as the official language, especially when it was the language the US was founded under.
2. I agree with Mark Oleson and Gerald Klerman that psychotropic medications are the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, and I would add that not only are psychiatrists prescribing these medications but regular physicians as well.
9. Up to now I’ve been suggesting that psychotropic medications have been over prescribed. But it’s really more complex than that. First, doctors are not recognizing patient’s symptoms appropriately and that is then lead to misdiagnosing. Second, the pharmacist are not paying close enough attention to dates of refilling and the amount of times a certain bottle has been refilled. And third, complicating matters even further, the media is getting involved and increasing their billing on commercials about psychotropic medications in each.
Researchers have long wondered about sexuality, having been unable to determine the real cause or causes. My research offers an answer: The causes are not as important as the treatment of the individual.
3. When I first thought about the modernization of China, I assumed that the main changes would be economic. Now, however, having talked to some Chinese people and examining my research, I’ve come to the conclusion that the modernization changes not only the GDP, but also the mindset, morals, and culture of the people.
9. Up to now I’ve been suggesting that the changes in aChina's society are normal as a result of modernization. But it’s really more complex than that. First, China's one-child policy has changed the personality and goals of the new generation. Second, the rapid changes have created a large generation gap between not only grandparents and grandchild, but also parents and their child . And third, complicating matters even further, while modernization in China has attracted more and more foreigners to Chinese culture, the Chinese themselves seem to be losing their culture while adopting Western culture.
Although it is often said that the HPV vaccine will increase sexual promiscuity, I argue that the main reason women should receive this vaccine is to prevent the 4 main types of cervical cancer instead of increasing sexual promiscuity.
When I first thought about the HPV vaccine, I assumed that the majority of the population would want it to become compulsory. Now, however, having researched more on this topic, I've come to the conclusion that most people are against this vaccine becoming compulsory and possibly being a waste of money and cause an increase in taxes.
Although it is often said that anonymous sources in the media are necessary in order to gather information that otherwise wouldn't be available, I argue that the truth and reliability of the article is much more important than the prospect of a good story that could possibly rely on false information.
When I first thought about anonymous sources, I assumed that they were bad on all levels. Now, however, having read cases in which certain events would not have to come to light without the anon. sources, I’ve come to the conclusion that if used carefully and backed up with facts from named sources, anonymous sources can be used in a way that will benefit the public as well as provide a story break for the media.
When I first thought about pirates and modern piracy, I assumed that it no longer existed and if it did it lived in the Hollywood world. Now, however, having read numerous books and articles, as well as interviewing an ex-mariner about modern piracy, I’ve come to the conclusion that modern piracy does still exist and it is not anything like the movies.
Although debates have raged over how to deal with modern piracy and who is responsible for the action, the debaters agree on one important thing: pirates are out there and they are becoming more dangerous.
3.) When I first thought about cloning and stem cell research, I assumed that any advances could lead to science getting way ahead of itself and causing overwhelming negatives as opposed to positives. Now, however, having read several articles on different views and facts of the reasearch, I’ve come to the conclusion that some advancements in these areas would greatly benefit everyone, but a limit should definately be set.
4.) Many scientist argue that human cloning and stem cell research will be beneficial to the world and should be further funded to achieve success, and I have mixed feelings about it. One the one hand, human cloning (to an extent) and stem cell research can positively change the lives of many. On the other hand, it will alter the medicine and scientific world, as well as the lives of all drastically and there is a thin line that seperates positive and negative outcomes.
3. When I first thought about if music increased brain activity, I assumed that only a certain type of music did. Now, however, having read many articles, I’ve come to the conclusion that it does not matter what type of music is used. Certain people are affected by certain music. One person may listen to Mozart while another may listen to Limp Bizkit. [I was lost, but now I’m found]
5. Researchers have long wondered about whether or not music increases brain activity, having been unable to determine if a certain type of music increases spatial-temporal abilities. My research offers an answer: there is not a certain type of music that makes someone smarter. The music listened to depeneds on the person. One type of music may affect some by distracting them, while for others it may soothe them. There is not one type of music that increases spatial-temporal abilities, but music certainly does. [Problem-solving]
1. Although it is often said that virtual atmospheres have no effect on real life atmosphere, I argue that video games effects extend past just the screen, and affect all aspects of one’s life. [Disagree]
6. Addiction to video games seems so unproblematic that we fail to recognize the debillitating and engulfing effects they can have on one’s life. [Sell your problem]
I agree with all current research that shows that hGH is a widespread and dangerouse problem in sports, and I would add that the reason why I think it has become such a problem is because of the lack of efficient tests to detect it in an athlete's body.
While altough the citizenship process doesn't seem so unproblematic because there are still many immigrants that go through with it, we fail to recognize that there are many immigants out there not able to go through with it because of the many obstacles they can not over come.
Although it is often said that hGH does not have any effect on athletic performance, I argue that it does based on talking with people who have used it and seeing the results that professional athletes who have used it have seen in their performance.
3. My original ideas about segregation made me believe that it was a bad thing, and highly unfavored by the majority of the population. Now, however, having read numerous articles on the topic , I’ve come to the conclusion that segregation is actually favored by many, especially in educational circumstances. I have also found that it is not always intentional, but a result of social and economic factors.
4. Many argue that segregation is a thing of the past, and I have mixed feelings about it. One the one hand, I understand that there are no longer laws separating students in schools based on their race. On the other hand, though, walking into a high school lunch room, one will be subjected to racial segregation at its best.
I agree with those who say that there are a lot of environmental factors that influence sexuality, but I would add that environment is not the only factor that affects sexual orientation. Although it is often said that homosexuality is a choice, I argue that it is also determined by genetics.
Although fierce debates have raged over the existence of an autism epidemic in America today, the debaters agree on one thing: there has been a noticeable upsurge in the numbers of autism diagnoses.
With my previous statements, it seems that I’ve been suggesting that an autism epidemic really does exist. But it is really much more complex than that. First, even though researchers everywhere agree autism diagnoses have risen in number, they constantly disagree as to whether or not this signals a full-blown epidemic. And second, complicating matters even further, recent studies have shown that many theories activists use to support their claims about the causes of the epidemic are unfounded.
Although it is often said that children who are brought up in a single parent household are more likely to have behaviorial issues, I argue that behavioral problems do not have any direct correlation with growing up in a single parent home. I believe it has a lot more to do with social and economical issues than what family structure guides the home.
I agree with Richard Bulcroft that there really are no direct connections between the deviance of a child and whether or not they come froma two parent household, and I would add that their have even been discoveries showing positive outcomes of being raised in a single parent home.
Our new developing and economic planet seems so unproblematic that we fail to recognize that global warming is creating catastrophic effects on the Arctic and the world.
Debates over the causes and effects of global warming dominate discussions of science magazines and many research studies. What such debates obscure, however, is the more important issue of what immediate changes need to be made to stop the increasing rate of Arctic ice melting and temperatures increasing.
3. When I first thought about bacteria's resistance to antibiotics, I assumed that it had much to do with antibacterial products that kill 99.9% of bacteria and leave the strongest .1% to reproduce. Now, however, having researched the topic further, I’ve come to the conclusion that the problem lies more within the overuse of antibiotics than the misuse of antibacterial products.
9. Up to now
I’ve been suggesting that bacterial resistance is a problem due to the overuse of antibacterial products, but it’s really more complex than that. First, the term "bacterial resistance" isn't the correct term to describe the problem. Antimicrobial resistance is the more accurate term, covering the abuse of antibiotics that has lead to the emergence of superbugs. Second, there are many ways that bacteria learns resistance to antibacterials, antibiotics, and antimicrobials. And third, complicating matters even further, there are not many ways to slow this problem down, and the few ways that would are not widely accepted by the general public.
Debates over evolution dominate discussions of creation. What such debates obscure, however, is the more important issue of evidence. Both creation and evolution are theories, having emperical proof and requiring some leap of faith.
Researchers have long wondered about the origins of our world, having been unable to determine any theory that can be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. My research offers an answer: Teach both theories, its better to allow individuals to choose for themselves what to believe, than to force feed one possibility on them and ignore another.
I agree with Pasqualetti that wind turbines are not something that can be both discreetly placed and used to their full potential. I would also add that in order for our world to grow and survive we have to ACCEPT CHANGE.
3. When I first thought about the cost of wind production, I assumed it to be high and non-competitive with our current energy sources. However, statistics reveal that wind power is, more or less, 2 cents cheaper per kilowatt hour (kWh) than nuclear energy. Having also discovered the method of determining these prices, I’ve come to the conclusion that nothing is completely accurate. No source. No statistic. Everything is relative and manipulated.
Haha. I need to work on that conclusion.
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