2.2 Choosing a topic & an organization

Outline of this lesson:

• review and make sure you understand the difference between argumentative essay and analytical essay (problem/solution)
• understand what makes a research topic (for this class) effective and ineffective based on the writing prompt
• understand what types of organizations/associations are needed for your research paper
• investigate possible organizations/associations
• choose your own topic and organizations

A. Choosing a research paper topic

PowerPoint 1: Choosing a Research Paper Topic

Handout 1: Brainstorm my research paper topic 

Handout 2: Choose a research paper topic

Fun Poll: Vote for your favorite and 2nd favorite topics


B.  Find an Organization (the organization has to be action-based! not "awareness-raising")

PowerPoint 2: Choosing an organization

Instructions: Organization Help Sheet 

Handout 3: Let's find an organization


C. Homework:

1. Submit your research paper topic for approval by March 5, 11:59pm, Saturday. (no need to submit it on Compass2g/email, just type it to the Google Doc.) I will give you feedback/ approval once you finished your column. The sooner you submit it, the sooner you will receive my approval/ feedback. This would also help you to finish your concept map assignment (described below) for the library day. 

• If your topic is approved, congratulations, and keep working on your "pre-research protfolio" step 1 (topic and explanation) & step 2 (background research, causes, effects)
• If your topic needs revision/ received disapproval, please update your revised topic in the last column, and I will get back to you soon.

2. Prepare for the Library Day (03/14 Monday) assignment.
related website:  ESL undergraduate students guide

• Step i: Watch the 2 videos (altogether about 7 minutes' long) about "how to complete a concept map" on the undergraduate library website. Read the instructions below the videos. Learn about the step-by-step directions and procedures to complete your concept map.
• Step ii: Read "ESL sample complete concept map" by a former ESL student.
• Step iii: Download "ESL Concept Map". Complete it and submit it on Compass2g.
• Where do you submit your "concept map": Compass2g-> ESL112_K -> Welcome-> Library Day Concept Map (Forum) -> Submit my concept map"
• When is this assignment due: by 03/07 (Monday), 11:59pm 
• What will happen next: the librarian for our class, Amber, will grade your concept map on Compass2g, and give you feedback. After receiving her feedback, revise your concept map, and bring the updated version (preferably printed it out) to class on library day (03/14).