ENG 102 Advanced Research Library Tutorial

Conducting an argumentative research project is a structured process that requires careful planning, research, and writing. The goal is to investigate a topic, establish a clear position, and support that position with evidence and logical reasoning while also addressing opposing viewpoints. When researching information for arguments or persuasive assignment essays, you may consider following the strategy below:

1. Select a topic.

• Choose a debatable topic that can be argued from at least two distinct and supportable sides. Consider a topic of personal interest to you that would help you engage more deeply.
• Understand the assignment, reading and analyzing the instructions carefully. 

2. Seek out background research (use MCTC Library resources or trusted sources located online) to better understand your topic and to brainstorm how you might structure your paper.

• Explore and consider the different sides or viewpoints surrounding the issue.
• Identify potential arguments, noting sources that could be used as evidence within your writing.
• Avoid making arguments based on logical fallacies (see next section of this tutorial).

3. Form a thesis or research statement. 

• Take a stance on the issue.

• Craft a strong thesis or research statement to give the reader a roadmap of your essay. The thesis can be concise, debatable, or specific with exact points you will make within the body of your essay.

4. Conduct research to gather evidence to support your writing. 

• Locate reliable sources, such as those available through the MCTC Library.
• Stay organized so you can cite your sources properly within your writing. 
• Look for counterarguments to use in your writing to rebut arguments you make and to present some balance in acknowledging other perspectives on the topic. 

5. Follow a writing process, from outlining and pre-planning to drafting and revision, to lay out your arguments and supporting evidence.

• Create an outline you can follow to present a cohesive essay.
• Work on drafting and then editing and revising your work for clarity and style with the help of your instructor, or even your peers. 
• Be sure to cite your sources where you summarized, paraphrased or used direct quotes to avoid plagiarizing!

Use these MCTC Library databases to assist you in your research to present arguments!