Essay #2: An Inquiry-Based Research Essay on the Subject of Your Choice

Assignment Description

For this assignment, you will write a 8-10 page (2,000-2,500 words) research essay. The objective in developing this inquiry-based research essay is probably not like other research essays with which you may be familiar. In an inquiry-based essay, the development of a research question is the cornerstone of the essay, providing a guideline for you to follow your research wherever the information takes you. The careful formulation of a solid research question about your topic is crucial to ensure your inquiry will be effective. Once you have developed a question–and that question has been approved by your instructor–you’ll conduct research that will help you answer it.

Once your research question is finalized, you will look for information that will help you explore and, perhaps, answer your question. Your aim here will be to make use of the research that you discover to help you to shape your essay. To do that, you’ll need to find a variety of sources that are relevant to your topic and read them carefully enough that you’ll be able to summarize their main points for use in your essay. You’ll want to be sure that you’ve included as least one opposing point of view.

The following types of research must be incorporated into your essay:

• An interview with a member of a non-profit organization, or an observation of an event organized by a non-profit organization
• At least 4 academic sources
• At least 3 popular media sources

Throughout the research process, you will write three reflections. These reflections are designed to keep your research focused, to have you reflect on the research process and your sources so that you might better analyze them, and to help you present strong ideas in your essay.

As you write your paper ask yourself have you:

• included four scholarly and three popular sources in my essay?
• completed an outline and first draft in the process of writing a final draft?
• used both in-text and end of text MLA citations?

Inquiry Based Essay Reflection #1 Research Topic (1-page)

Answer these questions in a reflection:

• What is your final research question for the Inquiry Based Essay?
• Why is this question important?
• How do you plan to explore this question in your Inquiry Based Essay? (what is your thesis?)

Inquiry Based Essay Refection #2: Research Proposal (1-page)

Write a reflection that:

• Reiterates your research question;
• Explicitly provides your thesis in one sentence;
• Explains how each source will support your thesis;

***Please attach Work Cited Page with your 4 scholarly sources, 3 popular sources and non-profit organization information.

NOTE: This assignment is the last chance to change your research question. Once your proposal has been approved, the question you propose is final.

Inquiry Based Essay Reflection #3: Report on Research in Progress (2 pages)

Please answer these questions in a reflection:

• What will your introduction state? (include thesis)
• What will your body paragraphs illustrate?
• How will you wrap up your thoughts in conclusion?
• List 3 Interview Questions you will use during your non-profit interview

Submission: Through Blackboard