Formal Research Project, Post-Truth Society
Formal Research Project, Post-Truth Society
ENG 1123
Write a 900 word documented essay on one of the following topics:
- A propaganda campaign
- A conspiracy theory
- A fake news site, writer, or story
- Why people believe things that aren’t true
- Why liberals and conservatives see the same facts differently
- The dangers of a post-truth society
- Free speech vs fake news
- Free speech vs bullying
- The role of social media in creating a post-truth society
- How Twitter bots are used to spread fake news
- Augmented Reality
**Note: If you have another topic in mind that is related to our post-truth theme for the semester, you may request permission to write about it instead of one of these topics.
**Note: The above topics are listed as generalizations. You will need to narrow down and select a more specific approach to your topic for your research paper.
The Basic Requirements
- At least 900 words
- At least 5 paragraphs
- At least 4 sources documented in MLA style
- A formal outline
- A works cited page and in-text parenthetical citations
- Written in third person (no 1st or 2nd)
- Strong thesis that takes a position
- At least three supporting points for the position
- Credible sources backing up the position
- Submission to Turnitin through Canvas in addition to submission of a hard copy
- Written in formal academic English. Use third person, not first person or second person.
- College level vocabulary and writing style
- Impeccable grammar and mechanics
- Excellent organization
- Appropriate use of sources. No plagiarism. No misrepresentation of sources.
- Use of reliable sources only. No blogs. No advocacy sites. No enclyclopedias. No conspiracy theory sites. No obviously biased sources.
- At least half of the sources should come from the library databases.
- Smooth transitions into and out of source material.
- Pre-approved topic
- Submission of all required rough drafts
- Participation in peer reviews
Organization
- Outline: A formal sentence outline, providing the topic sentences for your body paragraphs, along with at least two supporting points for each topic sentence.
- Introduction: Set up the topic, the significance of the topic, the target audience for your argument, and your main position.
- Body: You need at least three body paragraphs. In each body paragraph you will provide supporting points for your main position along with evidence gathered from sources to back up these points. Be sure to provide MLA style in text citations for each of your sources.
- Conclusion: Reinforce your main point, and leave the audience with a sense of the importance of understanding what you have had to say.
- Works Cited Page: Provide a works cited page in MLA documentation style. You should also include MLA style parenthetical citation within the text of the essay itself.
