Write an evaluative or definition research paper of at least 1000 words.
Research opinions on one of the following topics; you may write either the evaluative or definition essay. Describe the stances or positions supported by at least two different, interested parties. Then, use the information that you gather to assert your own evaluative or definition argument; your outside resources should supply support for your criteria. Use scholarly resources, not just the Internet. You should have a minimum of at least 3 unique sources.
Evaluative Argument
An evaluative argument takes the form:
X is/is not good/bad because it meets/fails to meet criteria A, B, C, etc.
Topic: Measuring Intelligence
I’ll bet you can guess that some groups of people perform better on the THEA, TAKS, ACT, SAT, and IQ tests. Scientists have long recognized gender and racial disparities in intelligence and standardized test scores. The cause for that disparity—genetic, environmental, or a combination of both—is a matter of great debate. Research to learn about various means of measuring intelligence. Then evaluate current methods to determine which method makes the best measure of human intelligence.
Topic: “More Religion, but Not the Old-Time Kind,” by Laurie Goodstein (Handout)
Goodstein is the religion editor for the New York Times. Her contention is that fundamentalism in any religion is not on the rise because it is associated with violence and extremism and that evangelicalism which is open to sharing with others is growing in popularity globally; in fact, she says the largest growing religion is the Pentecostal wing of Christianity with its spirit-filled worship and miracle healing. Evaluate this argument to find out if her claim is true that fundamentalism (both Christian and non-Christian) is being replaced globally and in America with a rise in the evangelical and pentecostal wings of Christianity. Use research to agree with or refute her argument. You may use her essay as part of your research of this topic.
Definitional Argument.
A definitional argument takes the form:
X is/is not a Y because it meets/fails to meet criteria A, B, C, etc.
Topic: Immature, Naughty, or Mentally ill Kids?
Over the last 15 years, doctors have been prescribing drugs for many behavioral problems, such as ADHD and bipolar disorder. But, recently, scientists have found that many children with ADHD have brains that develop more slowly—this suggests that these kids will simply outgrow ADHD. For many children prescription drugs offer tremendous help with school and social skills while for others, medication may be unnecessary. Some people argue that we simply medicate children rather than use more traditional means of discipline (such as leaving children back in school or using corporal punishment). What defines a normal child’s behavior as opposed to the behavior of a child with a psychological problem? You may limit your research to one or two behavioral concerns.
Topic: What is a Man or a Woman?
In the Teena Brandon movie starring Hilary Swank, a transgender teenager tries to live as a boy although she was born with a female body, and dies at the hands of a teenage gang. How do people like Teena fit into definitions of male and female and how should society relate to them?
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– Draft Peer Review
– Final Research Paper is due
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