Brick by Brick III: Live Free or

Write HardThe Research Paper:

Stage IIIA presentation by Instructor Aaron

RostonTennessee State University

Third Brick:

Abstract

Outline

Rough works cited page: Min. of 3 sources (electronic or

print only), max. of 6

Compare/Contrast Thesis Statement• Your thesis statement should indicate that a contrast

of two things or ideas is to follow.• These types of transitional expressions should be

used: although, be that as it may, however, in contrast, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, whereas, yet, but, conversely, unlike

• Ex: Although I took classes on campus at the same college last year, my experiences in the traditional classroom and in the virtual classroom have been vastly different.

USE AN OUTLINE!• This is located under the “Research Paper” tab.

• It is in the A – B, A - B format.

• Provide 3 sources you plan on using for your specific support (NOT Wikipedia or Google). They cannot all be websites; you must have at least one periodical. You can use up to 6.

Research Paper Stage III: OutlineOutline for A – B, A – B Method:

Story and thesis: I love soul and gangsta rap, but they are very different forms of musical expression. They are different in 3 ways: Influences, sounds, and subjects.

Topic sentence for point 1: First, soul and gangsta rap have very different musical influences.

A: Soul music owes its influence to gospel and R&B. Citation. Example of artist.B: Gangsta rap is influenced by hard rock, funk, and techno. Citation. Example of artist.Topic sentence for point 2: Next, soul and gangsta rap have very different sounds.A: Soul has soaring harmonies and live instrumentation. Citation. Example of artist.B: Rapper doesn’t sing, chants over samples. Citation. Example of artist.Topic sentence for point 3: Finally, soul and gangsta rap deal with very different subjects.A: Soul music deals with love and affirmation of the human spirit. Citation. Example of

song.B: Gangsta rap deals with the harsh reality of the inner city, namely crime and poverty.

Citation. Example of song.Conclusion: They are both very different, but gangsta rap is far more negative. Both “tell it

like it is,” but I prefer soul music because it reflects who I really am. (And who is that?)

Abstract:

Abstract: A 1 paragraph essay that describes your paper.

• Brief motivator• Thesis• 3 methods of comparison, 1 piece of support for each (does not need to be cited yet)

• Conclusion: What did this comparison prove?

Abstract Sample: First Draft• First, your MLA header, with page number• Then:

As a musician, I love both soul and gangsta rap, but they are very different musical expressions. The influences of soul are gospel and R&B, and therefore soul is much more upbeat and joyful, with harmonious singing. The influences of gangsta rap are hard rock, funk, and techno. The rapper doesn’t sing: he chants angrily against a driving wall of samples. The themes of soul music are much more optimistic, dealing with the hope of change in the Civil Rights era; gangsta rap deals with gang and drug violence. The subjects of soul are positive, such as love and affirmation of the spirit; gangsta rap deals with the crime and seemingly hopeless poverty of the inner-city. While I love both forms of music, and both of them “tell it like it is,” gangsta rap is far more negative. I find that I prefer soul music, because it is more of a reflection of who I am.

Research Paper Stage II: Works Cited

Sample on page 295 in the Sample on page 295 in the NCHNCH

Use the MLA Directory on pp. 300 – 301, starting with #48Use the MLA Directory on pp. 300 – 301, starting with #48

• WC always starts as a new page

• All sources are listed alphabetically

• Titles of Internet sites and periodicals are italicized

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, SEACH ENGINES, OR INTERVIEWS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE SOURCES!

DEADLINE:DEADLINE:STAGE III IS DUE TUE/WED

IT SHOULD BE 4 PAGES IN THIS ORDER:Abstract/OUTLINE/WC

You may fill out outline in Pen – outline sheets are under the “research Paper” tab

Good luck!Good luck!