Reference no: EM133271072

An outline for a research essay that makes an argument about the American Dream. Is the American Dream alive and well? Is it in danger? Does it even exist?

Start by asking a research question about the American Dream. As you try to answer the question through research, you'll form an opinion about the topic, which will become your claim. You will include the claim on your outline, plus several main points that back up your claim. You also need to show which sources you found in your research that support your main points, and you'll make a list of those sources at the end.

Your outline should include the following elements:

A claim that takes a clear stand on the idea of the American Dream

A research question that's narrow enough to answer in an essay

Main points that back up the claim and are supported by your research sources

A list of at least three credible sources

At least one source that uses visual media, such as a graph or chart

Ask yourself these questions as you revise:

Is my claim argumentative enough that reasonable people might disagree with it? Is it about the American Dream?

Is my research question narrow enough for an essay but not so narrow that I won't have anything to write 'bout?

Are my main points clearly related to the claim? Are they backed up with evidence from sources?

Do I provide enough information about my sources so that my instructor can look them up later?

Are my sources credible? Are they up-to-date, written by authoritative authors, and easy to verify?

Does at least one of my sources include a visual aid of some kind - like a graph or a chart - that I can include in a presentation later?