A short story research paper is a type of academic paper that involves analyzing a short story in order to understand its themes, characters, and literary elements. To write a short story research paper, you will need to start by reading the short story closely, taking notes on your observations and ideas as you go. Then, you will need to formulate a thesis statement that encapsulates your main argument about the short story. This thesis statement will guide the rest of your paper as you develop your analysis and support your argument with evidence from the text.
To give you an example of how a short story research paper might be structured, let's consider the short story "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe. One possible thesis statement for this short story might be: "In 'The Cask of Amontillado,' Edgar Allan Poe uses irony and symbolism to explore the theme of revenge."
In the introduction of your paper, you might provide some background information on Edgar Allan Poe and the historical context in which "The Cask of Amontillado" was written. You might also briefly summarize the plot of the story and introduce your thesis statement.
In the body of your paper, you could then analyze specific examples of irony and symbolism in the story to support your thesis. For example, you might discuss the use of the cask of amontillado itself as a symbol of the narrator's desire for revenge, or the use of the catacombs as a metaphor for the narrator's own buried resentment. You might also analyze the use of irony in the story, such as the narrator's feigned concern for his victim's well-being, to show how Poe uses this literary device to reveal the narrator's true motives.
Finally, in the conclusion of your paper, you might summarize your main points and restate your thesis, highlighting the significance of your analysis. You might also consider discussing the broader implications of your argument and how it relates to other works by Poe or to the literary tradition more broadly.
Overall, a short story research paper is an opportunity to deeply analyze a specific work of literature and make an argument about its meaning and significance. By carefully reading the text, forming a clear thesis statement, and supporting your argument with evidence, you can produce a well-written and thought-provoking research paper on a short story.
An argumentative research paper is a type of academic paper that presents an argument, or a claim, and supports it with evidence. The purpose of this type of paper is to persuade the reader to accept the argument being presented. To write a strong argumentative research paper, it is important to choose a topic that is relevant and debatable, and to gather evidence from reputable sources to support the argument. Here are some ideas for argumentative research paper topics that could potentially make for interesting and engaging papers:
The impact of social media on mental health: This topic could explore the ways in which social media use may contribute to the development of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and examine the potential risks and benefits of social media use.
The legalization of marijuana: This topic could examine the arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana, including the potential economic and health impacts of such a policy change.
Climate change and the role of individuals: This topic could explore the ways in which individuals can make a difference in addressing climate change, and examine the effectiveness of various approaches, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting renewable energy.
The use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture: This topic could delve into the potential risks and benefits of genetically modified crops, and consider the potential impacts on the environment and food security.
The role of technology in education: This topic could examine the ways in which technology can enhance or hinder the learning process, and consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using technology in the classroom.
The impact of immigration on the economy: This topic could explore the economic impacts of immigration, both positive and negative, and consider the potential benefits and challenges of immigration policies.
The ethics of animal testing: This topic could examine the arguments for and against the use of animals in scientific research, and consider the potential ethical implications of such practices.
The legalization of assisted suicide: This topic could explore the ethical and moral arguments for and against the legalization of assisted suicide, and consider the potential impact on end-of-life care.
The role of the media in shaping public opinion: This topic could examine the ways in which the media can influence public opinion, and consider the potential implications of media bias or manipulation.
The impact of technology on privacy: This topic could explore the ways in which technology can infringe upon privacy, and consider the potential risks and benefits of such technologies.
Ultimately, the best argumentative research paper topics are those that are relevant and meaningful to the writer, and that have the potential to engage and persuade the reader. By thoroughly researching and carefully considering the arguments for and against a particular topic, writers can craft compelling and persuasive argumentative research papers.
