Understanding assignment parameters
Before you begin choosing a topic, it’s important to understand the assignment. Take a look at the course syllabus along with any information your faculty has outlined in regards to the assignment at hand. Sometimes you will only have the choice of a few topics, while other times you have the freedom to choose your own. Regardless, make certain to keep the following the following questions:
- Is there a date cap on the information?
- What type of paper will I be writing?
- Basic Report: Involves reporting on a topic based on what you find. The main goal of this type of paper is to summarize the information you found so that any reader can understand it.
- Analytical Paper: Involves drawing a conclusion based on multiple parameters or aspects of the chosen topic. The main goal of this type of paper will be to compare and contrast multiple topics.
- Argumentative Paper: Involves defending a stance on a specific issue related to your topic, and the information you find will be in support of that. The main goal of this paper will be to persuade the reader.
