Brick by Brick III: Live Free or Write Hard

1. Brick by Brick III: Live Free or Write Hard The Research Paper: Stage III A presentation by Instructor Aaron Roston Tennessee State University

2. Third Brick: Abstract Outline Rough works cited page: Min. of 3 sources (electronic or print only), max. of 6

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Research Paper Stage III: Outline Outline 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?)

6. 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?

7. 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.

8. Research Paper Stage II: Works Cited Sample on page 295 in the NCH Use 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!

9. 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!