Need help finding a topic for an english paper.

[BizzaroStormy]

basically I'm looking for a topic that could be used for a persuasive essay, but can easily be padded into 2000 words.

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

This is possibly the broadest thing you can ever ask anyone. Are these the only restrictions you were given? What literature are you using?

[Emperor Ing]

Find a (preferrably controversial) topic you are EXTREMELY interested in and know a lot about. This happened to me before, found a topic I was interested in, and I was saddened to learn that I actually wrote too much.

[BizzaroStormy]

That's the thing, we're not given a topic. The only things I know, are that I must argue on behalf of one side of some issue and that the issue cannot pertain to religion, politics, the death penalty, or the leglaization of a certain herb which will go unnamed.

Once I find a topic, I have to stretch it out over 2000 words. I've put a little under a week in a paper on the topic of violent video games but I could scarcely get 800 words into it. Nowhere near the 2000 I need.

Edit: Like I said, I'm not really allowed to use very controversial topics, otherwise this assignment would be a breeze.

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

So, where does this fit into English class then? Or does English in your school not mean the same thing as English in mine? In mine, all English essays were on a book, or play, or some piece of writing, not just a general essay.


Anyways, write about, um, how about you write about the role of death in modern day popular culture. That could be an interesting topic, or a springboard to show you a way to think of something that fits your interests better.

[Haruki-kun]

Edit: Like I said, I'm not really allowed to use very controversial topics, otherwise this assignment would be a breeze.


Yeah, but you wouldn't be able to bring it up here. :smallwink:

Try narrowing it down. You can go for something like art or literature in persuasion of a movement or a tendency you don't agree with in modern art or literature. Or you can do the same thing for say... Free Software Vs, Commercial Software.

As Gwyn said, this is a verybroad question.

[Emperor Ing]

That's the thing, we're not given a topic. The only things I know, are that I must argue on behalf of one side of some issue and that the issue cannot pertain to religion, politics, the death penalty, or the leglaization of a certain herb which will go unnamed.

:smallconfused: i'm out of ideas. This assignment doesn't even sound possible. The best I could say is find a way to stretch out an essay about how stupid and painfully narrow this assignment is.

Alternatively, if you have a good amount of elbow room before the due date, talk to the teacher about possible topic ideas.

[mikeejimbo]

I wrote a paper on Pirates vs. Ninjas once for freshman honors composition. It used narrative and didn't use any form of the verb "to be".

So that's my vote. Pirates vs. Ninjas!

(For the record - I got an A on that paper and an A in the course.)

[snoopy13a]

That's the thing, we're not given a topic. The only things I know, are that I must argue on behalf of one side of some issue and that the issue cannot pertain to religion, politics, the death penalty, or the leglaization of a certain herb which will go unnamed.

Once I find a topic, I have to stretch it out over 2000 words. I've put a little under a week in a paper on the topic of violent video games but I could scarcely get 800 words into it. Nowhere near the 2000 I need.

Edit: Like I said, I'm not really allowed to use very controversial topics, otherwise this assignment would be a breeze.

Write about baseball.

The American League uses the Designated Hitter while the National League does not. So, pick either pro-DH or anti-DH and write accordingly.

[BizzaroStormy]

It is English Composition, the basic course required by my college for basically all degrees. It is an argument/persuasive essay so my objective it to take a stance on a contested topic and show why I believe the side I've chosen is the right one.

As I've said before, the only topic I've been able to write much on was whether or not violent video games deserve the bad rep they get by some of the more anal retentive members of society. Unfortunately with that topic, I could only stretch it out to around 800 words when my professor is requiring a minimum of 2000 words.

Here's the entry from the syllabus.
 200 points possible
 2,000 words minimum, double-spaced, and 12 point font
 MLA or APA manuscript style with in-text documentation and Works Cited or References page (this page does not count in the minimum word count requirement).
 Clear claim or stance on the selected career for explanation; claim or stance relevant to the intended audience as described in the audience analysis.
 At least four print sources from the Ivy Tech Virtual Library data bases, representing more than one point of view on the proposition being argued.
 Clear, arguable claim that is supportable with rational (empirical) evidence.
 Effective use of counter-argument and rebuttal.
 Rough drafts must include a 150-word audience analysis. This analysis should be posted at the end of the paper, after the Works Cited or References page. Audience analysis is to be removed from the final draft.

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

Seems like part of your problem is simply writing enough. I'm afraid I can't help you there, as my problem is the opposite: writing within the bounds given! I was supposed to write a roughly 1000 word paper, accidentally ended up writing 1700. Our good copy was given an hour to write out by hand. Ended up cutting quite a good amount of my essay to finish in time. :smallfrown:

[BizzaroStormy]

I'm thinking I may have to just write a sub-par paper, then ask my professor why a 2000 word minimum is appropriate. I appreciate the effort though guys.

[Lady Moreta]

Why don't you try brainstorming? Grab a piece of paper and write down all the things you can think of that get you riled up. List everything, even if it's religious or political. You can cross them off later. Get it all out, then go through and cross off everything that falls under the topics you can't use. Then go through and look at what's left. Start making notes under each thing. What bugs you about it? what are your reactions? how you could argue your point? how you could you argue the other sides point? (hey it helps to know!)

Alternatively, I'm pretty good with essays, and with padding essays. If you want, I'm happy for you to send me the 800 words you've already done. I can read it over for you and see if I can make any suggestions for extra things to say. :smallsmile:

(now please excuse me, my husband's mobile just went off and I have to go find it so I can check the message)

[BizzaroStormy]

While I appreciate the offer, Lady M., I wouldn't want to use someone else's work both as a matter of personal pride and the fact that if I were caught, It would negate the last 2.5 years I've spent in college as well as forcing me to go to a more expensive college.

I've actually decided to take a handful of issues I don't care about and explain why I don't agree with either party.

[thubby]

take a topic you can't talk about on these boards, put them on a wall, then throw a dart. tada!

[snoopy13a]

I'm thinking I may have to just write a sub-par paper, then ask my professor why a 2000 word minimum is appropriate. I appreciate the effort though guys.

I really think your professor wants you to do some heavy-duty research. Find a topic, get 4-5 sources that support it and 4-5 that argue against it. With all of those sources and potential arguments then 2000 words should be fine. For example, violent video games are heavily in the news right now due to the Supreme Court recently hearing a case regarding it.

From your description, it sounds that you're trying to write 2000 words based on just your personal opinion. Instead, you should be finding outside support for your position and using them to bolster your argument. Furthermore, you should be identifying the other side's best arguments and how you can address them.

As for other topic ideas:

Anime: Dubbed v. Subtitles
Any Fictional Story: Book v. Movie
Beer: Bottle v. Draft
Sci-Fiction: Star Wars v. Star Trek
Winter Sports: Basketball v. Hockey
Toilet Seat: Up v. Down
Where to live: Suburbs v. City
Dogs: Purebreeds v. Mutts
Wine: France v. California
Clam Chowder: Manhattan v. New England

[mucat]

It is English Composition, the basic course required by my college for basically all degrees. It is an argument/persuasive essay so my objective it to take a stance on a contested topic and show why I believe the side I've chosen is the right one.

As I've said before, the only topic I've been able to write much on was whether or not violent video games deserve the bad rep they get by some of the more anal retentive members of society. Unfortunately with that topic, I could only stretch it out to around 800 words when my professor is requiring a minimum of 2000 words.

This is about the sixth time you've mentioned "stretching" or "padding" the essay to 2000 words.

2000 words is not a lot. If you write about a topic you actually have some thoughts about, then your main problem will be how to compress your thoughts into 2000 words. If there really is not topic that you have reasonably complex thoughts about...please, for thr sake of your own dignity, withdraw from college and return when you are ready to think.


While I appreciate the offer, Lady M., I wouldn't want to use someone else's work both as a matter of personal pride and the fact that if I were caught, It would negate the last 2.5 years I've spent in college as well as forcing me to go to a more expensive college.
Lady M was not offering to write your essay for you and let you plagiarize it. You owe her an apology for even suggesting that this was what she meant. I'm pretty sure she has the right to challenge you to a duel on the field of honor right now...hope you're good with pistols at dawn. :smallwink: (Actually, I hope she's better.)


I've actually decided to take a handful of issues I don't care about and explain why I don't agree with either party.
Now you're on the right track...but how about taking an issue you do care about, and explaining why you don't agree with either of the "easy" solutions?

[BizzaroStormy]

This is about the sixth time you've mentioned "stretching" or "padding" the essay to 2000 words.

2000 words is not a lot. If you write about a topic you actually have some thoughts about, then your main problem will be how to compress your thoughts into 2000 words. If there really is not topic that you have reasonably complex thoughts about...please, for thr sake of your own dignity, withdraw from college and return when you are ready to think.

I've a mind to challenge YOU after that suggestion my good sir. j/k

Its not that I don't have complex thought on anything, but simply that I don't have complex thoughts regarding the issues I've found so far that aren't taboo for the project. For instance, I could go on and on regarding the origin of mankind, but the instructor has asked that religious topics not be covered so it kind of shot down that idea.

[mucat]

I've a mind to challenge YOU after that suggestion my good sir. j/k
Hope not. I'm a lousy shot.


Its not that I don't have complex thought on anything, but simply that I don't have complex thoughts regarding the issues I've found so far that aren't taboo for the project. For instance, I could go on and on regarding the origin of mankind, but the instructor has asked that religious topics not be covered so it kind of shot down that idea.

Now that has potential. Depending on what you want to say, you might be able to make the case that you're not talking about politics or religion; only science. Since the topic is one that might edge its way into politics, we probably shouldn't discuss specifics here...but if you want to PM me with your thoughts, I might be able to suggest how to structure your essay.

And, like Lady M, I am not offering to write anything for you, just to give you suggestions about how you might organize your own thoughts.

[Lhurgyof]

basically I'm looking for a topic that could be used for a persuasive essay, but can easily be padded into 2000 words.

"Is the Primeval Narrative of the Bible showing 'mistakes'?"

There's a fairly specific, and it makes you look smart, without being too controversial.

It doesn't requite a big read, and doesn't end up looking at the bible from a religious point of view.

And by that, I mean is it just a collection of stories about mistakes made?

(The Primeval Narrative is Genesis)

[Cobra_Ikari]

You know, just because something is an issue commonly taken up by politicians/religious authorities doesn't make it a matter of religion or politics. You can argue from standpoints like morality or secondary effects.

Just sayin'.

[Lhurgyof]

You know, just because something is an issue commonly taken up by politicians/religious authorities doesn't make it a matter of religion or politics. You can argue from standpoints like morality or secondary effects.

Just sayin'.

Wait, is that in response to what I said? :smalleek:

[Cobra_Ikari]

Wait, is that in response to what I said? :smalleek:

What? No! Was just...talking about how religion and politics being not allowed does not necessarily stop the issues from being discussed.

I mean, I wouldn't make that case about topics here, since arguing over controversial things is the entire reason that topic ban is in effect, but I think you could do so in a paper...

[Lhurgyof]

What? No! Was just...talking about how religion and politics being not allowed does not necessarily stop the issues from being discussed.

I mean, I wouldn't make that case about topics here, since arguing over controversial things is the entire reason that topic ban is in effect, but I think you could do so in a paper...

Ok, sorry. I just thought it was weird because I had just mentioned doing his paper about the Bible, and then you had said that. :smallredface:

[BizzaroStormy]

Actually, I did mention that political and relgious topics were verboten so that shot down such ideas anyway. I've got about 600 words so far and am waiting for the caffeine to kick in. I've got about 8 hours before class so heres hoping I don't hit a block.

[Mauve Shirt]

Persuade them that this assignment is far too vague.

[BizzaroStormy]

Its actually not vague at all. We're supposed to come up with our own topic.

[Cobra_Ikari]

Its actually not vague at all. We're supposed to come up with our own topic.

Persuade them that arbitrary limitations on topics to be persuasive about makes the assignment less meaningful in that you are limited to trivial topics to be persuasive about instead of those you find important?

[Temotei]

And that word count means nothing. If you can get your purpose on paper in three hundred words, that should be enough (though, that's probably not a good thing for a research paper).

[Tirian]

Actually, I did mention that political and relgious topics were verboten so that shot down such ideas anyway. I've got about 600 words so far and am waiting for the caffeine to kick in. I've got about 8 hours before class so heres hoping I don't hit a block.

You've probably written 2000 words in this thread already on the subject of how you can't do this assignment. Unfortunately, I don't think any of us are persuaded. :smalltongue:

[BizzaroStormy]

Persuade them that arbitrary limitations on topics to be persuasive about makes the assignment less meaningful in that you are limited to trivial topics to be persuasive about instead of those you find important?

And perhaps add a bit describing how the use of minimum word requirements and expecting an intelligent paper in a basic english class violates the relation of quality to quantity?

That's the part that threw me for a loop the most. It is only English 111, the lowest level English class offered that isn't classified as "remedial" I'm more mechanically inclined than anything else. I can make a small, working steam engine from aluminum stock with tolerances withing .003 inches, but when it comes to writing an essay, even if it is something I have fair interest in, my work is mediocre at best.

[mucat]

And perhaps add a bit describing how the use of minimum word requirements and expecting an intelligent paper in a basic english class violates the relation of quality to quantity?

That's the part that threw me for a loop the most. It is only English 111, the lowest level English class offered that isn't classified as "remedial" I'm more mechanically inclined than anything else. I can make a small, working steam engine from aluminum stock with tolerances withing .003 inches, but when it comes to writing an essay, even if it is something I have fair interest in, my work is mediocre at best.


So the hell what? Mechanical skills are obsolete. It's nest to leave that kind of monkey work to a small cadre of professionals who take the time to keep their skills hones to the state of the art; if ordinary [eople bother to take an interest in technology, they will never be as good as the dedicated specialists.

What you nee to do is perfect your People Skills; there will always be people who waste their lives perfecting the mindless technical jobs, but the ones who understand how to manage the engineers are the really imporant ones.

Disagree with me?

Good; I disagree with me too.. Everything I said over the past few paragraphs was absolutely reprehensible and loathsome. But you'll har that kind of crap portrayed as actual wisdom. So prove that it's wrong. Then see if you can cut it down to 2000 words.

[Kislath]

The newspaper won't print my letter because they are always too long, sometimes in excess of 2000 words. As such, I think I might have an idea for you.

The legalization of:
gambling, prostitution, or marijuana are always good topics for persuasive essays, whichever side you're on.

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

The newspaper won't print my letter because they are always too long, sometimes in excess of 2000 words. As such, I think I might have an idea for you.

The legalization of:
gambling, prostitution, or marijuana are always good topics for persuasive essays, whichever side you're on.

Well, he had already ruled marijuana out, but the other two are still in.

And, for prostitution, there'll be lots of information from Ontario, if you look it up, as an Ontario judge just ruled that the criminalization of bawdy-houses and such is unconstitutional, and there's been a lot of press about it. The Feds are trying to stop the ruling, yet this is exactly the same sort of ruling that ended up making gay marriage legal across the country.

[thubby]

it's also legal (and heavily regulated) in nevada.

[Aidan305]

And perhaps add a bit describing how the use of minimum word requirements and expecting an intelligent paper in a basic english class violates the relation of quality to quantity?

That's the part that threw me for a loop the most. It is only English 111, the lowest level English class offered that isn't classified as "remedial" I'm more mechanically inclined than anything else. I can make a small, working steam engine from aluminum stock with tolerances withing .003 inches, but when it comes to writing an essay, even if it is something I have fair interest in, my work is mediocre at best.

As has been previously said, the best thing you can do is make sure that you have plenty of sources, then sit down and decide on the structure of your essay, dividing it up in to sections. I recommend something along the lines of:

Introduction: 300 words
State clearly the intentions of the essay and state briefly the arguments for and against the topic.

For: 900-1000 words
This should represent the main body of the work. Go through each of the reasons you've mentioned in your introdiction on a deeper level, explaining thoroughly each and every one of them. Make sure to cite all your sources and give references.

Against: 400-500 words:
This is an important section as now you have to show the claims of the opposition. Acknowledge some, refute others but again, make sure to cite and make sure to reference.

Conclusion: 300 words
Restate what your aims were and demonstrate how you proved them in your essay.

*Final note: Never use the words "I"; "Me"; or "You". Avoid "They" wherever possible.

[Amiel]

You could write a persuasive piece on "why zombie survivalist training should be mandated in educational institutions to prepare for the zombie apocalypse".
If you can include literary examples (movies and books included) to fashion a compelling argument, all the more better.

[Serpentine]

We need to start with the basics. What are you interested in? Computer games, books, theatre, science, what? I could shout out a dozen ideas just based on my own classes - did post-modernism kill history? what was the most important scientific mind? can speciation happen without isolation? what is the reason for the Viking expansion around the first millenium? - but none of those are likely to help you because 1. you're probably not interested, and 2. you probably don't have the educational background to know where to start. So. What are you interested in, and what do you know about?

More generally, I always like the strategy of arguing "both sides are/neither side is right, the answer is somewhere in-between/something else".