Identify 4 sources that help frame and shape your understanding of the topic and address how you plan to answer the research question. State what category (background, exhibit, argument, or method) each source matches.

Question to Position

For this assignment, you will begin to assemble a variety of sources that fit with your research topic proposal. We will use the BEAM Framework found in Ch. 13Links to an external site. Refer to the BEAM Reference Chart Links to an external site to help identify the types of sources and ideas for where to find specific sources to match your discipline.

Nuts and bolts

• State your research question from your Research Topic Proposal. You may need to slightly alter what you originally submitted depending on instructor feedback.
• Move your research question to the next stage by writing a thesis statement. Your thesis should directly flow from your research question. You are making a claim that you will support with evidence. Others may be able to counter you claim, so you are not necessarily establishing a fact but arguing for a specific position. It will be necessary for you to begin to collect evidence prior to finalizing your thesis statement; it should be a single sentence. See UNC’s Writing Center page on Thesis Statements Links to an external site. for more information.
• Identify 4 sources that help frame and shape your understanding of the topic and address how you plan to answer the research question. State what category (background, exhibit, argument, or method) each source matches.
  • 1 Background source
  • 1 Exhibit source
  • 1 Argument source
  • 1 Method source
• Reach a conclusion arguing for your position referencing all four sources. Be sure to take opposing sides seriously. (This should be approximately 1 page long).
• Your final paper will be approximately 500 words in length.
• Cite each source according to the APA Style 7th edition or another style of your choosing.