What This Document Is
Worksheet A2 is a critical early-stage assignment for students enrolled in WRIT 340: Advanced Writing at the University of Southern California. It’s designed to guide you through the initial, crucial phases of selecting and evaluating a compelling issue for in-depth research and argumentation. This worksheet focuses on preliminary exploration – identifying potential problems worthy of investigation and beginning to assess their complexity. It’s a foundational step before committing to a specific topic for a larger writing project. The assignment emphasizes source evaluation and preliminary problem analysis.
Why This Document Matters
This worksheet is particularly valuable if you’re feeling overwhelmed by potential research topics or unsure how to narrow your focus. It’s ideal for use *before* significant time is invested in research, helping you avoid pursuing avenues that may lack sufficient depth or argumentative potential. Students who utilize this worksheet effectively will be better prepared to formulate a strong research question and develop a focused, persuasive argument. It’s most beneficial when completed thoughtfully and honestly, as a self-assessment of topic viability.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This worksheet does *not* provide a list of pre-approved topics. It won’t offer definitive answers about which issue is “best” or provide completed examples of strong evaluations. It also doesn’t offer guidance on conducting the research itself – it focuses solely on the *selection* and *initial assessment* of potential issues. It requires independent thought and critical engagement with current events and scholarly sources.
What This Document Provides
* A structured framework for identifying three potential research issues.
* Guidance on locating relevant source materials, with considerations for source quality.
* A series of probing questions designed to assess the significance and complexity of each issue.
* A method for evaluating existing policies related to the chosen issues.
* A space to brainstorm potential solutions and consider their feasibility.
* A comparative analysis structure for evaluating multiple potential topics.
