Describe The myth that the kohinoor diamond was a gift to the British from India
Argumentative Research Essay Prompt
The theme for this course is Engaging Common Myths. In the first part of class, we explore common myths about science and American history, including myths about food and nutrition, “heroification” myths about well-known historical figures, and myths about indigenous societies of the Americas prior to settler-colonialism. By critically analyzing these readings, we develop an understanding of the purpose, goals, and forms of academic research and discourse.
Specifically, we learn that research often begins when a researcher recognizes a problem with how we understand some issue or topic, conducts research to develop a better understanding of that issue or topic, and then makes an argument for why others should adopt this new way of thinking, thus seeking to improve everyone’s understanding. For professional researchers and academics, this process occurs in very specific areas of research, and these researchers participate in conversations with relatively few other experts. Since this is an introductory college research writing class, we will engage in this research process on topics related to common misunderstandings among the general public.
This theme allows for a wide range of student-driven research projects. With guidance from the teacher, each student will identify a myth or misunderstanding about science or history and pursue a research project that engages that myth, shows why it is a myth or misunderstanding, shows why this myth or misunderstanding persists despite facts to the contrary, and describes the cost of our misunderstanding and what we gain from a better understanding. We will spend a considerable amount of time developing ideas for research projects.
Introduction section (2-4 paragraphs)
Introduce your topic in a way that engages your reader. Perhaps consider opening with an example of the myth “in the wild,” as it were. Start your essay by showing someone talking/writing out your topic in a way that misunderstands it (that is, shows or exhibits the myth).
Identify the myth and explain the myth briefly.
Explain briefly why it is important to address this myth and to understand the topic better.
State your thesis or the main point you want to make in your essay about the myth you are engaging
Body Section (5-7 paragraphs)
Make arguments about the topic and the correct or more accurate way to understand the topic (i.e., you are “debunking” the myth in these arguments)
Engage opposing/differing arguments from your own by 1) acknowledging the argument (briefly summarizing it, making sure to be fair and accurate and giving appropriate context) and 2) responding to the argument by explaining why you disagree and what you find lacking in this perspective’s argument.
Conclusion Section (2-4 paragraphs)
Briefly restate main point in different words (not exact language as thesis)
Make arguments for why this new understanding (your arguments about the topic) is important. Answer the questions: “So what?” and “Why does this matter?” In other words, why is it better for people to understand your topic in the way you describe (the answer can’t just be that now readers understand it better — understanding the issue better should mean that we think and act differently about something else related to the issue)
