To what extent do you agree with this statement, and why? Draw on ONE of the following wicked problems to illustrate your answer:

• Climate change
• Obesity
• Overfishing 
• Indigenous disadvantage in Australia

How to write a Research Essay

1. Finding, reading and selecting your sources

At a minimum, this essay will reference 5 sources identified by the student, in addition to the subject readings (10-15 references in total). Your references should primarily include academic journals and books. The University library has developed a useful resource on how to evaluate your sources, and can be found in the subject LMS page.

 2. Writing the Introduction

In the introduction you will need to do the following things:  Present relevant background to the topic and its significance·  Introduce your ‘wicked problem’·  Define terms or concepts when necessary·  Explain the aim/purpose of the essay·  Reveal your plan of organization for the essay·

3. Writing the Body

  Build your essay around points you want to make (i.e., don’t let your sources organize your paper)·  Integrate your sources into your discussion·  Be critical, and where relevant present two sides of an argument·  Give examples where relevant·  Summarize, analyse, explain, and evaluate published work rather than merely reporting it·  Make sure you have answered the topic question – to what extent do you agree with the statement·

4. Writing the Conclusion

 If the argument or point of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize the argument for your reader.·  If prior to your conclusion you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding· inductively, use the end of your paper to add your points up, to explain their significance.  Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction.