Essay 3 – Research Essay Assignment – Conspiracy Theories! Typed Draft Due Friday, March 26 at 11:00 am

• Due Friday by 11am
• Points 100
• Submitting a file upload (Turnitin enabled)

Essay 3 Conspiracy Theories 1111.pdf

Research Essay Assignment – Conspiracy Theories!

For this assignment, you will research a popular conspiracy theory. These theories have not been proven due to their lack of concrete evidence, which is why they are still considered a theory. Your task is to select a popular conspiracy theory, provide background information on the theory, research the reasons behind the theory and then provide either the flaw(s) or the reason(s) why they are true!

To put it simply, a conspiracy theory is an alternative explanation to an event. In order for a conspiracy theory to first begin, there has to be some lack of evidence or something that may not make sense. Unfortunately, what makes it a conspiracy and not reality is the lack of hard evidence. This is why it’s difficult to prove a conspiracy theory.

These are important questions when looking at any conspiracy theory:

• Does it make sense and/or is it reasonable?
• Is there enough evidence to support the theory?
• Does the conspiracy theory actually explain what happened?

Process:

• Select your conspiracy theory.
• Begin researching the theory.
• EITHER Find reasons/sources to support the theory OR find three reasons/sources to discount the theory.
• Begin the rough draft of your essay.

Expectations:

• Your essay should be a minimum of three (3) pages and a maximum of five (5).
• Your essay should have an introduction, at least three body paragraphs and a conclusion.
• Your introduction must have a thesis statement that indicates a clear, reason(s) for your theory.
• Double-space your essay
• Type out your essay
• Write in third person
• Include a captivating title
• Indent each paragraph
• Keep paragraphs balanced (include the approximate number of sentences in each)
• ALL sources needed to be cited accordingly to MLA or APA style

CHECK OUT THESE YOUTUBE VIDEOS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED

Why We Love Conspiracy Theories (And Why They Are So Popular Today)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0ojY3c8KWY (Links to an external site.)

25 Conspiracy Theories That Actually Ended Up Being True

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3ZzokgIcgQ (Links to an external site.)

HERE ARE SOME POSSIBLE TOPIC IDEAS

9/11

The earth is flat

The moon doesn’t exist

Electronic banking is being used by the government to steal people’s identities

The AIDS virus is an artificial disease

The FDA is withholding a cure for cancer or AIDS

Michael Jackson is still alive

Vaccinations cause Autism

Global Warming has been invented and is not real

Illuminati

To successfully complete this assignment, your essay must include at least five outside sources of research information pertaining to your specific conspiracy theory. You must cite or quote from three of these sources.

These may include book chapters, articles taken from books, magazine articles, journal articles, newspaper articles, reviews, or internet website information.

Your essay must contain the following elements:

A clear thesis statement located in your introduction and supported throughout the paper.

Correct MLA or APA citations for all quotations, paraphrases, or summaries.

Pitfalls:

Using another person’s work without giving them credit.

Presenting a list of facts rather than organizing your material into a single, coherent essay.

Format:

Your paper, appropriately titled, should be between three and four typed pages, double-spaced, in a 12-point font. Include the word count at the top of the page.

Please put your name, the title of the course and index number, and the date on the top left-hand corner of the first page. Your title should be centered on the first page below your name, and you should begin your text one line below your title.