For example, read this argumentative research paper, "Guided into a Disaster," written by Ryan, a student who completed this course. (Your final paper will look much like this.) It is a fine example of a paper written on a subject of interest to the student: mountain climbing. Ryan learned lots about mountain climbing--as well as about how to build a solid argument--on the main journey of writing this paper.

So how do you begin your journey? You begin a research paper as you begin any type of paper--by choosing a topic. It is important to choose a topic that is not too broad. Otherwise, down the road, you may end up with enough material to write twenty research papers. Avoid the mistake made by many beginning research paper writers--confusing a "Topic" (a focused research idea) with a "Subject" (a very broad research area). You can avoid this mistake by learning how to narrow a Subject into a Topic--the first phase in your journey of writing an argumentative research paper.

Let's begin by considering more fully the difference between a Subject and a Topic.