At least he thought it was a bright idea.
As he read a topic prompt — "Should the government be allowed to wire tap without permission?" — he paused for a moment.
"No, the government should not be allowed to wire tap without permission because that is an invasion of privacy," he stated. "My paper's done."
Hmmm. Funny.
Of course, I shifted into teacher mode and explained that information in research papers needs to be documented. There needs to be some evidence that supports the writer's thesis.
My students knew that, but they're always trying to be funny. It worked. I smiled.
Then I considered how one-sentence responses to research paper prompts would sound.
With thanks to Midway College, www.midway.edu/library/topics, for a list of potential research paper topics, I offer these responses ... some serious, some in line with my students' thoughts.
Topic: Why are there so many wars in Africa?
Response: Perhaps because people fight when they are hungry and oppressed.
Topic: Should it be illegal to use animals for sports and entertainment?
Response: Does that mean I can't toss a Frisbee to my dog in our backyard?
Topic: Should state or federal government officials put laws into place to prevent bullying?
Response: They wouldn't have to consider laws on bullying if some parents would set a better example.
Topic: Should DDT be re-approved for use in the wake of recent bedbug outbreaks across the country?
Response: Isn't there another way to get rid of those critters?
Topic: Exams often do little more than measure a person's ability to take exams. Should exams be outlawed in favor of another form of assessment?
Response: My students would say: YES!!!!
