Final answer:
In an argumentative research essay, sources should critically support the author's thesis and be chosen with a discerning eye. An annotated bibliography aids this process, requiring critical reading to evaluate different perspectives and evidence. The focus should remain on the author's own argument, using sources to support rather than dominate the paper.
Step-by-step explanation:
Critical Reading and Annotated Bibliographies in Research
When writing an argumentative research essay, every source should contain a critical argument on the reading you've chosen for your research paper. Critical reading plays a significant role in understanding arguments and constructing a strong, persuasive essay. Remember, texts by authors reflect their perspectives and agendas. Hence, it is crucial to approach readings with a critical mindset to uncover these perspectives and to engage with them intellectually.
Creating an annotated bibliography is a fundamental step in the research writing process. It requires a judicious selection of sources that not only provide different views on the topic but also strengthen your thesis with solid evidence. Each chosen source should be analyzed critically, looking at what the author is trying to prove and whether the argument is adequately defended with proof. This critical analysis will contribute to the depth and authority of your own argument.
Drafting your paper should not become a retelling of others' critical arguments. Instead, your own close reading and interpretation should guide the argument while situating it amongst the scholarly work of others. It is essential to subordinate the views of critics to your own and use their arguments to support, rather than overshadow, your ideas.
Formulating Your Argument
Before selecting sources, draft a thesis statement that states your position on the topic. As you work with sources, remember to use them to enhance and back up your own argument, proving your thesis. The sources should not run away with your paper; instead, they should support the argument that you have carefully crafted and developed through your own insights and critical analysis.