Research papers should be at least approximately 10 pages at least and written according to MLA standards. Students are to take a controversial topic as in the previous essay assignments and EXPLORE both sides. Students MUST begin the research paper with their thesis (position statement) in the FIRST paragraph. Remember: a position statement MUST be decisive. Example: My position is pro-life and all life is precious (or something similar but be assertive but not aggressive nor lackadasical).