This Midterm assignment is a College Research Paper which is a paper which requires research and in-text citations for support of the main idea. You have a list of topics to choose from for your research paper. A total of 50 points possible on this paper which will be graded on the following: 15 points = Thesis statement and introduction 20 points = Supporting paragraphs to thesis statement 10 points = Summary paragraph which demonstrates how you supported and answered your thesis statement and you conclusion 5 points = References noted and follow the style guide The topic is: Option 3: Affordable Care Act - What is affordable care act, when was it implemented and why? Describe who is and will be impacted by this act, and what has been done to the act since its implementation within the current Healthcare Arena. The Research Paper Instructions - Elements You Should Include in the Introduction of a Research Paper The introduction to a research paper is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an introduction to what your audience is about to read about. Every sentence should transition fluidly in succession from the general to the specific, guiding the reader to a specific argument you will be making on a topic. This being said, it’s still one of the most difficult parts of a research paper to write. We’ve scoured resources and found both great and terrible introductions. And we found that the best research paper introductions each have the following three elements in common: 1. Contain a general introduction to the topic. Start your research paper with a few sentences that introduce the topic to your reader. You don’t have to get too detailed at this point; you should save details for the body of your paper. You do, however, want to work your way towards a more precise thesis statement as you go. For instance, let’s say your research paper is on passenger airplane safety standards in the 21st century. Your first couple of sentence may talk about introduce the subject with a generalization of airplane safety standards. Your next few sentences could bring up some questions or concerns that are of interest to the public and your audience. Finally, you should take a clear position in your thesis at the end of the paragraph 2. Is interesting to read and hooks the reader. Make the introduction interesting enough to hook the reader and compel him or her to continue. Don’t start the paper with the obvious, “In this essay, I will” or “This essay is about” – both are weak introductions that should never lead a research paper. Start strong. If you’ve come across an interesting quote or a fact about the topic you are introducing, start with that. Don’t underestimate the potential of a great anecdote that can be tied to the topic you will be presenting. If you’re going to lead your research paper with an anecdote, you should look for moments in your personal experience that is short and is an example of the larger point of your essay. While anecdotes are effective leads, they can also confuse your audience if the connection isn’t clear. 3. Includes a well-written and clear thesis. We list this first because a thesis will guide the rest of your research paper and is, therefore, the most important piece. Your thesis statement should be as clear and specific as possible. You should write the thesis so that it guides your arguments through your first draft, but also be open to refine your thesis as your arguments develop more precisely. Your thesis is no exception to the rest of your writing: it should be as clear as possible. You want to ensure your reader understands exactly what you mean. Your thesis statement should be limited to you can accomplish in the assignment’s word limit. A well-crafted research paper introduction will reflect well-crafted ideas. For the reader, it will signal a writer who has intelligence and commitment to the topic. Keeping these elements in mind as you craft your introduction should help your research paper stay focused and on topic. Essay Format and Content Guidelines: At least 4 pages - minimum of 2000 words ( typically a page is 500 words) The cover page should include - title of the paper, name of the student writing it, class name and semester Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement on the 1st page Address the topic of the paper with critical thought in structured paragraphs. Followed by a support and or example of the thesis statement Conclusion paragraph should refer back to the opening paragraph and make connection with the thesis statement. Reference Page ( at least 4 references ) Style: Must be double-spaced pages and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved style guide.12 pt fonts - Margins – 1” top, bottom, right, and left – DO NOT INCREASE MARGINS TO 1.25 Alignment – left side – DO NOT PUT ON JUSTIFIED. Note: APA Format – after a period one space – NOT TWO.