Posted: April 25th, 2025

Research Ess@y

First upload: Directions to the p@per, please read carefully so you don’t miss anything and stay on track.

Second upload: My topic is the 7th question, you can take some information from this sheet to help you get a head start on the p@per!

Third: upload: Thesis statement handout to help you write a strong thesis for this professors expectations.

Fourth upload: P@per outline, please follow classical pattern if possible.

Fifth upload: Helps you organize your paragraphs so everything moves smoothly, please please please please please make sure your paragraphs transition smoothly after each paragraph break.

Sixth upload: Color coding sheet!!!!!!! This p@per NEEDS to be color coded and have a works cited page, if one or both are missing it’s an INSTANT FAIL. Please make sure to color code the things needed!

Seventh upload: Helps you stay on track with your first page and your works cited page.

Eighth upload: This is an A+ example p@per that you can refer back on if you need to compare p@pers or are confused with color coding. Do not be afraid to use this p@per as a comparison!

Ninth upload: Grading sheet!!!! Everything needs to be in the excellent category please! I need an A on this p@per desperately!

Side notes: My topic is based off of AI, look at second upload for more information on the topic you will be writing about. P@per must be 7 pages or more (that is NOT including the works cited pages). Absolutely NO PLARGIARISM!!!!!!! Do NOT switch the topic, I am paying you to write on the topic chosen.

I NEED AN A

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English 1121: College Writing and Critical Reading Paper #

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Persuasive Research & Proposal Paper

The assignment: All of us are members of different communities—our home town community, our
college community, our statewide community, and communities related to our faith, our hobbies, and our
interests, and more. Choose a current controversial topic within a community in which you belong. You
must be undecided about the issue/controversy. You must also not write about a topic you have
previously or are currently writing about for another class.

You will research the issue, determine your stance, and write a persuasive paper where you convince the
reader of your stance. The paper must also include a proposal that offers a solution to the problem.

The assignment requires that you

1. conduct thorough academic research to educate yourself about the
controversy;

2. in clear writing, explain the controversy;
3. take a stand on the issue and write persuasively;
4. demonstrate critical thinking in your arguments with support from

reputable, academic sources;
5. refute the best arguments from those who hold an opposing point

of view;
6. offer a solution in a clear and reasonable proposal;
7. use and cite sources appropriately according to MLA 8th edition

format.

Specifics about what to do in the paper:
1. The title and introduction should grab a reader’s attention.
2. In the first page, give an overview of the issue, explain its importance, and clearly state your thesis.
3. The paper must have a narrow focus and remain persuasive and focused on the controversy.
4. The body of the paper must be organized and use strong transitions. Each paragraph must address

one of the controversy’s points and begin with a claim that directly supports/relates to your thesis.
5. You must address both the points you agree with and refute the opposition’s primary points with

solid research and critical thinking.
6. Each paragraph must show a depth of research by using and citing information from at least three

academic sources per paragraph.
7. You must correctly and appropriately integrate enough research/source material using all three

methods—summary, paraphrase, and direct quotation. (Keep direct quotations to a minimum—no
more than 15-20% of the paper should be direct quotations.)

a. Summary & Paraphrase: When you use any information/evidence from a source (words or
ideas) and integrate those facts, examples, ideas, etc. using summary or paraphrase, you
must follow the information you’ve used with proper in-text citations. The sources must
also be listed on the Works Cited page.

b. Direct Quotations: When you use three or more words in a row from any source, you
must both put those words in quotation marks and follow them with the proper in-text
citations. The sources must also be listed on the Works Cited page.

Photo by Hannah Olinger from Unsplash

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8. You must integrate your own analysis and critical thinking. (Each paragraph should be 50%
research and 50% your own analysis/critical thinking.)

9. Maintain academic language and tone, and write in third person for the majority of the paper.
10. Make your personal connection to the controversy clear, and in those parts of the paper, it is fine

to use first person “I.” (Your own experience is a form of evidence.)
11. Your paper must end with a specific, clear proposal that offers a logical and compelling solution.
12. Your paper must use varied, stylistic sentences and be free of grammar and punctuation error.
13. You must use MLA 8th edition in-text citations after all use of source/research material in each

paragraph.
14. You must have a corresponding Works Cited page that cites all sources used and cited with in-text

citations in the paper.

Research guidelines: You must find the best and most recent sources available to effectively argue your
position—a minimum of six different, credible, and effective sources.

• The majority of your sources must be from
the library databases (Library Search, Ebsco,
Proquest, CQ Researcher, etc.).

• You may not use only Internet sources.
(Online database sources like Ebsco,
Proquest, etc. are not considered Internet
sources.) If you do use a couple of sources
found via Google searches, they must come
from credible sources.

• Your paper must include correct in-text
citations and a Works Cited page. Papers
without a Works Cited page and/or in-text citations will receive a 0.

• Do not plagiarize.

Length: A minimum of seven complete pages, not including the Works Cited page.

Audience/Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is a) for you to educate yourself about a current
controversy that is important to you and is part of a community in which you belong, b) for you to take a
stand after conducting your research, and for you to persuade your audience. The audience for this paper
is, of course, me, but it’s also a group of undecided individuals as well as your particular community.

Choosing a Research Paper Topic
Below is a list of broad topics. You may not use these topics or any related topics:

Abortion or fetal tissue for research Welfare
Climate change Human cloning
Death penalty Euthanasia
Gun control/the NRA Lowering the Drinking Age
Juveniles being punished as adults for crime Legalizing Marijuana for medical or
Homosexual right to marry/adopt children/ recreational purposes

serve in the military Alaskan Wildlife Refuge
Creationism vs. Evolution Violence in Video Games

Animals used for cosmetic or medical testing Homework (whether it should be assigned)

Photo by Andrew Neel from Unsplash

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Photo by Isaiah Rustad from Unsplash

Why can’t you write your paper on these topics?

1. Some of these topics have been discussed for years;
opponents have offered and dissected almost every
argument, leaving little that’s new to say.

2. For some of these topics, it is difficult to write a
persuasive paper that would be convincing to the
other side because of opposing religious beliefs or
conflict regarding a primary point that is crucial to
the argument. (For example, on the subject of
abortion,
Pro Life advocates and Pro Choice advocates disagree as to when life actually begins.)

3. Some of these issues are too big to discuss in a paper of this length. (For example, to do a
thorough paper on euthanasia, a student would have to examine both active and passive euthanasia
and the arguments that accompany both, which could be a book-length manuscript.)

What topic should you choose?

• One that is interesting to you and one that is current to one of your personal communities.

• One about which you have not yet made up your mind. (This is crucial!)

• Narrow your topic as much as possible. Keep in mind the length of your paper.

• One that is controversial and is not just a matter of opinion.

Photo by Zachary Nelson from Unsplash

Paper #3: Research Paper

English 1121

10 points

Research Question Assignment

By now, you have an idea of what you want to write about for the Research Paper. You know that the topic must be a current controversy within a community of which you are a member. (We are using the word “member” loosely; you don’t have to be an “official” member with a certificate or anything!) You know that you must be undecided about the issue.

Answer the following questions:

1. Explain the current controversy you would like to write about.

a. The dispute revolves around the question of whether such a body should be getting rid of the facial recognition technology or not which is used for the purpose of surveillance and identification activities. Proponents contend that it does improve public security by helping faster identification of suspects, preventing crime through early detection, and does a better operation of search by locating missing persons. On the other hand, they argue that the adoption of algorithms and machine learning techniques adds to their armaments and efficiency and hence, makes them an indispensable element of their modern-day strategies. Nevertheless, the opponents are right in pointing out that privacy can be at high stake, just in case these technologies are being abused by the government, and AI we’re already labeled can be inaccuracy, specifically in the poor and disadvantaged persons.

2. What is the community? (In other words, who would have a stake in this issue?)

a. These groups of stakeholders have various interests, which are all interconnected and help to shape the direction towards which the outcome of this issue will turn. Many citizens who are concerned as well as those concerned about their personal rights and liberties propose tough regulations and workable oversight that test against abuse. Law Enforcement not only exploits but also implements facial technology as a tool to elevate their investigation capabilities but also maintain the public’s safety. Technology companies that produce and sell these technologies are not at all interested in their discontinuation and stagnation in development but in their further growth. Politicians confront the dilemma of choosing deference to security interests over the latter of fundamental rights as well as public attitudes.

3. How do you belong/fit in to or with this community?

a. As a concerned citizen, a representative voice for the community, which is directly affected by the use of facial recognition systems, I belong to the community that is most affected by these technologies. I, too, am fascinated by the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, if implemented inappropriately, the new technology could undermine the freedoms of individuals and the traditional values of society. Being a member of this community, I know very well that civilized debates involving informed people and intentional advocacy for responsible governance of emerging technologies are significant at this period.

4. What keeps you undecided about this issue?

a. Although I acknowledge the significance of face recognition technology at the police units, I am still of two minds about its wide application because there are several unsettled matters regarding its utilization. Proponents abound, supporting the idea that facial recognition technology is effective, while opponents argue that privacy infringement, misuse by security forces, and inaccuracies are real concerns. The insufficient governmental rules and the absence of control and accountability mechanisms also make the situation more complex, providing opportunities to authorities for improper or unauthorized use.

b.

5. What do you need to learn to take a stance on the issue?

a. By that, I find myself at a juncture of the necessity to put my fingers even deeper into diverse factors underlying such technology. This includes exploration as to its technical capability, limitations, and the recognition of its accuracy, as well as ethical and legal issues that may be involved in its application. Alongside that, I plan to survey for alternative methods of attainment of public security objectives as well as the preservation of individual human rights and freedoms Along with discussions with diverse student lives, use of empirical research, and experienced analysis, one will be able to have a comprehensive knowledge of the issue.

b.

6. Where do you think you’ll find the most valuable and reputable information?

a. To provide the desired and trustworthy facts, I will use a diversity of sources such as peer-reviewed research articles, position papers by NGOs promoting human rights, studies made by IT professionals, and law school papers. Facial recognition technology (facial tech) is under thorough scrutiny by academic journals and particularly by reviewed publications, through a lens that inspects both the technical, ethical as well as social ramifications. Reports attained from the civil liberties bodies will be a source of information about human rights problems, possible discrimination, and advising on regulatory provisions to be followed. To complement these views, the experiences and positions of law enforcement agencies, civil policymakers, and people directly impacted provide invaluable information about the barriers and ethical considerations around its implementation.

A research question is the overall issue in the form of a question. It’s the question that guides your research. It’s the question to which you want to find an answer.

7.
Type your research question below. (Keep in mind that often these questions start with the word “should.”)

Given that facial recognition technology is widely used today for surveillance and identification purposes by law enforcement agencies, should privacy concerns be one reason to abstain from using such technology considering issues, such as probable bias, accuracy issues, etc.?

Writing a

Thesis

Statement:

By now, you know your topic. You’ve turned in your research question and have had it approved by me. You have conducted research, read your topic, and now have come to an informed stance on the issue. Fill out this graphic below (available in Content in D2L) with your topic, research question, and your thesis. Remember that your thesis is the answer to your research question.

Typical problems with thesis statements:

·
The problem of not taking a stand:

· “Some people are for and some people are against an advanced recycling program in Coon Rapids.” (Not a thesis!)

·
The problem of not being subject to disagreement:

· There is a lot of argument over whether or not puppy mills in the United States should be stopped. (This is fact—not a thesis!)

·
The problem of no scope:

· Immigration is a huge problem all around the world, and something must be done. (Woah!—Too big and lacks focus!)

·
The problem of not being a complete sentence/statement:

· Should felons have their voting rights reinstated after being released from prison? (Not a thesis!)

Check your thesis:

· _____ Does it take a stand? It must to be a thesis. (It cannot be a question.)

· _____ Is it subject to disagreement? It must be to be a thesis. (It cannot be stating a fact or use “I.”)

· _____ Is it a complete sentence/statement? It must be to be a thesis.

· _____ Does it convey the scope of the paper’s focus?

· For example, if you’re writing about something education-related, does it specify what levels of education—primary, secondary, post-secondary?

· Another example, if you write about something related to children, do you specify if you mean all children under 18 or if you’re examining a more specific group?

· Or if it’s about a law, is it clear if it’s state or federal?

· _____ The thesis may be one to three sentences.

· _____ Good thesis statements include why. Include a word like “because” in your thesis statement.

· _____ Have you done all of this? Hooray!

Topic

First, know/list your topic:

Research Question

Thesis

Finally, your thesis answers the research question:

Second, write your research question:

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STUDENTS: THIS DOCUMENT IS JUST THE TEXT VERSION OF THE POWERPOINT.

Organizing a Research Paper

The Classical Pattern

The Classical Pattern

• Introductory Paragraph

A. Grabs the reader’s attention

-startling fact or statistic

-interesting example

-quotation from an authority, etc.

B. Sets the context for the issue.

C. Sometimes contains the thesis statement.

The Classical Pattern

• Background Information

A. Basic information needed for understanding the position being argued.

B. This can be in the first paragraph (if it’s interesting enough), or it can be in a paragraph or two of its own in the second or third paragraph.

C. Not be too much background information (no more than 2 pars.)

The Classical Pattern

• Reasons & Evidence to support the position being argued.

A. This is the core of the essay.

B. Each point/claim should be addressed in an individual paragraph.

C. Each point must be supported with specific details, examples, testimony, statistics, or facts from source materials.

The Classical Pattern

• Anticipation of the objections and responses to them.

A. Mention the strongest arguments by the opposition and refute them.

*Make it clear that it’s a point with which you disagree.

B. Don’t ignore the opposition’s arguments!

The Classical Pattern

• Conclusion/Proposal

A. Explain how your proposal will solve the problem (or be a 1st step).

B. Remember that good ways to begin a paper are also good ways to end it (startling fact, interesting anecdote, quotation from an authority, etc.)

C. You may end with a quotation, an idea or detail mentioned in the beginning that brings the essay full circle, or a suggestion addressed to the reader.

Other points about the proposal

• Conclusion/Proposal

A. Do not say “Thus we see” or “In conclusion.”

B. Your proposal may be one page or four pages. There is no length maximum.

C. Here is the opportunity for you to share your ideas. But don’t use “I”!

Organizing a Research Paper

Two more approaches—

Really basic outlines

Another Approach

• Introduction

• Overview of the issue / background

• Thesis

• Address the opposition’s best points and refute them immediately

• Address all of the points
for the position being argued

• Conclusion/Proposal

Another approach

• Introduction
• Overview of the issue / background

• Objectively give one side of the issue

• Objectively give the other side of the issue

• Thesis, proposal, and your arguments.

• Shoot down the arguments that disagree with your proposal.

• Also address those arguments that support your argument/proposal

• Don’t ignore any weaknesses in your argument/proposal.

VI. Conclusion

STUDENTS, THIS IS THE TEXT FROM THE POWERPOINT BY THE SAME NAME.

Organizing paragraphs

in a research paper

Organizing paragraphs

• Begin each paragraph with a claim.

a. The claim should be your own words, not someone else’s. In other words, do NOT use a direct quote.

b. Like the thesis statement, each claim should take a stand on a particular point.

c. Claims are stronger without “I think” and “I feel.” Don’t use “I.”

Organizing paragraphs

ii. Support your claims in the body of the paragraph.

a. Use evidence from the source—examples, expert testimony, and statistics/facts.

b. Vary how you incorporate the evidence. Use paraphrase and summary the majority of the time. Reserve direct quotations for powerful statements.

Organizing paragraphs

• Include explanation/analysis

a. Here’s where you show your critical thinking. Remember that you are persuading your reader.

b. In other words, here is your opportunity to explain the evidence and/or point out problems with the evidence.

c. Remember, don’t use “I”!

d. Each paragraph should contain about 50% evidence and 50% analysis.

Simplified Example paragraph

•
Claim: Some advocates of face recognition technology argue that it’s a cheap solution, but this assertion is incorrect.

•
Evidence: In 1998, Dr. Joseph Atick, the President of Visionics, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Financial Services. In his testimony, Atick declared that the ingredients needed for success were a sixty-dollar camera and a person’s face to scan (United States House of Representatives 3).

•
Analysis: Unfortunately, this is an oversimplification. This number doesn’t include the price of the software itself, the personnel needed to monitor the system, or any other associated costs.

Paragraphs

n Keep in mind that the previous paragraph was SIMPLIFIED. It used only one source and included only a bit of analysis.

n Typical paragraphs should have evidence from at least three sources in each paragraph.

n Typical paragraphs should also contain just as much analysis by YOU the author of the paper.

SIMPLIFIED Example paragraph

Aspartame is harmful to a person’s health. The second poisonous chemical found in aspartame is Aspartic acid (aspartate). Aspartate is an amino acid that can be found in the brain functioning as a neurotransmitter. In conditions where brain cells are exposed to amounts of aspartate in excess, the end result is overstimulation and cell death. Neuroscientist Dr. John Olney has conducted several experiments with rats that demonstrated cell death in the brain when aspartate was administered orally (Metcalfe 4-6). Since this chemical is poisonous and causes brain damage in rats, Americans should be concerned about the adverse effects it may have on people.

Other reminders:

n You may have heard that a paragraph must be a minimum of three sentences. In a research paper, however, a three sentence paragraph is generally underdeveloped.

n Be sure to cite all evidence in a paragraph with a parenthetical citation (Brown 24).

COLOR CODING

Color-Coding is a way to visually see what’s happening in a paragraph. Here’s the highlighting code:

Green=thesis statement

Yellow=the paragraph’s claim

Turquois/blue=the student’s own analysis and commentary

No highlighting=information from source material. This information must be followed with an in-text citation.

I have color-coded the following student paragraph as an example.
What’s good about this paragraph?

· Notice that the paragraph starts with the claim.

· Then, it’s followed by a 50/50 balance of information from sources and commentary by the student.

· The student’s commentary is sprinkled in throughout the paragraph, not just in a block at the end.

· Notice also that the student uses information from
five sources and incorporates that information through summary, paraphrase, and direct quote,
all followed by an in-text citation.

HOW YOU WILL USE COLOR-CODING:

· You will be required to color-code your peer group workshopping and final draft with these colors, which I’ve chosen because the text is still easy to read. This highlighting is available in Microsoft Word.

· Make sure that you are highlighting the text like I have below, not just changing the actual color of the text, which becomes very hard to read.

· Why do you need to color code?

· Color-coding helps you see what’s happening in your paragraph.

· Your claim should be the first sentence.

· Anything that you don’t highlight is from a source, so it must be followed by an in-text citation in order not to plagiarize.

· You should have your own commentary and analysis throughout the paragraph and not just at the end.

· Once you color-code, it’s easy to see if there’s a 50/50 balance of source material and analysis.

· SEE THE STUDENT EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE.

Research Paper Example Paragraph

Student author: Clayton Watercott

High Speed Rail is safer and more reliable than auto and air travel, resulting in less stressful transportation. Anyone who’s been caught on the freeway in a Midwestern snowstorm would probably admit it isn’t fun. With cars sliding into the ditch and into one another, already high levels of traffic slow to a crawl. HSR has no such issue. And now with funding for upgrading track signaling systems, passenger rail travel in the U.S. will become increasingly safer and more efficient (Rosenthal 2). One expert even claims, “In 45 years of operation, carrying over 7 billion passengers, the Japanese system has never had a single fatality” (Kunz 2). Weather problems also plague the already overcrowded U.S. airport system. One storm can delay or cancel numerous flights and have ripple effects far outside the region that had the storm. In winter weather, planes become extremely fickle and unsafe, requiring more time for de-icing before take-off. Stories abound of people being stranded in airports for days because of one storm. Due to the unpredictable nature of air travel, many American business travelers covet the high speed rail services offered abroad (Kelly 1). Since rail service stays firmly on the ground it has, “less susceptibility to weather and other kinds of delays facing airlines” (Poticha 53). Even in good weather, HSR service is safer and more reliable. There is no threat of traffic fatalities due to drunk drivers or someone texting while driving. With ever increasing security measures, the time required at airports can far exceed that of relatively hassle free rail stations (Spivak 12). When taking all of this into consideration, the result is a more predictable and much less stressful traveling experience than any other mode of transportation currently provides.

Preparing your first page and Works Cited page:

Our activity this week is meant to ensure that all students are on the right track with their research paper’s focus and MLA in-text citations and Works Cited page.

Formatting: Follow MLA format—one-inch margins on all sides, remove extra space between paragraphs so the entire paper is double-spaced, center your paper’s title, use Times New Roman or Garamond 12-point font, insert your last name and page number in the header in the top right corner, etc
. See the many videos in the MLA Videos folder in Content for assistance.

What should be in the first page?

1. Include a catchy title and introductory paragraph:

1. The introductory paragraph must include an attention-getter, enough information so that a reader understands the controversy, and it must end with the thesis statement.

2. The second paragraph should be the background/overview paragraph:

1. In this paragraph, give the reader enough background/overview so that the reader can understand the issue. (See

OrganizingaResearchPaper).

2. In those two paragraphs combined, use information from
at least three academic sources from the databases, with all information followed by a proper in-text citation.

1. Remember that in-text citations follow all information found/learned from a source, whether you directly quote that information or put it in your own words (which is called a paraphrase).

2. Final drafts of papers must use all three forms of incorporating source material—direct quotations, paraphrases, and summaries. ALL must be followed with in-text citations that refer the reader to the source on the WC page.

3. Color-code your draft. (See the color-coding video explanation on the main page of our course as well as this handout:

Color Coding Explanation and Watercott Example Paragraph for Online Classes

.)

What about the Works Cited page?

1. Include a Works Cited page with a Works Cited citation for each source used and followed with an in-text citation in your first page. (Do
not include sources on the WC page that you have not yet used and followed with an in-text citation in the body of your paper.)

2. Your Works Cited page should be titled as such and be formatted according to the example on page 206 of your
WR Handbook (all double-spaced, first line left justified, second and third lines indented half an inch, etc.).

3. Review this handout:

Works Cited Quick Checklist.

Ybarra 1

Brittany Ybarra

Prof. Riehl

English 1121 Section 7

04 May 2021

Take Back Your Health

Have no fear fellow gym-enthusiasts, it is safe to head back to the gym during this global

pandemic. As of March of 2020, I too cancelled my gym membership as a result of the

unknowns of COVID-19. “After nearly 50 million check-ins [at gyms] over that three-month

period, the study found that a nominal 0.0023 percent tested positive for COVID-19”

(“National”). In this pandemic, it seems the regular trip to Walmart is now normalized while the

stereotypes of gyms are still deemed unsafe. After over a year living with the COVID-19 virus,

there is now more information as to what is acceptable and practicing precautions. Taking care of

ourselves mentally and physically is important now more than ever. Gyms and fitness centers are

just as safe as other businesses in regarding distancing, sanitization, and ventilation during

COVID-19. While considering the COVID-19 transmission factors such as perspiration and

respiration, there is more positive outcomes partaking in gym activities than negative outcomes

when considering mental and physical health during this pandemic.

On March 25, 2020, Minnesota’s businesses experience a nationwide stay-at-home order

in result of the coronavirus. This temporarily closes non-essential businesses, which includes

gyms and fitness facilities. In the months following, gyms and recreational centers began their

slow reopening, each with local guidelines and rules (Melo). For gyms, slow reopening involved

maximum capacities, check ins, and mask-wearing. Early in the pandemic, much was being

discovered about how safe each public area was, and fitness facilities could potentially hold high

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risk. The primary transmission of COVID-19 is in the manner of respiratory droplets dispersed

from the mouth when speaking or breathing, thus the use of masks. On July 24, 2020, Minnesota

Governor Tim Waltz declares a mask-mandate order. In this order, it is specified when exerting

strenuous activity at indoor facilities, masks are not required if physical distancing is in practice

(“Minnesota’s”). It is no wonder gyms are given the stereotype as unsafe with patrons heavy

breathing and sweating. Heading into December 18, 2020 an updated executive order is

announced. Waltz declared masks are required in all indoor environments, including fitness

facilities when exercising (“Face”). There is much controversy on whether fitness facilities are

safe or not. During this ongoing debate, the public suffers in the first year of COVID-19 by not

taking care of physical and mental health. Weight gain and alcoholic consumption are

normalized methods of coping. Come March 31, 2021, Minnesota gyms, fitness facilities, and

studios can now operate at a 50% capacity, exceeding the previous 25% (“Official”). Local

institutions welcome more people invested in their health. One year after COVID-19 impacted

populations around the globe, people are realizing how important it is to maintain physical and

mental health. While alcoholic consumption among other things was at first an easy relief of

stress, it is not realistic to be practicing long term. Many businesses are suffering from the

COVID-19 impact, including gyms. While getting back to a sense of normalcy when going out,

consider how gyms had safe practices long before COVID-19 even started.

Perspiration at the gym is not a realistic risk for COVID-19 transmission and can be

prevented. Sweat droplets from the body cannot transmit COVID-19 (“How COVID-19”).

Although the idea of sweating at the gym can be uncomfortable during these times, it is by no

means openly transmitting COVID-19. Only when the droplets are mixed with respiratory

droplets and into direct contact with a mucous membrane, can transmission be possible (“Can

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Sweat”). Transmission would mean wiping a hand over the mouth or nose and then directly

touching another person’s face. A group of 4.8% of the population have a medical condition

called Hyperhidrosis. This is extreme uncontrollable sweating (“Can Sweat”). Imagine the

worries this population had when COVID-19 began, and research had just begun about the

transmission factors. After extensive examination, to their relief, studies have shown sweat can

actually help prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Sweat has some inherent antimicrobial activity.

In fact, gaseous nitric oxide is being currently studied as a potential treatment for some of the

severe complications related to COVID-19″ (“Can Sweat”). Instead of the thought of sweat

instilling fear into the mind, sweat can prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Given this

knowledge, it is time to kick the stereotype to not return to the gyms because of sweat. Since

sweat can provide just a little bit of the body’s natural disinfectant, fitness centers should not be

feared as they have been. It is true that when at the gym, face touching is happening more

frequently by wiping sweat away. A simple solution is to bring a towel to use instead (Chamary).

If fitness members are following the guidelines, sweating itself does not provide a higher chance

of catching and transmitting COVID-19.

Fitness facilities provide more than adequate safety measures involving respiration that

prove them no greater risk than other businesses. COVID-19 is transmitted via respiratory

droplets deposited into mucous membranes during activities such as talking or breathing (“How

COVID-19”). During the spring of 2020, the mask-mandate affected states and cities differently.

Even though it was not required, a lot of gyms required masks to be worn always, even during

physical activity. The CDC stated, “To reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission in exercise facilities,

employees and patrons should wear a mask, even during high-intensity activities when more than

six feet apart” (Lin II). If members are exercising safely and wearing masks while more than six

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feet apart, breathing harder while exercising does not prove to be a risk factor for COVID-19. If

the CDC thought going to the gym was not safe, it would not be advocated for all over their

website. While breaking down public spaces and events, the CDC touches base on why it is a

bad idea to go to bars but advocates for “gym, fitness centers and studios” (“Personal”). After

public debate if it was safe to wear a mask while exercising, the matter was quickly settled. “A

2020 study concluded that wearing cloth or surgical face masks has no effect on exercise

performance for healthy people” (Visconti). Individuals are worried about oxygen levels and

carbon dioxide while exercising. Just like anything else, it takes some time to get used to, but it

is by no means unsafe. By keeping masks on, the population is protecting themselves and others

while getting back to working out. There are also plenty of safe and creative exercising masks to

shop for online to help one work out safely. On the contrary, last summer presented two

incidents where mass COVID-19 outbreaks were associated with fitness facilities. In both these

instances mask-wearing was sporadic, and members were allowed to remove their masks. Both

outbreaks were during strenuous sessions where members were symptomatic, or COVID-19

symptoms began the same day (Lin II). This proves that fitness facilities are the same as any

other business; if the COVID-19 guidelines are not being followed, there will be consequences.

Furthermore, fitness center employees can move freely and safely around open facilities. This

helps staff members to clearly see and correct non-mask wearers, resulting in efficiency of

enforcing the rules to stationary patrons. Compared to chasing down consumers walking around

with shopping carts down crowded aisles in a grocery store, gyms clearly have the upper hand on

mask implementation.

Proper ventilation is important for businesses being open safely during the COVID-19

pandemic, and gyms have equal to less risk as other businesses. While not a widely known topic,

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the CDC points out a subtle, but crucial factor in keeping our local business buildings open:

ventilation. “SARS-CoV-2 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors than

outdoors. Indoors, the concentration of viral particles is often higher than outdoors, where even a

light wind can rapidly reduce concentrations.” The CDC continues to point out easy tools to

improve ventilation for structures. This includes simple solutions such as opening windows and

utilizing fans (“Ventilation”). Compared to a typical retail building, gyms generally have many

more usable windows that have utilized before COVID-19 started. Fans are much more common

seen in a gym than any other local business. Gym structures have been literally built to keep their

members cool and circulate fresh air to maximize comfortability. Another factor in consideration

is the usage of outdoors. Many local fitness facilities are offering outdoor classes for creative and

safe solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic (Anderson). Gyms, fitness centers, and studio

classes have the amazing advantage of utilizing the outdoors, while not many other businesses

can do the same. There is no better ventilation than being outside. Minnesota guidance states that

classes may not be held with more than 25 participants indoors and no more than 50 members

outdoors (“Official”). Even with the natural ventilation of outdoors, restrictions are still in place

to keep members safe.

Gyms can control social distancing remarkably well compared to other businesses.

Staying six feet apart is engrained in everyday life now. As of March 2021, Minnesota had a

recent update in fitness center capacities, which is now 50% capacity is allowed, as compared to

25% capacity previously. If the structure cannot hold the 50% capacity while social distancing

six feet apart, it must hold only the amount of members the building can accommodate staying

six feet apart, even if that number is significantly less (“Official”). Gyms and fitness studios have

the benefit as being generally larger institutes. While even at smaller local gyms, if businesses

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cannot space the equipment out, centers are only using half of the equipment, shutting down

every other machine to maintain social distancing. This kind of social distancing can be

controlled remarkably well, being as equipment are already evenly spaced out. While touring a

facility, one center was “showing measures such as having every other piece of exercise

equipment turned off and plexiglass shields between each row of equipment” (Anderson).

Fitness centers are unique because members are stationary in areas for long period of time. This

has a large benefit. Members of the gym are socially distancing for a large proportion of their

visit by staying in consistent areas, resulting in less physical interaction. “A gym where you can

adequately social distance and you can limit the number of people there and force mask-wearing,

that’s one of the safer activities” (Stone). While members are stationary, staff can safely

maneuver the facility at a safe distance while able to protect themselves and members. This

results in better enforcement of distancing and keeping employees safe in their workplace.

Sanitization measures is much more frequent at gyms than at other businesses. The CDC

recommends to “wipe down frequently touched surfaces”, and to continue disinfecting and hand-

washing practices (“Personal”). Gyms and fitness centers already had sanitary stations set up

before the COVID-19 pandemic started. It is always encouraged to wipe down machines and

weights after use. Not only were stations already set up, but fellow gym patrons are already in

the habit of good sanitization practices. It is unsure whether the same can be said about Costco

members. Planet Fitness, a popular gym facility in the United States, boasts of their new

“disinfectant backpack sprayers” in which staff members carry on their back and hold out hose-

like sprayers, similar to leaf blowers (“Keeping”). Since most gyms have sanitization stations

already installed, centers across the nation are upping their sanitary game in different ways.

Anytime fitness shares on their website that all facilities will “be cleaned thoroughly a minimum

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of every 2 hours” (“In Response”). Many gyms I have frequented before the COVID-19

pandemic started already had a routine sanitization schedule. Even if it was just once at the end

of the day, that was more sanitization happening compared to any other public areas. On top of

extra sanitization levels, there is another huge talking point about fitness memberships and their

uniqueness of public coronavirus safety. “Gyms have a big advantage over other retail and

entertainment venues, because the membership model means those who may have been exposed

in an outbreak can be easily contacted” (Stone). Almost all gyms require memberships; each

member pays a monthly fee and has their own profile. This means that all facilities know exactly

who checked into a club and when it happened. This traces the virus and if it spreads and allows

gym faculty to connect with health members to inform them of exposure levels. This quality is

unique regarding gyms and is another reason why fitness centers are not something to be feared

during this pandemic.

Physical and mental health has never been more important than it is right now. On the

CDC website, before stating the risks to watch out for before attending the gym, there is first a

paragraph about how important physical activity is during this time of crisis (“Personal”).

Exercise has countless benefits on the body. Not only does it make us feel great, but it also

makes provides the body with more energy and boosts confidence. During this pandemic, it is

said the population has partaken in eating and consuming alcohol more frequently. “[during

COVID-19] 42% of adults put on weight an average of 29 pounds” (Muha)! Going to the gym

can be a healthy alternative of that money and energy. Instead of eating and drinking empty

calories, one can invest in their body and build strength and muscle. “[during COVID-19] 67%

of Americans developed sleep problems. 35% sleep less than desired, and 31% sleep more”

(Muha). Physical activity promotes healthy sleeping, which is much needed during this time.

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Exercising will also help boost the immune system, an important part of prevention when

considering contracting the virus. “The data shows that, with proper sanitization protocols in

place, people can safely return to their workout routines. Working out has never been more

important to help boost immunity and improve mental health. It’s time to acknowledge that gyms

are safe” (“National”). The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a toll on our mental health. It is

common now to hear radio, T.V. and social media advertisements encouraging everyone to

prioritize mental health during this time of crisis. It is a known fact that exercise can improve

mental health. “It’s almost laughable. I mean, it’s almost the exact opposite [of bars]. … People

here are investing in their health. They’re coming in, they’re focusing on what they’re trying to do

as far as their workout. They’re not socializing, they’re not sitting at a table and laughing and

drinking” (Stone). Whether realizing it or not, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress on the

body and mind. The “new normal” stress level acceptance tolerance has gone up. It is widely

known the most natural and greatest way to reduce anxiety and depression is exercise.

We need to break down the stereotype of gyms being unsafe. By doing this, we can take

part in physical activity to help us cope with this pandemic together in a healthy fashion. When it

comes to heading back to the gym, use best judgement and safety precautions. Just like everyone

else, local and large gym owners are frequently trying to stay up to date with new rules,

regulations, and restrictions. These rules must be followed in order to go about our daily life with

this new normal. “The mistake would be to assume that there is no risk. It’s just that a lot of the

prevention strategies have been working, and when we start to loosen those, though, is where

you’re more likely to see clusters occur.” (Stone). Along with each of us being vigilant, gyms are

creating incredible improvisations, such arrows guiding which way to go and high-end

ventilation systems. Some gyms even have incredible plastic-wrapped futuristic workout pods to

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replace mask-wearing (VanHoose). Just like any other business, not all facilities will be

completely compliant with local guidelines. This kind of rule-breaking has lives on the line.

Some companies boast of all the ways they are doing their part in preventing COVID-19 at their

facilities (“Keeping”). On other gym websites, it is hard to find acknowledgment of the COVID-

19 pandemic at all, such as at myxperiencefitness.com (Xperience). When returning to your

routine, if your regular gym does not follow the guidelines to keep you safe or if it makes you

uncomfortable, simply find a new gym that does. There will always be companies and business

owners that do not control the facility to what is acceptable to you. Find one that does and stick

with it.

Start from home when using your own precautions when heading back to the gym.

Revamp the gym bag with new COVID-19 essentials: breathable and dry masks, a towel to keep

the face-touching minimal, and a reusable water bottle to stay away from drinking fountains

(Kumar). Rethink your workout in terms of what will be most sanitary and safe. Keeping a mask

on and keeping your distance is another good start. Use an online check-in if available. Some

gyms have charts that show which hours are the busiest, so try to find a less crowded time to

head out to the gym (Planet). Remember to wash your hands, sanitize and disinfect as much as

you can, and try not touch your face. It is time to take back our health and get back to our gyms.

We need to do our research on what is safe and kick the stereotype that gyms are the worst place

to be during this pandemic. Over a year has passed since COVID-19 began and we cannot wait

any longer for our health to get back to normal, we need to do something about it now. “67% of

Americans report they’ve experienced a roller coaster of emotions during the pandemic. 47% say

they’ve struggled to manage stress (Muha). We cannot ignore this stress any longer, and it is time

to take charge of it. We are headed back to our normal routines, and a workout should be a part

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of that. If you were not a fellow gym member before, now may be a good time to start. It has

never been as dire to start taking care of yourself as it is right now.

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Works Cited

Anderson, David. “Harford County Fitness Centers See New Members in the New Year,

Returning Members Who Want the Community Feeling of Working out in

Person.” Aegis, The (Bel Air, MD), 21 Jan. 2021. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com.

“Can Sweat Spread COVID-19?” Globe Newswire, July 2020. sweathelp.org/sweat-help-

home/press-releases/470-can-sweat-spread-covid-19.html.

Chamary, JV. “Sweating Can Help Spread Covid-19, But Not By ‘Infectious Sweat.” Forbes,

Sep. 2020. www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2020/09/29/coronavirus-infectious-

sweat/?sh=7fd3796a2a85.

national“How COVID-19 Spreads.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oct. 2020.

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html

“In Response to Recent Public Health Concerns.” Anytime Fitness, 17 Nov. 2020.

www.anytimefitness.com/in-response-to-recent-public-health-concerns/

“Keeping Our Clubs Safe & Squeaky Clean.” Planet Fitness, Sep. 2020.

www.planetfitness.com/club-cleanliness.

Kumar, Naveen. “Your Guide to Returning to The Gym Safely- And in Style.” CNN

Underscored, Sep. 23, 2020. www.cnn.com/2020/09/23/cnn-underscored/gym-covid-

safety-tips/index.html.

Lin II, Rong-Gong. “Yelling Instructors, Ventilation and Masks: How to Return to the Gym

Safely, Avoid COVID-19.” Los Angeles Times (CA), Mar. 9, 2021. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com.

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Melo, Frederick. “A COVID-19 timeline for Minnesota.” Twin Cities Pioneer Press, July 11,

2020. www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/a-covid-19-timeline-for-minnesota/ar-

BB16CZdF.

“Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan.” Minnesota COVID-19 Response, March 13, 2021.

mn.gov/covid19/stay-safe/stay-safe-plan/index.jsp.

Muha, Tom. “Tom Muha: You Survived COVID, Now It’s Time to Tackle Stress.” Capital, The

(Annapolis, MD), 28 Mar. 2021. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com.

“National Study Confirms It’s Safe to Work Out at the Gym: Current Data shows no Evidence of

COVID-19 Spread in Gyms: Of More than 49.4 Million Health Club Visits, Only 0.0023

Percent Tested Positive for COVID-19 – More than 500 Times Less than the Current

Estimated U.S. National Average.” PR Newswire, Sep 02, 2020. ProQuest, search-

proquest-

com.accarcproxy.mnpals.net/.

“Official Guidance: Gyms, Studios and Fitness Centers.” Stay Safe Minnesota, March 31, 2021.

staysafe.mn.gov/industry-guidance/gyms-studios-fitness-centers.jsp.

“Personal and Social Activities.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Feb. 2021.

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-

activities.html#gyms.

Planet Fitness. Planet Fitness Franchising, LLC, 2021. www.planetfitness.com.

Stone, Will. “Making Gyms Safer: Why the Virus is Less Likely to Spread there than in a

Bar.” TCA News Service, Sep 16, 2020. ProQuest, search-proquest-

com.accarcproxy.mnpals.net/.

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VanHoose, Benjamin. “California Gym Unveils Individual Workout ‘Pods’ for People to Exercise

Safely Without Masks.” People, June 17, 2020. people.com/health/gyms-tries-workout-

pods-to-allow-clients-to-exercise-without-masks-amid-pandemic/.

“Ventilation in Buildings.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2021.

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ventilation.html.

Visconti, Zachary. “How to use a Cloth Face Mask while Exercising.” ProQuest, Apr 03, 2021.

search-proquest-com.accarcproxy.mnpals.net/.

Xperience Fitness. Xperience Fitness. 2021. myxperiencefitness.com/.

1

Grading/Feedback Sheet—Research Paper

This paper: Excellent Competent / Adequate Needs improvement

✓ has an attention-grabbing title/intro x x x x

✓ has a specific thesis statement that
takes a strong stand/is appropriately placed x x x x

✓ has a narrow focus and remains persuasive
and focused on the controversy x x x x

✓ has a strong, clear claim at the beginning
of each paragraph x x x x

✓ is well-organized/uses good transitions x x x x

✓ effectively addresses both the points the writer agrees
with and refutes the opposition’s points x x x x

✓ illustrates a depth of research by using
research from at least three academic sources
in each paragraph x x x x

✓ appropriately integrates research/source
material using all three methods—summary,
paraphrase, and direct quotation x x x x

✓ illustrates your own careful analysis/critical thinking.
(Each paragraph = 50% research and
50% analysis/critical thinking.) x x x x

✓ maintains academic language and tone, and uses
third person for the majority of the paper x x x x

✓ makes clear your personal connection
to the controversy x x x x

✓ concludes with a specific, clear proposal that
offers a logical and compelling solution x x x x

✓ uses varied, stylistic sentences and is
free of grammar and punctuation error x x x x

✓ uses MLA in-text citation correctly x x x x

✓ has a correct MLA/Works Cited page x x x x

✓ uses adequate, reputable, recent sources
primarily found via the library databases x x x x

✓ is fully developed/meets the length requirement/is substantially revised Yes No

*In order to be considered turned in properly and on-time, drafts must be properly color-
coded and submitted to D2L’s Assignments folder.