RESEARCH PAPER ASSIGNMENT

First Draft due: Friday, March 12

Final Draft due: Friday, March 19

Total Points: 100

Thesis = 10 points

Outline = 10 points

Note cards = 10 points

Paper = 60 points

Bibliography = 10 points

Thesis: The thesis statement will inform the reader of your specific subject and the focus of your paper. It should express a certain stand, feeling, or feature of your subject. We will practice writing thesis statements in class. You will most likely revise your thesis statement as you continue to work on your paper. The thesis statement must be included in the introductory paragraph of your essay.

Outline: The inquiry outline includes the questions that you have already constructed about your topic. They are the direction of your research. As your research progresses, the inquiry outline will be transformed into a formal outline. Formal outlining will be taught in class. You will be responsible for including a formal outline with your completed paper.

Note cards: Note cards are used to gather information that will either answer, or lead to answers, about your specific questions. They are used to organize material for the outline and rough draft. The more information you gather and summarize on your note cards, the easier it will be to write your essay. It is crucial that you do not plagiarize on the note cards. They should be paraphrased or quoted as discussed in class. A minimum of 10 note cards are due with your paper.

Paper: Correct presentation is important.

¨  The page order should be:

  1. title page
  2. outline
  3. paper
  4. works cited
  5. note cards clipped to the back

¨  The title page should include:

  1. paper title
  2. your name
  3. your hour
  4. date

¨  The title page should not include any pictures or graphics.

Other important paper information:

¨  The paper should be at least five paragraphs in length. The length of your paper should be determined by the quantity and depth of information you have researched. The minimum five paragraph requirement is determined by the assumption that you will have an introductory paragraph, at least three body paragraphs (equating to three research questions), and a concluding paragraph. Those of you with more questions will have more paragraphs. Aim for quality, not quantity.

¨  The introductory paragraph should grab the reader’s attention, introduce your topic, and present your thesis statement. There are three good ways to start: with an interesting fact, asking an interesting question, or with a quotation.

¨  We will go over the ways to write your introduction, body, and conclusion in class.

¨  There will be a direct correlation between your grade and the quality of information provided.

¨  The paper will be graded using the 6 + 1 Traits.

¨  Papers should be typed in Times New Roman font, size 12.

¨  Papers should be double spaced.

¨  Expository writing is more formal than narrative writing. Therefore, do not use the words I, you, everyone, etc.

¨  Use facts, statistics, and other information you have obtained through your research.

¨  If any part of the paper is plagiarized, the grade on the entire assignment will be a zero.

Works cited: You may use Noodletools, Write Source (pages 403-404), or MLA format to create your works cited page. You must have at least one source that is not found on the computer.

If you have any questions about any portion of this assignment, ASK! You are ultimately the one responsible for completing this assignment properly, though I will give you lessons and information on every portion of it. You can always use the Write Source book while you are at school. It is an excellent resource on writing a resource paper from start to finish. See pages 363-415.