NINTH GRADE ENGLISH/SOCIAL STUDIES
RESEARCH PAPER
Your research paper is a 2-3 page thesis-driven document based on a minimum of three credible sources that uses at least one in-text citation per body paragraph. From the list of topics provided, your thesis must focus on a specific issue and be persuasive in nature.
STEPS TAKEN
1. Topic Selection - From the Wikispace page provided, choose one area of interest, and begin to form an opinion based on one issue listed. We have included a variety of pro/con articles for each issue that you must use to form your three supporting points. You are required to use three of the articles provided on your side (pro/con) of the issue.
Wikispace page: http://2008researchpaper.wikispaces.com/
2. Identifying Your Thesis - Write a preliminary thesis by identifying the topic you wish to write on, and in one sentence state your point of view on the issue you have chosen. Remember, you are trying to persuade the reader and must have three supporting points to back up your opinion (this is your thesis statement). With the information collected, you can begin to construct the ideas needed to support your point of view. Your thesis remains a work in progress until the final draft and revision is an expected process as you learn more about your issue.
3. Organizing Your Outline - In a one-page paper that uses a formal outline structure, identify the ideas you wish to make to support your thesis. The organization of this content must move logically from point to point so that your thesis is clearly supported and transitions between ideas occur naturally. Remember, the outline does not emphasize the content used, but the analysis and interpretation of the factual evidence you have collected. The outline does not use the following: an introduction, conclusion, complete sentences, in-text citations, and quotations.
4. Rough Draft - Your rough draft must be word processed so that the revisions and editing can take place and allow the paper to come together successfully. Make sure to double-space your writing using 12-point font, Times New Roman, and standard margins.
· Turn in a clean copy of your outline, which follows the structure of your thesis, a copy of the source you found on your own, and a works cited with your rough draft. The paper must also have a title page using correct MLA format (see example and formal writing requirements handout).
· In the text of your rough draft provide the ideas, interpretation, and analysis necessary to support your thesis. You need to support your thesis by returning to the specific language from paragraph to paragraph (Remember that your opinions on the points of view must be supported with credible/factual evidence). The examples provided in the articles are unnecessary in this paper and should not be included.
· Each page (excluding the title page, outline, and first page of text) must include a proper header in the top right corner of the paper. A proper header has the writer’s last name and the page number.
· The introduction should be between 4-7 sentences, and the last sentence must be your thesis statement.
· Each paragraph must focus on one supporting point of view/idea from your thesis. This does not have to be a five-paragraph essay and may, in fact, be much longer if necessary. Some ideas are better explained/analyzed when multiple paragraphs are used.
· In-text citations are needed to support each point made within the text of your paper. Citations are required for anything that is not considered “common knowledge.” This includes both direct quotations and paraphrased ideas you have taken from the authors.
· You may only use one direct quotation per supporting point and can have a maximum of two lines per quote.
· Direct quotes are not required in the paper, but if used, you must include proper in-text citations.
· The conclusion should be between 4-7 sentences and include a restatement of the thesis by summarizing the main supporting points discussed in the body of your paper.
· The works cited must include all of the sources that are cited in the paper, and vice versa. If you use a source, it must be cited in the text and listed alphabetically by the author’s last name in the works cited.
5. Final Draft- Revise your rough draft making sure that you address all corrections/suggestions made (editing, issues of clarity, word choice, spelling, transitions, connection to thesis, etc.) as you move forward to the final draft. Please include a title page (use proper format), outline, final draft of text, and works cited (in that order) as one stapled document. Additionally, you must turn in your rough draft as well. Place both of these items inside a manila envelope/folder.
STEPS TAKEN DUE DATES POINTS
1. Identifying Your Thesis 10/13/08 10
2. Organizing Your Outline 10/24/08 10
3. Rough Draft* 11/10/08 ---
4. Final Draft 12/15/08 100
All points earned on the assignment count for English and social studies. District policy for lateness is a 10% reduction in points per day.
*You will not actually be handing in a paper copy of the rough draft, but rather will be conferencing with Mr. Gorlick and Mr. Neely in the library. You must have a completed rough draft that is stored on your flash drive and brought with you on Nov. 10 so we can discuss the paper and suggest the changes needed. The checklist provided in your packet will be used to evaluate your progress so that your final draft is the best product possible.