ResearchProjectAC

toc Research Paper Assignment Sheet AC

=**Research and Writing**= A research paper is, first and foremost, a form of written communication. Like other forms of nonfiction writing – themes, letters, memos, e-mail, reports, essays, articles, books – it should present information and ideas clearly and effectively. But when most students are asked to write research papers, they often become so preoccupied with gathering materials, taking notes, compiling bibliographies, and documenting sources that they forget to apply the knowledge and skills that they have acquired through previous writing experiences.

All writing begins with the selection of a topic. The ability to limit and focus your topic is an intricate step in the writing of the research paper. At the start of this assignment you should begin to gather materials and sources that will help form and support a topic that you would like to research and explore.

When you have concluded your research for the paper, it is time to shape the information you have in hand into a unified, coherent whole. Begin by framing a thesis statement for your paper: a single sentence that formulates both your topic and your point of view toward it. Writing a thesis is a way to ensure that you will stay on topic as you plan and write. Since you are required to have submitted your thesis statement for approval you will already have a jump start on the purpose of your paper; however, if you feel that new information that you have gathered has altered your primary purpose and, consequently, your thesis statement, a revised draft of your thesis may be submitted the week before the research paper’s rough draft is due. If you have any difficulty with the thesis statement I will be available after school or during my prep period (THIRD Period).

You will need to submit a detailed outline, which will present an overview of your paper. This step will help you organize your ideas and the accumulated research into a logical, fluent, and effective paper. This step toward the final process will assist you in eliminating unnecessary information as well as begin the shaping of your paper. Many students have some vague understanding of the form and function of an outline; however, outside of the general knowledge of its shape they have little idea about its purpose. In the creation of an outline there are a few organizing principles that might assist you in the way in which you gather information. Common organizing principles include: ➢ chronology - listing the information in a historical order ➢ cause and effect - showing the results of particular events ➢ process - a step by step listing of different aspects of one's research ➢ deductive logic - moving from the general to the specific ➢ inductive logic - moving from the specific to the general In the actual creation of an outline you not only need to identify the way in which you should gather information, but you should also keep in the mind the method you will use to develop that information in your paper. For example, which of the following do you plan to accomplish? ➢ to define, classify, or analyze something ➢ to use descriptive details or give examples ➢ to compare or contrast one thing with another ➢ to argue a certain point of view The focus of your information will dictate the method in which you plan to adopt. In the formation of an outline you must come to terms with what is the function of the information that is being presented. Once this has been decided upon the form of your outline can begin to take shape, which will in turn become the form of your actual research paper.

A successful research paper is the culmination of a series of drafts. Start off by trying to set down all your ideas in the order in which you want them to appear. Even though the writing may be hasty and fairly rough, the rough draft should attempt to follow your outline (written or otherwise). You should then reread this material and attempt to refine it. Next, review the corrected draft and make further changes. Concentrate on the flow and coherence of the paper. Are you examining some aspect of your thesis in every single paragraph? Are there transitional sentences that link the paragraphs together? Are there sufficient quotes that support all of your claims? Is the paper grammatical free of errors? Continue these processes until you are satisfied that you have done the best you can with the time available.

In revising, you may add, eliminate, and rearrange material. If a section of the original draft seems sketchy or unclear you may have to expand it by writing another sentence or two or even a new paragraph. For the sake of unity and the reader’s interest you should eliminate any material that is irrelevant, unimportant, repetitive, or dull and dispensable. If the presentation of ideas seems illogical or confusing, you may find that you can clarify by rearranging phrases, clauses, sentences, or paragraphs.

=**The Format of the Research Paper**=

Typing or Printing Use a clean type. Avoid typewriters or fonts with script or other fancy print. Type or print on one side of the paper; do not use the other side of the paper for any other purpose. No draft will be accepted that has a type setting greater then 12 pt. Like all papers that have been due throughout the year, the research paper must be typed using Times New Roman. No rough draft or final draft will be accepted if it is hand written.

Paper Use only white 8 ½ by 11-inch paper.

Margins Except for the page numbers, leave one-inch margins at the top and bottom and on both sides of the text. Indent the first word of each new paragraph twelve spaces from the left margin (which is more than likely the default setting on your computer). Indent offset quotations (box-quotes) twenty-four spaces from the left margin.

Spacing The research paper must be double-spaced throughout, including quotations, notes, and the works cited.

Heading and Title Page For this research paper a MLA style title page is required. A sample title page is attached. See Index A. The title page is to include the title of the paper, your name, the course’s name, the instructor’s name, and the date all on separate lines.

Page Numbers Number all pages consecutively throughout the manuscript in the upper right-hand corner, one half inch from the top. Type a running head (a running head is to include your last name) and the page number flush against the right margin and leave a double space between the head and the text of your paper.

Works Cited The list of the works cited appears at the end of the paper. Begin the list on a new page and number that page as you have throughout the text of the paper. One example is that the last page of the text is page 6 then the works cited page would be page 7. Type the running head in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top, and center the title ‘Works Cited’ one inch from the top of the page. Double-space between the title and the first entry. Begin each entry flush with the left margin, and if it runs more than one line, indent the subsequent line or lines twelve spaces, both between and within entries. Continue the list on as many pages as necessary. Alphabetize all entries in the list of the works cited by the author’s last name, using the letter-by-letter system. If the author name is unknown, alphabetize by using the first word in the title other than A, An or The. See works cited page for proper notation of each entry.

=**Guidelines for This Research Paper**=

Now that all the general guidelines have been explained it is important to outline the rules that govern this particular research paper:

1. All the guidelines that have been laid out in the “Research Paper Assignment Sheet” are to be strictly observed. Any deviance from the required format will result in a point deduction. There will be a 2-point deduction for each formatting error.

2. Please take note of all the due dates for the assignments. With a project of this magnitude, late submissions will not be tolerated. THERE ARE NO EXTENSIONS FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT IN THE RESEARCH PROJECT. If you are absent the day the paper is due and do not have it the moment you return to school the assignment will NOT be accepted.

3. This research paper requires a minimum of FIVE secondary sources and ONE primary source. For a source to be cited in the works cited page it must be used in the body of the paper. An Encyclopedia, Dictionary, or Almanac will not be viable secondary sources. They may be cited, but THREE other secondary sources will still be required.

4. Any form of plagiarism will result in a zero for the entire research paper assignment.

5. The following breakdown will dictate the final grade for the research paper:

Topic Proposal (40 pts.) Annotated Bib. (125 pts.) Thesis Statement (40 pts.) Outline (125 pts.) Rough Draft (150 pts.) Final Draft (300 pts.)

total: 780 points

6. Quotes and paraphrases will be required to support each of your claims. This aspect of the RESEARCH paper is not to be taken lightly. While it is understood that the foundation of your paper is your own personal insights, it is expected that your insights carry the validation of experts in the field. Please DO NOT submit a paper that only gives cursory support from outside sources, bolster your argument with the weight of authority.

7. Excessive grammatical and spelling errors will result in a point deduction. There will be a one-point deduction for any error exceeding either three grammatical or three spelling errors.

8. To receive a “C” on this assignment you must write a minimum of SEVEN pages -- anything less will result in a 15-point deduction. To receive a score higher than a “C” you must write more than FIVE pages.

=The Specifics:=

The Topic Proposal
 **(40 points … Due: Friday, April 25)** The topic proposal is the focal point of your paper. It is to concern some author of interest. You will submit a word-processed one-page document (adhering to all MLA formatting guidelines) detailing your topic, the literary importance of your author, the primary source you plan on studying, and what you hope to gain from your research. THIS STEP IN THE PROCESS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE INSTRUCTOR (that’s me) AND SUBMITTED BEFORE ANY OTHER STEP IN THE RESEARCH PAPER PROCESS. This is the only step in the research paper process in which you will be allowed to write in first person.

Assignment:
The purpose of the topic proposal is to create a dialogue with your instructor that focuses on the following items: a. Selection of an author for the 11th grade research paper b. Selection of secondary source material (minimum of two) c. Discussion of author’s life and how it influenced the author’s style d. Discussion of the author’s style and literary influence e. Discussion of secondary source material and its link to the author’s style f. The intended goal of the research assignment (what do you hope to learn about the author?)

The topic proposal: MUST be typed. MUST be submitted on time (April 25) MUST be one FULL page and one FULL page ONLY!!! MUST be complete to move to the next step in the research project MUST be formatted according to ALL MLA guidelines (see sample) MUST be a scholarly discussion about your author MUST contain a list of potential secondary sources for the research paper. CAN be written in first person

Step 1: Select an author Step 2: Locate 2 biographical articles on that author Step 3: Read those article (Duh!) … close read four comments per page Step 4: Hand write a one paragraph summary of each article (minimum 4 sentences) Step 5: Create a time line for your selected author that highlights 10 major events that help craft the author’s writing. Step 6: Use separate sheet of paper and create a list of 10 bullets highlighting the various literary techniques, style, motivation of your selected author.
 * CLASSWORK:**

This is a link to a sample Topic Proposal:

Annotated Bibliography
 **(125 points … Due: Friday, May 2)** You are to locate FIVE sources that pertain to your limited topic (you will need THREE for your assignment), at least THREE of these sources must have been published in either a journal, newspaper, or another type of periodical. Sorry, the Internet is only so reliable... you can find your articles there, but they must have appeared in a periodical to count toward one of the THREE. Also, NO BOOKS – we both know you won’t read the entire text; therefore, why should you get to claim you did; however, if it is an essay that is part of a book that will be acceptable. The annotated bibliography MUST be typed and adhere to ALL MLA requirements. Standard MLA format for personal information (name, class, period ect.) The library has an excellent site that illustrates how to cite for the works cited. In addition to the bibliography for each article submitted, you must also type a paragraph summary (four sentences) of that article beneath the annotation. So, first you locate an appropriate article, then you create an MLA citation, then beneath the citation you type a four sentence paragraph summary, then you double space and repeat the process. Enjoy. Also, in addition to the annotated bibliography, you MUST submit all articles (they MUST ALL have been closely read) that are in the annotated bibliography for teacher review.

Assignment:
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations (for this assignment THREE secondary & ONE primary source) to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 100 words) description and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited. Annotations are descriptive and critical; they expose the author’s point of view, clarity, and appropriateness of expression and authority. When creating an annotated bibliography, you will be required to use your evaluative skills to find appropriate materials as well as critical skills to evaluate the materials.

FIRST: Locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic. After perusing the materials, select works that provide a variety of perspectives on your topics.

SECOND: Cite the book, article, or document using MLA style format.

THIRD: Write a concise annotation summarizing the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that: a. comment on the intended audience b. comment on the articles overall theme or idea c. explain how this impacts your topic d. summary important details

REQUIREMENTS: • THREE Secondary Sources • ONE Primary Source • Must be MLA Format • Annotations must be four to seven sentences in length • Double-space annotations

Step 1: Locate secondary sources that are scholarly in nature. Step 2: Select THREE secondary sources for a close read (4 comments per page) Step 3: Select ONE primary source for a close read (4 comments per page) … see me about novels and plays. Step 4: Create critical analysis of each article. Step 5: Create MLA annotation of each secondary and primary source. Step 6: Complete annotated bibliography … make sure you adhere to all requirements
 * CLASSWORK:**



Thesis Statement
 (40 points … Due: Monday, May 5) The thesis is one sentence (only one) that is the rudder of your paper. It is this sentence that will appear as the last sentence of the first paragraph on both your ROUGH and FINAL DRAFT of your paper. By this point in the paper, you should have begun gathering data and should have a firm grasp on what you plan on writing about. We have written thesis statements all year, this time I would like you to take great care in creating one. You will submit the thesis statement on a 3 by 5 index. Any sentence approved by the end of class, or prior to, MAY 5 will receive an “A.” All subsequently approved sentences will lose points a daily.

Topic Outline
(125 points … Due: Monday, May 12) You will need to submit a detailed outline which will present an overview of your. There will be a handout, which will assist you in the creation of this step in the process. Please be detailed and use quotations from your texts and research documents with proper documentation. Word processing is required.

The “Joseph Example” handout in the Research Paper Assignment Sheet covers the formatting and layout of the Outline. Make sure the formatting and layout match the handout. TIP: Turn off Autoformat in Word -Go to “Tools” --- “Autocorrect Options” --- “Autoformat as you type” and deselect all options.

__**THE SPECIFICS**__ -The entire outline is written with complete sentences.

-Thesis goes first … bullet after the heading

-5 Topic Sentences (Roman Numerals: I, II, III, IV, V) -Each topic sentence should link to your thesis statement in some way. -Topic Sentence topics: -Author’s personal biographical information -Author’s writing style -Primary source analysis -Connections between primary source & author

-3 Supporting Sentences FOR EACH topic sentence (A, B, C) x 5 = 15 supporting sentences -Supporting sentences can be either quotes, paraphrases, or your own sentence. -If quote, ALL quotes MUST have an introductory clause … quotes don’t exist in a vacuum.

-2 Evidence sentences for at least ONE supporting sentence (1, 2) x 5 = 10 -The evidence sentences accompany one supporting sentence … every 1 MUST have a 2. -To receive a score of a B you must have 10 evidence sentences. -To receive a score of an A you must have 14 evidence sentences. -The choice is either 10 or 14 no less … no more

-You must use MLA in text citation for all quotes and paraphrases

-You MUST have a works cited page for the outline




 * DUE DATE: Monday, May 12 **

Rough Draft
(150 points … Due: Thursday, May 22) The Rough Draft is to be a complete paper (WITH WORKS CITED PAGE). The rough draft must be at least SEVEN pages long and fulfill all formatting requirements. The better your rough draft is the better your final product will be.

**For the sake of clarity ... there are couple of items that you should keep in mind as you work to completing your Rough Draft

1. It is a FIRST DRAFT ... it should be a complete draft. When you submit it it should have quotes, in-text citations, cover page, works cited and should meet ALL the formatting requirements for the final draft.

2. This is a research paper ... please make sure that your paper is created with __at least__ 30% quoted material. This means that if you took a highlighter and highlighted every quote in your paper that 30% of it would be quotes.

3. SECONDARY SOURCE QUOTES ... you spent countless hours in the library gathering secondary source articles. The majority of the quotes from your paper should come from these articles.

4. No contractions ... example: can't = can not. Please do not use ANY contractions in your paper.

5. Do not use the following words: "a lot" ... "very" ... "you" ... "me" ... "I" ... "us" ... "we" ... "your" ... Please stay in 3rd person throughout the paper.**


 * 6. When dealing with the author's literature assume that your audience (that's me) is aware of the basic information regarding the literature ... please DO NOT summarize the plot of the poem, play, novel, or short story. Make sure your writing about the literature deals with an analysis of that literature: ANALYZE DON'T SUMMARIZE.

7. Poems go in "quotes" ... Short Stories go in "quotes" ... Articles go in "quotes" ... Plays are __underlined__ ... Novels are __underlined__ ... Newspapers are __underlined__ .... Newspaper articles go in "quotes."

8. Marks of punctuation go inside "quotes."

9. The MLA in-text citation goes at the end of the sentence (Smith).**


 * 10. There are two ways in which you can quote in your paper: 1. Using an introductory clause; 2. Creating an integrated quote**.

__**INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE:**__
 * Hemingway had a unique style which was precise and easily understood: "the Hemingway novel can be read at a level for which no previous literary experience is required" (Pazos 2).**

__**INTEGRATED QUOTE:** __ **Hemingway was influenced by other great writers of his time "in Paris, he formed friendships with expatriate writers" ("Ernest Hemingway" 2).**


 * 11. Please make sure that all of your paragraphs link back to your thesis.**



**GUIDELINES: ** ** Margins: Except for the page numbers, leave one-inch margins at the top and bottom and on both sides of the text. Indent the first word of each new paragraph twelve spaces from the left margin (which is more than likely the default setting on your computer). Indent offset quotations (box-quotes) twenty-four spaces from the left margin.

Spacing: The research paper must be double-spaced throughout, including quotations, notes, and the works cited.

Heading and Title Page: For this research paper a MLA style title page is required. A sample title page is attached. See Index A. The title page is to include the title of the paper, your name, the course’s name, the instructor’s name, and the date all on separate lines.

Page Numbers: Number all pages consecutively throughout the manuscript in the upper right-hand corner, one half inch from the top. Type a running head (a running head is to include your last name) and the page number flush against the right margin and leave a double space between the head and the text of your paper.

Works Cited: The list of the works cited appears at the end of the paper. Begin the list on a new page and number that page as you have throughout the text of the paper. One example is that the last page of the text is page 6 then the works cited page would be page 7. Type the running head in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top, and center the title ‘Works Cited’ one inch from the top of the page. Double-space between the title and the first entry. Begin each entry flush with the left margin, and if it runs more than one line, indent the subsequent line or lines twelve spaces, both between and within entries. Continue the list on as many pages as necessary. Alphabetize all entries in the list of the works cited by the author’s last name, using the letter-by-letter system. If the author name is unknown, alphabetize by using the first word in the title other than A, An or The. See works cited page for proper notation of each entry.

Quotes: Quotes and paraphrases will be required to support each of your claims. This aspect of the RESEARCH paper is not to be taken lightly. While it is understood that the foundation of your paper is your own personal insights, it is expected that your insights carry the validation of experts in the field. Please DO NOT submit a paper that only gives cursory support from outside sources, bolster your argument with the weight of authority.

Page Requirement: To receive a “C” on this assignment you must write a minimum of FIVE pages -- anything less will result in a 15-point deduction. To receive a score higher than a “C” you must write more than FIVE pages. **

Final Draft
(300 points & ½ final exam grade … Due: Friday, May 30) The Final Draft of your research paper must be submitted or you WILL NOT pass the course (Don’t test me on this one). It must fulfill all requirements set forth in this packet. End of story.

=The Assignment:= Below is the list of authors that you have been studying throughout this year and your high school career. Your assignment is to select ONE author of interest (if an author does not appear on the list and you still wish to write a report on that author you may submit a verbal application to the instructor and bolster it with at least five sources to illustrate that you can locate enough information about your author of interest). Once an author is selected you will need to select at least ONE primary source from that author to use in your research paper. Your research should address three specific areas: ➢ Biographical information ➢ Theme and Style of the author ➢ Discussion of Theme and Style in reference to specific literary works Each of these areas should be in balance with the others. A paper laden with biographical research will be stale and mundane; conversely, a paper burdened with literary analysis will be pretentious and pedantic. A clean paper will seek to do an in-depth study of the author existing on a myriad of levels. This is the culminating project at the end of a year of intense study, the paper should reflect this. Please make sure that your paper includes THREE secondary sources and ONE primary source. The focus of your paper can be thematic, stylistic, or theoretical.

Authors

Ernest Hemingway Nathanial Hawthorne Bob Dylan Joyce Carol Oates William Faulkner TC Boyle Edgar Allan Poe Thornton Wilder JD Salinger Arthur Miller John Steinbeck Maya Angelou Zora Neale Hurston Lorraine Hansberry Robert Frost Edward Albee Langston Hughes