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Instructions for Research Paper: English 1110

Instructions:

You will write a five-page research paper on the controversial topic that you have already chosen. (The five pages does not include the works cited page.) You will investigate various viewpoints on the controversial issue by finding and reading academic sources about your topic. You will also draw on your interview with your professor. Based on your reading and your interview, you will write a research paper in which you present the opinion you have formed from your research. Your research paper must contain the following elements:

1. An introduction. The introduction must explain your controversy, and it must have a thesis statement at the end of the paragraph. Your thesis statement must state the opinion that you have formed about your topic from your interview and from reading about the controversies surrounding it. Your thesis statement must take a position (make an argument) and briefly indicate the reasons for your position.

2. Body paragraphs that each start with a topic sentence.

3. In the body, you must support the position (argument) that you take with your thesis statement by referring to your sources. You must have at least five published sources, plus your interview. The five sources must be ones I approve.

4. You must address at least one counterargument in your paper. This means that you must explain why people disagree with your position, and then you must explain why their position is not correct. You must use evidence to support your ideas. The evidence should come from your sources.

5. Parenthetical documentation. This is used within the text of your paper to give credit to your sources for their words and/or ideas.

6. A concluding paragraph in which you sum up or emphasize your position.

7. A list of references, which are the sources you use for your research paper. This will include the five published sources that I approved as well as your interview with your professor. You may have additional sources if you wish.

Grading Rubric for Research Project:

Introduction containing a thesis statement that takes a position 30

Well-organized body paragraphs that each start with a topic sentence and

that support the position (argument) that you take with your thesis statement 100

Presentation and refutation of at least one counterargument 20

Correct use of parenthetical documentation to give credit to your sources 30

Concluding paragraph that sums up or emphasizes your position 15

A list of references in correct APA Style 30

Sentence structure and other grammar 45

Spelling, punctuation, and format 30 30

300 points

Note cards are worth an additional 25 points of your grade. You MUST turn in your note cards with your final paper. If you do not, your final paper will not be graded, and you will receive an NC for the course.

Note: Remember, you must give your source credit when you use quotations, BUT ALSO when you use an author’s ideas (and put them into your own words.) If you do not give credit to your sources, using both parenthetical documentation and a works cited, you will be committing plagiarism, and you will fail the entire course.

A note about when to cite an outside source: When you include a piece of information in your paper and wonder if you should cite a source to support it, ask yourself this: Did I know this information before this class started? If not, you need to cite a source. If you learned the information from your interview or one of your five sources, cite the interview or the source you learned it from. If you did some outside reading to orient yourself to your topic, and you learned the information from that outside reading, then cite the source you read. This means that your list of references might have more than six entries.

Important Dates for Research Project:

Draft of first paragraph, which should end with a thesis statement, and References page: Due November 20th

Bring two copies for peer review.

Completed outline worksheet: Due____________

You will work in class that day on drafting your paper. Bring your laptop!

First two pages of research paper plus complete works cited page: Due_______________

Bring two copies for peer review.

Individual Conferences with me in my office: ______________

You must bring four pages of your research paper, along with your completed works cited page.

You will sign up for a required conference during this time. If you miss your conference or come without four pages and a works cited pager, your research paper grade will be lowered.

In-class oral presentations: _____________

Final Draft + note cards + drafts + peer review sheets + complete copies of all sources:

Due ___________________

Final drafts will not be accepted without note cards.