Increase in Availability of Mail-in Ballots

SeniorResearchPaperwithRubric1.docx

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SENIOR RESEARCH PAPER

Purpose: You will be working on all stages of a thesis-driven research paper. This is a process! The goal of this assignment is to prepare for writing a college research paper on a current issue or literary topic. You already have experience in doing research and writing reports. The purpose here is to continue to build and advance your skills. We will be working on two important skills: organization of information and argument. An argument is an opinion supported by evidence. You to figure out what YOU THINK about your chosen topic and form an opinion. Your college professors will be interested in your point of view, above and beyond the facts.

While completing this paper, you will practice the following skills: research note-taking, organization, building an argument, analysis, and written communication. Please select one of the following topics.

Social/political issues:	Literary topics:
· Mental health/illness or physical health/disease	· A literary movement (Romanticism, Realism, Naturalism, Modernism, Post-Modernism)
· Poverty/homelessness	· An author
· Education	· A poet
· War and refugees	· A film maker
· Immigration	· A genre of literature or film
· Technology access or negative effects	· The classics (Ancient Greek and/or Roman literature
· Drug abuse/addiction	· Medieval literature
· Racism, sexism, homophobia	· Renaissance literature
· Climate change	· Enlightenment/Age of Reason literature
· Gun violence	· Current trends in literature

Research paper requirements:

· Research notes (a document with notes and quotes, 4-5 pages in length). Here’s why: each page of your final paper needs at least one page of notes and quotes for you to have enough material to write about.

· Outline: this will be developed in class

· A first draft with an introduction, body, and conclusion

· A final paper 4-5 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, using 12pt font and MLA format

· Works cited page in MLA format with at least 5 sources (credible online sources are fine)

· In-text citations for quotes and data

· Please see the rubric below for grading

Research-Based Expository Writing Rubric

	6 Superior	5 Strong	4 Adequate	3 Marginal	2 Weak	1 Very Weak
Understanding and use of research	Demonstrates mastery of the research process including use of highly credible sources, creative use of a variety of types of sources: print, field research, and others. Embeds ideas, quotes and data with expert attribution *Includes a works cited list that matches the sources embedded in the paper and a skillfully annotated bibliography	Approaches mastery of the research process, including use of credible sources, a variety of types of sources. Embeds ideas quotes and data using attribution *Includes a works cited list that matches the sources embedded in the paper. Includes an annotated bibliography	Demonstrates a solid understanding of the research process, including use of credible sources, some variety of types of sources. Uses some attribution when introducing ideas or data *Includes a works cited lists and an annotated bibliography	Demonstrates some understanding of the research process, but may misconstrue parts of it or make limited use of it in developing a weak response. Does not clearly show the use of source information in the writing *Includes a bibliography but may be missing a works cited page.	Demonstrates very poor understanding of the research process, does not use research appropriately in developing a response Bibliography may be incomplete	Demonstrates little or no ability to research effectively; information gathered from sources with little credibility; no variety in types of sources Attribution is not used in the paper *Bibliography may be incomplete or missing.
Quality and clarity of thought	Essay is exceptionally informative, thought-provoking; goes far beyond assembling information gathered to demonstrate a deep understanding of its meaning.	Essay presents very interesting and well put together information. Research objectives questions are thoroughly addressed.	Essay does a good job conveying information in response to the research objective and questions.	Some solid information about the topic, may seem randomly chosen; does not respond adequately to the research objective and questions.	Lacks focus and coherence, information bears little relevance to the research objective and questions or seems completely random.	Is unfocused, illogical, or incoherent.
Organization, development, and support	Is coherently organized and developed, with ideas supported by apt reasons and well-chosen examples.	Is well organized and developed, with ideas supported by appropriate reasons and examples.	Is adequately organized and developed, generally supporting ideas with reasons and examples.	Is poorly organized and developed, presenting generalizations without adequate support, or details without generalizations.	Has very weak organization and development, providing simplistic generalizations without support.	Is disorganized and undeveloped, providing little or no relevant support.
Syntax and command of language	Has an effective, fluent style marked by syntactic variety and a clear command of language.	Displays some syntactic variety and facility in the use of language.	Demonstrates adequate use of syntax and language.	Has limited control of syntax and vocabulary.	Has inadequate control of syntax and vocabulary.	Lacks basic control of syntax and vocabulary.
Grammar, usage, and mechanics (See list on back for details)	Is generally free from errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.	May have a few errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.	May have some errors, but generally demonstrates control of grammar, usage, and mechanics.	Has an accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that sometimes interfere with meaning.	Is marred by numerous errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that frequently interfere with meaning.	Has serious and persistent errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that severely interfere with meaning.