writing an essay 111

Instructions for Research Paper: English 1110

Instructions:

You will write a five- page research paper on the controversial topic that you have already chosen. You will investigate various viewpoints on the controversial issue by finding and reading several articles, web sources, and book chapters 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 reading. Your research paper must contain the following elements:

1. An introduction with a thesis statement at the end of the paragraph. Your thesis 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).

2. Body paragraphs that each start with a topic sentence. A good way to write topic sentences might be to start with your research questions, and then write answers to them as topic sentences.

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.

4. Parenthetical documentation. This is used to give credit to your sources for their words and/or ideas.

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

6. A list of references, which are the sources you use for your research paper. This will include the five published sources you read as well as your interview with your professor.

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 90

Correct use of parenthetical documentation to give credit to your sources 45

Concluding paragraph that sums up or emphasizes your position 15

A list of references in correct MLA format 45

Sentence structure and other grammar 45

Spelling, punctuation, and format 30

300 points

Note cards are worth an additional 50 points of your grade.

Note: Remember, you must give your source credit in these ways 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.

Important Dates for Research Project:

Draft of first paragraph, which should end with a thesis statement: Due Wednesday, April 4. Bring two copies for peer review.

Draft of first two pages of research paper + completed Works Cited page

Individual Conferences with me in my office: Wednesday, April 11through Monday, April 15

You will sign up for a required conference during this time.

No class Wednesday, April 11 and Monday, April 15

In-class oral presentations: Wednesday, April 18 through Wednesday, April 25

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

Due Wednesday, April 25

Final drafts will not be accepted without note cards.