Research paper

Research Paper with Bibliography Instructions

Write a persuasive analysis of a literary work; follow standard usage in English grammar and sentence structure; proceed independently through the various stages of research and integrate sources accurately and effectively; identify the theme and structure of each literary selection as well as the significant characteristics or elements of each genre studied; and evaluate the literary merit of a work.

Write a 1,500-word (5–7 pages) paper that addresses the plays Sophocles’ Oedipus and Shakespeare’s Othello, Moor of Venice. A minimum of 6 citations, including the primary source and at least 5 secondary, scholarly sources, is required for this assignment. Before you begin writing the paper, carefully read the guidelines for developing your paper topic that are given below. Review the Research Paper Grading Rubric to see how submission will be graded. Gather all of your information, plan the direction of your paper, organize your ideas by developing a 1-page thesis statement and outline, draft your paper, and compile sources used. Format the thesis/outline, the draft, and works cited/references/bibliography using current MLA, or APA. Also the paper must be in third person.

Guidelines for Developing Your Paper Topic

Choose prompt below to address in the paper:

Use evidence from Sophocles’ Oedipus, from Shakespeare’s Othello, Moor of Venice, and from secondary sources to explain why you agree or disagree with this statement: “The downfall of Oedipus is the work of the gods; the downfall of Othello is self-inflicted” (you need to read both Oedipus and Othello in full).

Finding Scholarly Sources

For your papers, you are only permitted to use academic sources. Resources such as 123Essays, Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, and Masterplots (or similar resources) are not scholarly and will not be permitted in this paper.

RESEARCH PAPER GRADING RUBRIC

Development 75 points: *Major points are stated clearly and are well-supported.

*Content is persuasive and comprehensive.

*Content and purpose of the writing is clear.

*Thesis has a strong claim.

*Audience is clear and appropriate for the topic.

*Supportive information is stong and addressed writing focus.

Organization and Structure 75 points: *Writing is well-structured, clear, and easy-to-

follow.

*Introduction is compelling and forecasts the topic and thesis.

*Each paragraph is unified and has clear central

idea.

*Transitional wording is present throughout the

writing.

*Conclusion is logical end to the writing.

Grammar and Diction 75 points: *The writing reflects grammar, punctuation, and

spelling standards.

*Language is accurate, appropriate, and effective.

*The writing’s tone is appropriate and highly

effective.

Current MLA/ APA Paper Requirements 25 points: *Writing correctly follows

Formatting guidelines.

*Parenthetical and bibliographical

source citations are used

correctly and appropriately.