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Guidelines for the Research Paper

The introduction is well-developed and engages the reader with a significant and original thesis.

The thesis statement is clear and relevant, and directs the reader to the main point of the essay.

Body paragraphs fully support the thesis with examples, background and evidence from

scholarly sources.

Use of quotes, summaries and paraphrasing are thoroughly explained and integrated into the

argument.

The writer’s analysis is relevant and adequately explains the topic under discussion and the

context while also offering a compelling and original argument.

The essay is unified with clear focus and original thought and insights beyond the obvious.

The essay is complete, appropriate in length (7-10 pages) and effectively covers the argument,

referring to ideas from at least four scholarly texts for background, supporting evidence and

analysis of counterarguments.

The conclusion of the essay gives closure and goes beyond restating the thesis, summarizing

without merely repeating.

Overall the paper is cohesive, a logical and compelling progression of thought which explains

the thesis, considers counterarguments, and moves the thesis forward with supporting evidence

and examples.

Mechanics

Punctuation, spelling and grammar are correct.

Sentence structure is varied and skillful.

Word choice is appropriate and engaging.

Voice is consistent, and appropriate.

APA Style

Paper is formatted in APA Style (see pages 158-191 of The Little Seagull Handbook).

Include a Title page, an Abstract, and References.