The Semester Research Paper

Writing to change

The most important pre-step of this assignment is to read the chapter in your textbook.  The following is just a summary and a reminder of that information. 

Step 1

Choose a Topic:  at the start of last semester you were asked to select a topic that interested and challenged you. You were told that your interest and attitude would determine your enthusiasm toward your research.  The topic selected had to be centered on an issue that impacts the society we live in.  Make sure that your subject selection is manageable, not too narrow or too broad. This would be a great time to create your KWL-What do you Know about the subject, what do you need to Know about the subject and lastly save the last step after you have completed your search. 

Step 2

Finding the Information:  As a journal activity you needed to collect at least fifteen (15) primary sources.  Make sure you check the quality of the sources that you select.  During this fact finding mission you needed to create a summary and evaluation of each article selected. Only ten percent of your material could come from a nonacademic internet site.  This is a great time to create your Bibliography.

Step 3

Develop a Thesis:  As you critical think about your subject develop a working thesis (this was a journal topic) . This will help you limit the scope of the material you have collected as well as help you create a working outline.

Step 4 

Develop a tentative outline:  The purpose of the outline is to help you think through your topic logically before you start writing.  Organization is critical.  The final outline will be the first thing your readers will see. 

Step 5

Write your first draft:  After you have collected enough information, created a clear working thesis statement and developed an outline it is now time to create your paper.  In your introduction make sure that you give the reader background information and state your thesis statement.  The body of the paper is used to develop your points. And in your conclusion make sure that you summarize and remind your readers of your main points.  

Step 6

Create your Bibliography:  Make sure to use MLA format for all sources you used for this paper.  You must document every source you used. 

The Research Paper: The following is a list of requirements that your essay packet must have.

Planning and Prewriting technique:  You may select any of the prewriting techniques used in the last year (i.e. looping).

The paper will include

Cover page

Outline page

The body of the paper

Bibliography

              One Peer review

              Lab /tutor review

             Grade profile sheet (make sure you complete the top portion)

The Research check list:

Make sure your thesis is clearly developed and concise.

Is the outline logical?

Is the argument presented in logical sequence?

Are all sources properly cited?

Did I proof read the paper and are all of my arguments proven?

The research paper is due on the day of your exam conference.  If you have any questions please make sure to email me.