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Writing Assignments

Hey, how’s your paper coming? Every time I start to type, I have dreams of my vacation.

How late do you think you’ll be up? Seeing I just started, I think I’ll have to pull an all nighter.

How many citations did she Your guess is as good as mine.

say we need to have?

Maybe I’ll go online and look it up. Good idea. Let me know.

Don’t forget, this paper is worth a

major portion of our third quarter grade. Did you have to remind me?

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Research Paper Assignment 2007-2008

Sophomore Research Paper Assignment – 2007-2008

All sophomores will learn the Research Paper Process by completing various tasks involved in writing a research paper. We will use the Modern Language Association as out style manual.

Online Resources: The school subscribes to many online sources. For copyright reasons, you will need to get the goldenrod brochure in the Library that has the passwords for these sources.

Even though you access the sites in the goldenrod brochure through the Internet, they count as non-electronic resources for the purposes of this paper. (The articles have already been printed in magazines, etc.)

Note: I have come across an excellent online source that is extremely helpful about how to format your paper:
Owl Online Writing Lab at Purdue University: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/index.html

This site explains how to do parenthetical citations which should be used each and every time a source needs to be cited. It also has an extensive section on how to do a Works Cited.

Another good site is Easy Bib:
http://www.easybib.com/

RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS
Assignment: During the third quarter, you will be learning the Research Paper Process. Listed below are the guidelines and requirements, including a timeline of due dates.

Length: Your paper will be 3-5 pages in length. This refers to the body of the paper and does not include the title page, outline, or the works cited page(s).

Style Sheet/Manual: The MLA HANDBOOK will be the official format guide for doing this paper, and it must be followed exactly. Copies are available in the library as well as from me.

Topic/ Thesis Question: You may choose a topic from a list of topics/thesis questions prepared by me or from books I have in the classroom. If you have an idea for a different topic, then be sure to ask me in advance. Only one student per class may research each topic. This helps to keep the class interested when you give your Research Paper Speech!

Note: Your final topic MUST be stated in the form of a question. This is called your thesis question. Once finalized, your topic may not be changed without permission.

Adult Reader: I will be your teacher, but you must also arrange to have an adult reader. This person should be knowledgeable about your topic and should be a good proofreader.

Resources: Be sure to check for the availability of resources before you choose your topic. (You will need to use at least 5 non electronic sources). Sources may include books, periodicals, electronic media, tapes, interviews and videos, for example. General encyclopedias may NOT be used. This means no Encarta, no World Book, etc.! In addition, limit the number of resources from electronic media. Remember that Internet sources are not always reliable and that it is preferable to use non-electronic resources whenever possible. The absolute minimum is 5 non-electronic resources. Don't forget, this means 5 non-electronic resources that you have actually cited in your Works Cited page(s). Again, sources found in the goldenrod colored KHS brochure are considered “non electronic” for the purposes of this research paper.

Also, assess the possibility of using a large public library (Portland) or a university library (USM, UNH, UNE). It will be to your advantage if you are able to do so because that will dramatically increase the materials available to you.

Mrs. Russo will be glad to order books from other libraries in the state. However, three rules apply:
1. This service will be available only to those students who have no overdue library materials.
2. You must have all requests to Mrs. Russo before February vacation. No materials will be sent for after February 15. :-)
3. Materials ordered and received from outside the school will require postage and overdue costs from you if they are not returned to Mrs. Russo by the due date.

Note Taking: You must use 3x5 index cards for your working bibliography and 4x6 or 5x8 index cards for note taking.
Note: Note cards and bibliography cards must be passed in with your final paper or you will not receive credit!

Order of Submission: Your paper must be word processed, and it should be submitted in the following order:
_____Assessment Grid (I’ll give you one to fill out.)
_____Final Checklist (I’ll give you one to help you organize everything.)
_____Title Page (See sample.)
_____Two Outlines (original outline with corrections by me (due Feb. 12 or 13) and retyped outline).
_____Body (Check for last name and page numbers. See sample.)
_____Any Appendices (Only if you need them.)
_____Two Works Cited (original Works Cited with corrections by me and retyped Works Cited).
_____Rough Draft with your Adult Reader’s corrections, signature and relationship to you.

Be sure to make a copy of your paper before you pass it in! You will need it for your speech!

Timeline of Dates: All assignments are due at the beginning of class.
January 30 (31)                Presentation of research paper assignment in library.
February 4 (5)                  Thesis question due to me on a 3x5 index card.
February 8 (11)                Preliminary bibliography due on 3x5 index cards (at least five non-electronic sources).
February 12 (13)              Typed Outline due.
February 14 (15)              Ten sample note cards due. These and remainder are due with paper.
February 25 (26)            Submit to “Turn It In” by Midnight!!!
February 27 (28)            Typed Rough Draft Due- Corrected and signed by Adult Reader.
March 11 (12)                Paper due with note cards, bibliography cards, photocopies and printouts from electronic media. Keep a copy of the paper for                                    yourself.

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Research Paper: Topics

(Only one person per block. Sign up with Mrs. Maguire.)

A Tale of Two Cities

Research and discuss in detail the causes of the French Revolution.
Research and discuss in detail the “Reign of Terror.” Show how Dickens uses that period effectively in A Tale of Two Cities.
Discuss Dickens’ use of sentimentality and coincidence in A Tale of Two Cities. Use the critics to support your answer.

Black Like Me

Research and discuss the role and the impact that Rosa Parks had on the Civil Rights movement.
Research and discuss the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the incidents that led up to it.
Research and discuss the events of Selma, Alabama, and the bombings of Birmingham which led to the Civil Rights Bill of 1964.

Cry, the Beloved Country

Research and discuss the history of South Africa and show how the problems they faced in dismantling the policy of apartheid were a result of several factors in their history.
What rights do black Africans have in South Africa today?

Flowers for Algernon

1. Flowers for Algernon reflects science and medicine’s abuse of human subjects in experimentation. Using the code of ethics developed to protect human subjects during experimentation, show how this is true and explain what steps were necessary for this abuse to have been avoided.

Poetry Topics

1. Discuss the relationship between Emily Dickinson’s life to her work. Use critics to support your findings.

2. Through an analysis of at least three of Shakespeare’s sonnets, discuss the different themes. Use critics to support your analyses.

Short Story Topics

1. Select a short story writer (with approval) and do the following:

Read 10 stories by the author.

Discuss recurring themes, characters, and setting.

Use critics to support your analysis.

2. Select two short story writers (with approval) whose stories are similar and do the following:

Read five stories of each author.

Compare recurring themes.

Use critics to support analysis.

General Topics

1. Research and discuss the adverse conditions which forced women to start a labor movement in Lowell, Massachusetts in the Nineteenth Century.

2. Choose two novels by the same author. Compare and contrast the use of setting, tone, characterization, and theme. Use critics to support your assertions.

3. How have methods of trying persons accused of crimes changed drastically through the centuries?

4. Do women have equal rights in China?

5. Are gender differences rooted in the brain?

6. Is home schooling an effective method of education?

7. Is criminal behavior biologically determined?

8. Does rap music contribute to violent crime?

9. Is capitol punishment bad policy?

10. Should marijuana be legalized as a medication?

11. Is there evidence that homosexuality is biologically determined?

12. Is electro convulsive therapy safe?

13. Is drug use testing of student athletes permitted under the fourth amendment?

14. Can a positive mental attitude overcome disease?

15. Can large doses of Vitamin C improve health?

16. Should affirmative action policies be continued?

17. Will waiting periods control gun purchases?

18. Is television harmful for children?

19. Is alcoholism hereditary?

20. Has court-mandated school desegregation failed?

21. Should tracking and ability grouping be eliminated?

22. Should surrogate parenting be permitted?

Are marketed diets safe?
Why is diet such an important focus in heart disease?
Why is diet such an important focus in preventing cancer?

26. How has the treatment of spinal cord injuries changed over the last fifty years?

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Click on this link to learn how to make
Bibliography Cards and Note Cards.

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How to make a Formal Outline. See sample in Research Packet.

* There is a Sample Outline in your Research booklet. Follow the form exactly. From experience, I have found that it is best to use the TAB keys rather than using the space bar. This way everything gets lined up evenly.
* The first thing you should do is organize your note cards according to the major ideas/slugs/headings from the top line of each note card.
* Check to see that you have enough information for each major heading. (If you don’t have enough information for a particular heading, then you need to do more research, work the information you do have into another heading, or simply don’t use that information.)
* As with all your English assignments, use a simple, size 12 font (such as New Times Roman) and double space.
* Use Roman and Arabic numerals and the alphabet. (I., II., III, IV,1,2,3,4, A, B, C, D, etc.) If you need to use more detail such as lower case letters, then either see me or check out one of the web cites.
* For every I., you need to use a II. For every A., you need to use a B, etc.
* Center your title.
* Change your Thesis Question into a Statement of Purpose (Thesis Statement) at this time.
* You may include an Introduction and Conclusion in your Outline at this time, but realize that they are not formally considered as part of an Outline by some sources.

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Parenthetical Citations (Sometimes called “in text” citations)

· Introduce all citations.

· The first time you introduce a citation, you must use the author’s complete name and the title of the work. (book, “article,” etc.)

Example:

According to Elizabeth Siramarco in Eating Disorders, it states, “More girls have anorexia than do boys” (13).

· Subsequent Citation: The next time you cite from this same source, you must still introduce the citation, but you should use only the author’s last name and the title of the work.

Examples:

According to Siramarco in her book entitled Eating Disorders, it states, “Eating disorders are becoming more prevalent among American teens” (15).

Or

Siramarco states that, “Eating disorders are becoming more prevalent among American teens ” (Eating Disorders 17).

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A Different Book/Article by the same Author:

· When citing another (different) book by the same author: First time give complete name and title.

· After that, you do not have to give the complete title in the parenthesis; you should give the author’s last name and a key word(s) from the title of the different book, so that the reader can tell which book by that author you are citing.

Example: First time citing a new book/article.

In her book We are Killing Ourselves, Siramarco states, “Clinical depression is a major cause of teen suicide” (35).

Example: Subsequent Citation: The next time you site from this same source, you must still introduce the citation, but you should use only the author’s last name and the title of the work.

Siramarco states, “…” (Killing Ourselves 23).

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Basic Forms for Electronic Sources

If no author is given for a web page or electronic source, start with and alphabetize by the title of the piece and use a shortened version of the title for parenthetical citations.

-A web site-

Author(s). Name of Page. Date of Posting/Revision. Name of institution/ organization affiliated with the site.  Date of Access <electronic address>.

It is necessary to list your date of access because web postings are often updated, and information available at one date may no longer be available later. Be sure to include the complete address for the site. Also, note the use of angled brackets around the electronic address; MLA requires them for clarity.

-Web site examples-

Felluga, Dino. Undergraduate Guide to Literary Theory. 17 Dec. 1999. Purdue University. 15 Nov. 2000 <http://omni.cc.purdue.edu%7Efelluga/

          theory2.html>.

Purdue Online Writing Lab. 2003. Purdue University. 10 Feb. 2003 <http://owl.english.purdue.edu>.

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-An article on a web site-

Author(s)."Article Title." Name of web site. Date of posting/revision. Name of institution/organization affiliated with site. Date of access <electronic address>.

-Articles on a web site examoles-

Poland, Dave. "The Hot Button." Roughcut. 26 Oct. 1998.  Turner Network Television.  28 Oct. 1998 <http://www.roughcut.com>.

"Using Modern Language Association (MLA) Format." Purdue Online Writing Lab. 2003. Purdue University. 6 Feb. 2003 <http://owl.english.purdue.eduhandouts/research/r_mla.html>.

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Works Cited from the W.W.W.

This is the order in which the information should be listed. Use whatever information is available. If something is not available, then obviously you should leave it out.

· Last name of the author, first name.

· Title of work (Underline or use “quotes.”)

· Name the editor (if one).

· Publication information for any print version. Example: (City: Pub. Co., 2001.)

· Version of source (if not part of the title.)

· Date of electronic publication.

· Name of subscription service (ex. EBSCO), name and city of library (Example: Kennebunk High School, Kennebunk, Maine.)

· Total number of pages/paragraph number.

· Date of access (7 February, 2003).

· URL < http://www.msad71.net>.

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Name_____________________ Date_ Block______

Research Paper Assessment List

	NOTECARDS: show breadth and depth or research; are sufficient in number		POINT VALUE 10	STUDENT ASSESSMENT	TEACHER ASSESSMENT	COMMENTS
	PRESENTATION: Paper is typed or word processed; sections appear in the correct order as assigned.		5
	SUBTITLES: are used; reflect the divisions as they appear in the outline.		5
	PAGE NUMBERS: are correctly done; are properly placed on the page.		5
	CITATIONS: are properly cited; are properly introduced by the source used; support the point being made; are fully tied in to the point being made (are explained).		10
	WORKS CITED (BIBLIOGRAPHY): format is flawlessly done using the rules in the MLA Handbook; contains ONLY those works cited at least once in the paper; indicates that at least four non-electronic sources have been used.		10
	MECHANICS: Grammar and mechanics are perfect, i.e., no run-on sentences, fragments, slang, agreement, or verb usage errors.		10
	EDITING: paper has been proofread, spell checked, and reviewed for punctuation errors.		10
	CONTENT: paper develops the thesis, uses resources to support and expand upon assertions, and answers the research question.		35
Total Points Earned		100

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Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Teacher _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Block _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

RESEARCH PAPER FINAL CHECKLIST- (To be filled out and submitted with your paper.)

_ _ _ _ 1. Paper is typed or word-processed.

_ _ _ _ 2. Paper is spell checked.

_ _ _ _ 3. Paper has been proofread for:

_ _ _ _ Spelling

_ _ _ _ Correct Punctuation

_ _ _ _ Correct Grammar and Usage

_ _ _ _ 4. Name of adult reader and/ relationship to you:_______________/___________

_ _ _ _ Direct quotes of less than four lines

_ _ _ _ Direct quotes of more than four lines (indented, but no quotes)

_ _ _ _ Paraphrase

_ _ _ _ 5. The paper has been checked for proper order of presentation:

_ _ _ _ Assessment Grid

_ _ _ _ Final Checklist

_ _ _ _ Title Page

_ _ _ _ Outlines –(Preliminary Outline with my corrections & then Final Outline)

_ _ _ _ Body

_ _ _ _ Appendix (only if necessary)

_ _ _ _ Works Cited – (Preliminary W. C. with my corrections & then final Works Cited)

_ _ _ _ Rough Draft with Adult Reader’s corrections and signature!!!

_ _ _ _ 6. Title page has been properly done.

_ _ _ _ 7. Outline has been checked for correct form:

_ _ _ _ All divisions have at least two parts.

_ _ _ _ All division numbers and letters are followed by a period.

_ _ _ _ The first word of every division is capitalized.

_ _ _ _ 8. Parenthetical Citations are properly done.

_ _ _ _ Correct format for first citation

_ _ _ _ Correct format for subsequent citations

_ _ _ _ Period after parenthesis.

_ _ _ _ 9. Works Cited is properly done:

_ _ _ _ Entries are alphabetized.

_ _ _ _ The first line is NOT indented; all subsequent lines are indented one tab set.

_ _ _ _ All entries end with a period.

_ _ _ _ 10. Page numbers have been properly done:

_ _ _ _ At the top right hand corner of the page (1/2 inch from top of paper)

_ _ _ _ Page numbers are not followed by a period.

_ _ _ _ Example: Maguire 2

_ _ _ _ 11. Note cards are done and are ready to be passed in with the paper. Include the preliminary cards I corrected and all other note cards.

_ _ _ _12. Bibliography cards are done and are ready to be passed in with the paper. Include preliminary cards I corrected and all other cards.

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Research Paper Questions and Answers

1. May I change my topic?

No.

2. May I change my outline?

You may change your outline only with my permission.

3. How many sources do I need?

You need a minimum of five different sources. You may have more than one Internet source, but they only count as one source.

4. How many citations do I need?

You need to have at least one citation for each source, hence the term, "Works Cited." In other words, if you list a source in your Works Cited, then you need to cite from that source at least once in your paper.

5. How many citations are enough for an 5-8 page paper?

You need to have a citation for every piece of borrowed information that is not considered "general knowledge."

6. How do I know what is considered general knowledge?

The general rule is, "When in doubt, it is safest to cite." If you find yourself with hundreds of citations, then be sure to see me.

7. How many note cards do I need?

You need to have a note card for every piece of information in your paper. Please have them wrapped with a strong elastic band.

8. Do I need to pass in all my sources?

Yes, you do need to pass in all your sources. This includes all newspaper and magazine articles, photocopies from books, and Internet printouts.

9. Do I need to use both short and long quotes?

Yes. Indent direct quotes of more than four lines one tab space and do not use quotation marks. This is called "setting off" the quotes, and it takes the place of quotation marks. On the other hand, incorporate direct quotes of four lines or fewer directly into your paper. For these quotes you do not indent, hence you do need to use quotation marks. You should also have at least one citation for paraphrased material. This is information that you have "borrowed" from a source and put into your own words.

10. In general, when do I need to use quotation marks?

You need to use quotation marks whenever you use the actual words of the author, even as few as two or three words if they are key words. When in doubt, ask me. Do not take the chance of violating the school policy on academic integrity. I cannot impress on you enough the seriousness of this offense. In college, you could be asked to leave school, and you could lose the credits and the money you have paid. Believe me, it has happened. If you violate this policy while you are here at KHS, then you will receive a grade of zero on the assignment, and I will need to notify the principal of the infraction.

11. Do I need to use citations even if I don't use the exact words of an author?

Yes. You need to use a citation because you need to give credit to the author. This is true even if you simply paraphrase their words or whenever you even borrow an idea.

12. When I'm not citing a direct quote, where do I put the parenthetical citation?

The general rule is that you should put the citation directly after the borrowed information. This might mean that you need to put the citation in the middle of a sentence. Generally, however, it is fine to put the citation at the end of the sentence. It is not sufficient to simply put a citation at the end of a paragraph. (Sometimes, in very rare instances, it might be sufficient to put the citation at the end of a paragraph if it is very obvious that all of the related information comes from the same source. Do not do this without my permission.)

13. Do I need to "introduce" all my quotes?

Yes. Use introductory words such as, "According to Maguire, it is vital to learn good research skills." … Or … "Maguire concurs with the notion of being responsible for your actions." … Or … "The need to have appropriate consequences for your actions is something that Maguire stresses in her book How to be a Responsible Student."

14. Doesn't this make my research paper boring?

No. On the contrary, it makes your paper have a scholarly tone. Remember, this is not creative writing. Also, do not use personal pronouns such as, “In my opinion…” “I think…” or “You can see that it is obvious…”

15. Do I need to use subheadings?

Yes. Subheadings follow the major sections of your outline (I, II, III, IV, etc.) and should be placed at the left hand margin. Do not use extra "white space" before or after the subheadings. The entire paper, including the Works Cited, needs to be double-spaced. Also, remember to use a size 12 font throughout your entire paper. This includes the title and sub headings. Use a font that is easy to read such as Times New Roman. Do not bold any words.
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Research Paper – Frequent Errors

* Cite every borrowed idea. Citing at the end of a paragraph is not enough.

* Use formal tone. No personal pronouns.

* Vary citations. (Don’t cite from all one source, and then the next, and then the next.)

* Use spell checker.

* Learn comma rules.

* Keep verb tenses straight. In other words, choose either the present tense or the past tense.

* Follow proper format for Works Cited.

* Research paper is not a report- A thesis question is essential.

* Insufficient note cards- You need a note card for every piece of information in your paper.

* Double (not triple) space everything, even Works Cited. No extra “white space” allowed.

* Use one inch margins all around the paper. (The only exception is your last name and the page number in the upper right hand corner. This should be ½ inch from the top.)

* Cite all sources:

-Paraphrased material and borrowed ideas

-Quotes of less than four lines (even three distinct words)

-Quotes of more than four lines (Indent and don’t use quotes.)

* You should have at least one of each of the three types of citations listed above. (Paraphrased., short quotes and long quotes)

* Follow your outline (Use subheadings in your paper. This way I can see if you have followed your outline.)

* “Balance” your citations (Ex. Pro & Con)

* Use appendix for charts and graphs.

* Number your paper! (Begin with 2^nd page of body Ex. Maguire2 in upper right hand corner.)

* Read it out loud. What are you trying to say? Does it make sense? Does it flow smoothly?

* It’s = it is

* Use transitional devices.

* Use left justification. (not full justification)

* Don’t use 2 quotes in a row!

* No one sentence paragraphs.

* Subjects & verbs must agree!

* Introduce all quotes. (Example: According to Maguire, good study habits are essential.)

* Every citation ends with a period.

* Use size 12 Times New Roman.

* Don’t underline the URL.

* Don’t separate your primary and secondary sources in your Works Cited.

* Include the date of access.

* Don’t use general encyclopedias.

* Don’t bold anything.

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Research Paper Speech

Your assignment is to prepare a 3 to 5 minute speech based on your research topic. You will be timed, so you need to practice your speech to have it fit within 3-5 minutes. Questions are not allowed during the 3-5 minutes, but you should be prepared to answer questions following your speech. You may use only one note card, no larger than 4x6. I will not let you use your research paper the day of the speech. I expect you to take notes and prepare your speech before you come to class.

On the note card you may have notes, neatly written or typed, key words to “jog” your memory, or a simple outline of things to address within your speech. In any case, the note card is simply an aid. You may not read from the card.

You will be graded according to the “Speaking Evaluation Form.” Be sure to have a strong opening or introduction, an interesting body covering the main ideas researched, and a logical conclusion/summary. You will want to begin your speech by letting the audience know your thesis question, continue with your major findings, and finish with the answer to your thesis question.

Any misbehavior from the audience will result in a diminished grade for the person misbehaving. The job of the audience is to have a clear desk, sit up straight, and pay close attention to the speaker. The audience is not allowed to speak during the speech. When the speech is over, the audience may ask polite questions of the speaker.