12th Grade English: Persuasive Research Paper-
Topic:Write a persuasive research paper about a controversial issue.
Examples: The media hype surrounding global warming is over-exaggerated. . .
Capital punishment in American should be abolished because. . .
The use of embryos in stem cell research is unethical and should be outlawed because. . .
Athletes who have used steroids in their particular sports should be heavily penalized because. . .
Guidelines:
q Fill out your project proposal worksheet, and conference with me about your topic before committing.
q Use 4-5 good sources in your paper. You may use internet sources; however they must be reputable.
q I will need to see all of your sources before you begin writing your paper.
q Your paper must be 3-5 full pages in length. Ten or more points will be deducted from your grade for any paper shorter than 3 full pages.
q You need 4 quotations and at least 10 paraphrases.
q Integrate sources throughout your body paragraphs; do not use only one source per paragraph.
q On average, there should be 3 instances of parenthetical documentation per body paragraph; each body paragraph needs citations!
q All quotations, paraphrases, and summaries of information must have parenthetical citations or you are plagiarizing. (directions to follow)
q Information which is not common knowledge must be followed by parenthetical documentation.
q Use an MLA heading.
q Anchor each quotation—lead them in and explain their significance afterwards.
q Include all sources used and documented on your works cited page. Follow standard MLA documentation. Staple your WC page to the back of your paper.
q Follow standard formatting: 12 point font, Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins, double-spacing, and no paragraph breaks (big spaces between paragraphs.
q Include a standard header on every page with your last name and page number in the top right corner.
q Submit your final research paper to www.turnitin.com (directions to follow)
q Turn in, on the final paper due date, in a manila envelope or pocket folder, copies of all of your sources, your first and final draft,
Attributes of a Strong Research Paper
q Strong thesis statement with powerful word choice and strong stance. This is the last sentence of your first paragraph.
q Support of your comments and opinions with clear, specific examples, quotations and references.
q Integration of sources and research throughout body paragraphs
q Smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs
q No contractions (don’t, haven’t, wouldn’t, etc) and slang (thing, guy, stuff, etc.) except when part of a direct quotation from a source
q No first person (I, me, we, us) or second person (you) unless part of a direct quotation from a source
q Proper use of mechanics (correct punctuation, spelling, grammar, etc.)
q Varied sentence structures (simple, compound, compound-complex, etc)
q Avoid plagiarism; otherwise, you will receive an F.
Research Topic Proposal Worksheet ______20 points
Research Sources (4-5) ______50 points
Research Terms Quiz ______50 points
Research Outline ______50 points
Typed Works Cited Page ______30 points
First Draft of Research Paper (typed) ______50 points
Final Draft of Research Paper (typed) ______200 points
Late Policy: You will lose one letter grade off of your research paper grade for every class day your paper is late.
Remember: If you choose not to write the research paper and follow directions, you will fail the 3rd 9 weeks. Please ask me for help if you are confused or struggling at any point in the process.
Research Paper Proposal
Name______
You may choose from the list of topics with which I provided you.
1) List 5 controversial topics you are interested in researching.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2) What is the controversial topic you would most like to research?
3) What is the controversial question you would like to answer in your research paper? Examples: Should parents have the ability to track their teenagers using GPS devices? Or Should the death penalty be abolished in the United States?
4) Explain the position or stand you are taking on this topic. Example: Teenagers rely too much on the internet for their social lives. I am against the overuse of technology in place of face-to-face socializing.
5) Have you ever researched this topic before? If yes, see me.
6) What do you already know about this topic?
7) What do you want to learn about this topic?
Give this proposal to me when you are finished. I will return it to you promptly.