English IV Research Project
Argumentative Research Paper General Information
1. You will choose the topic of your paper based on a subject that interests you and has importance in your own future. The boundaries are wide; choose wisely (potential categories listed on back). You MUST receive my approval on your FINAL topic before researching. Ask yourself the following questions before choosing a topic:
* What do I feel passionately about that I wish I knew more on the subject?
* What do I need to understand more about that will affect me next month? Next year? In four years?
* What has piqued my curiosity in the last six months, that if I knew more about, I’d feel more confident/smarter?
* What do I KNOW I need more information about, andeven though it’s not my favorite topic, knowing more will make me more successful?
1. Paper length is a minimum of a six (6) to seven (7) typed pages. These pages will follow the standard introduction, body, and conclusion writing format and will follow current MLA guidelines. You must include at least one block quote as well as summary and multiple direct quotes from each of your sources.
2. A five (5) source minimum is required – a general encyclopedia may not be counted among the five. Specialty encyclopedias may be used.NOT using Wikipedia in an academic research paper goes without saying, right?!
3. Because this is a research paper, MLA parenthetical documentation must be included in your paper, or it does not receive a grade. Consult OWL Purdue for any questions regarding MLA format.
4. Research material will come primarily (3 of 5 sources) from the school’s data bases. As far as I know, these services may be accessed from your home computer using the following passwords:
- Galenet – user name: edmo80637password: edmo80637
- EBSCO – user name: deercreekpassword: antlers
- SIRS - user name: OK0272password: 73003
- Oklahoman Archives – no user name or password needed.
You may also use RELIABLE internet sources (no more than 2 of your required 5). Though we have addressed reliability, we will revisit that topic before you delve too deeply into researching.
5. Notes over your sources are required. Five (5) annotated bibliographies are required (see handout on teacher web for example). Begin your working outline on the computer. Keep a typed copy of this working outline. Although we will start workingon this project in class, researching, reading, and note taking will continue at home. Reading and evaluating your topic is a critical part of the research process, which takes time and effort to complete.
6. You will need a pocket folder with brads in which you will put your final paper and notes. Final paper goes in the brads with the rubric as the last page. In the left-hand pocket, place your outline and rough draft with peer comments. In the right-hand pocket of the folder, put all other research information such as Internet information, bibs, notes, etc.
7. Deadlines are as follows:
Parent signature letter & pick topicdue: ______1/17 TOPIC; 1/22 -Letter
2 Annotated Bibliographies (one pro and one con)due: ______
Rough Thesisdue: ______
3 more Annotated Bibliographiesdue: ______
Working outline with final thesis
Up to 3 more annotated Bibliographies (if necessary/Extra Credit)due: ______
Introduction due: ______
Rough draft; works cited for contentdue: ______
Rough draft for grammar/Peer Reviewdue: ______
Final paper with formal Outline, Notes, hard copies of sources, Works Cited pages, folder DUE ______