Outline for Morality Research Paper
Introduction
-Brief introduction to topic-what is your paper about?
-Thesis statement arguing/proving a certain point of view; thesis should be first
or last sentence of paragraph. Bold or underline thesis in paper (1 paragraph)
Background
-Background to topic as an issue: what made it newsworthy or well-known
-Historical factors (3 paragraphs + intro. paragraph above=1 page total)
-Social and/or religious factors
-Political factors
Topic: Explain basics of topic
-What is it? (1 page)
-Define and explain it in detail
-Explain key elements
_Explain what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about the issue and cite
at least one Scripture verse that supports your argument
Causes (Do not repeat “Background” info; be more technical and analytical here.)
-What directly caused it to happen (1 page)
-What events or situations contributed to its development into aproblem
-What was neglected or ignored that led to its occurrence
Effects
-What impact has there been (1 page)
-What consequences are there
-What has happened as a result
-If any, what are financial costs or costs to society
Opposing Point of View (1 page)
-Explain what opponents of your view say and why
-Explain/demonstrate why they are wrong
-Try to use better evidence than the opponent and/or make sure yours is more
convincing or from more reliable or reputable sources
e.g., a scientist instead of a politician;
a philosopher or theologian instead of a political pundit (opinion writer)
-This section should have your best arguments as to why the opposing view is
wrong and why your point of view is correct
Case Study (1 page)
-A real-life example of your topic
-“When, what, where, why, and how”
-This can read like a 2-4 paragraph newspaper article
-End case study with a paragraph explaining how your side/opinion would help or
alleviate problem discussed in case study example
Closing
-Link to introductory paragraph with a sentence recalling importance of topic
-Lesson learned by people or society through better understanding of topic
-Application/relevance to society or other issues
-Contemporary significance (3 paragraphs)
-If not already said, any further impact upon others or consequences of issue
-Reword thesis. Do not repeat it. Rephrase it in a compelling way.
-Close with a thought-provoking statement about importance of issue.
Epilogue
-Why you chose topic
-What you learned (1 paragraph + 3 closing paragraphs above=1 page)
-What you plan to do in the future as a result
Works Consulted Page
-Use parentheticals throughout body of the paper
-List works (sources) you consulted in researching and writing the paper
-You must have at least 7 sources including 2 books
See standard MLA format for this page (this will be your 8th page)
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Grading Rubric for Research Paper
Graded item total points points given
Clear thesis statement
(state a compelling side) ____3______
Thesis proved in paper
(compelling evidence) ____ 2______
Citation of CCC/Bible
(in paper & works consult) ____5______
Spelling/grammar
(errors are rare or absent) ____10______
Parentheticals=7 or more
(used in body & cited correctly) _____7______
7 sources used for information
(at least 2 of these are books ) ____10______
Margins, headers
title, page #placements _____5______
Organization and flow
(good transitions) _____3______
7 pages x 15 points
given for each page ___ 105______
Total points possible ____150______
- 5 points each day late ______
- 15 points yellow tii.com ______
Standard MLA=Times New Roman/12 point font/ 1 inch margins/double spaced
Staple this rubric to your paper. Please submit an original, well-researched paper.
Have someone read your paper out loud and edit/make corrections before you submit it!
Final Paper Due Date ______turnitin.com ______Password______
Grading Rubric for Research Paper
Graded item total points points given
Clear thesis statement
(state a compelling side) ____3______
Thesis proved in paper
(compelling evidence) ____ 2______
Citation of CCC/Bible
(in paper & works consult) ____5______
Spelling/grammar
(errors are rare or absent) ____10______
Parentheticals=7 or more
(used in body & cited correctly) _____7______
7 sources used for information
(at least 2 of these are books ) ____10______
Margins, headers
title, page #placements _____5______
Organization and flow
(good transitions) _____3______
7 pages x 15 points
given for each page ___ 105______
Total points possible ____150______
- 5 points each day late ______
- 15 points yellow tii.com ______
Standard MLA=Times New Roman/12 point font/ 1 inch margins/double spaced
Staple this rubric to your paper. Please submit an original, well-researched paper.
Have someone read your paper out loud and edit/make corrections before you submit it!
Final Paper Due Date ______turnitin.com ______Password______
Grading Rubric for Research Paper
Graded item total points points given
Clear thesis statement
(state a compelling side) ____3______
Thesis proved in paper
(compelling evidence) ____ 2______
Citation of CCC/Bible
(in paper & works consult) ____5______
Spelling/grammar
(errors are rare or absent) ___10______
Parentheticals=7 or more
(used in body & cited correctly) ____7______
7 sources used for information
(at least 2 of these are books ) ____10______
Margins, headers
title, page #placements ____5______
Organization and flow
(good transitions) ____3______
7 pages x 15 points
given for each page ___ 105______
Total points possible ___150______
- 5 points each day late ______
- 15 points yellow tii.com ______
Standard MLA=Times New Roman/12 point font/ 1 inch margins/double spaced
Staple this rubric to your paper. Please submit an original, well-researched paper.
Have someone read your paper out loud and edit/make corrections before you submit it!
Final Paper Due Date ______turnitin.com ______Password______