PRELIMINARY OUTLINE (for Planning Purposes)
This is NOT your formal outline
1. Introduction
2. Background
3. Proof of Thesis
4. Solution/Effects
5. Conclusion
I.Introduction (1 Paragraph) – Identify your topic; provide a brief introduction to the main topic; and transition to your year-long topic and how they connect, concluding your introduction with your three point thesis statement.
II. Background (1 Paragraph)
A. Relevant background information on your combined topics
1. Why space exploration is important/not important
2. Tie in to how your topic links to the larger topic
III. Use sources to support thesis statment
A. First point in your three-point thesis
1. quote to support point
2. explanation and elaboration
3. quote to support point
4. explanation and elaboration
B. Second point in your three-point thesis
1. quote to support point
2. explanation and elaboration
3. quote to support point
4. explanation and elaboration
C. Third point in your three-point thesis
1. quote to support point
2. explanation and elaboration
3. quote to support point
4. explanation and elaboration
IV. Conclusion: effects of combined topic on society, projections of future uses,
Pro tips:
1. Avoid "to be" verbs
2. Do NOT use first person (I, me, my) or second person (you)
3. Each point of your thesis should be supported by at least two examples and two quotations from the sources. Your sources may be presented as paraphrases, summaries, or quotations, but should be fully integrated (quote sandwhich) and analyzed (explanation and elaboration).
4. Include internal references (parenthetical citations) for all direct quotations from the sources (see sample research paper).

The Project: An Overview and Requirements

Paper Requirements: As part of our curriculum, you are required to complete a four (4) to six (6) page literary criticism paper. The project is to be based on the stories you chose at the beginning of this six weeks. You are encouraged to propose your own topic, bearing in mind that the focus of this course has been on Diction Imagery Details Figurative Language syntax symbolism in literature and life and how historical context can effect the writing.

A literary criticism paper is a specialized form of research paper that involves the study and investigation of an aspect of a specific piece of literature. It is formal in tone. The paper requires that you adopt a viewpoint on the work in question and show how the details of the work support your viewpoint.

It is based not only on your analysis of the literature, but also on the criticism of others. Nevertheless, prior to consulting critics, reread the literary work and make appropriate notes. You may also wish to utilize analogous literature to support your thesis. Be sure you have a clear understanding of the work. After thoroughly reading the work, focus on your topic, and proceed to gather information from outside sources such as books, periodicals, interviews, and online sources.

Be wary of plagiarism! Plagiarized work will result in a zero!