US History II Picture Based Research Project
Marking Periods 3-4 Research Paper
Basic Research Timeline
- Conduct initial research on your assigned picture to help you narrow down your area of focus - you will have 2 days in class for this
- Submit three potential research project topic angles for approval (you will narrow down this list to one topic for your actual paper based on continued research)
- Continue researching (2 days in class) to narrow down to your final research topic - submit for approval
- Submit an annotated bibliography
- Submit your paper thesis and outline
- WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!
Topic Submissions Process
1.At the end of Research Day 2: Submit descriptions of THREE general topics for approval for which you have found accessible information
2.At the end of Research Day 4: Decide on your specific research topic and develop a research question. Remember, a historical research paper is not meant to be story time or a book report, but rather a way to prove a point. Write a paragraph explaining why you chose this particular topic, and what you plan to analyze/prove throughout your paper.
Annotated Bibliography Process
1.Submit at least six (6) academic / scholarly sources that you intend to use in your paper.
2.For each source: provide a bibliography using Chicago style.
3.For each source: write 1 paragraph explaining the qualifications of the author, the content of the source, and its value in your research assignment (why you plan to use this source in your paper).
4.You can add or delete sources as you write your paper, but your need to use at least four (4) of the sources from your annotated bib in your final paper. You will need to replace any sources that you delete.
Outline/Thesis Statement Process
1.Write your thesis statement at the top of your outline.
2.You must outline your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
a.Specify which sources are being used in each paragraph / section
b.Include transition sentences between paragraphs.
3.Focus on key ideas and organization
4.Outline should be reflective of what your final product will be; but you can change your paper as needed as you write
Final Paper Layout:
●Must be between 5-8 pages
●Size 12 Times New Roman or Arial Font
●Double spaced
●1” margins on all sides
●Must include an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
●Must include topic and concluding sentences / transitions for paragraphs
●Bibliography of final sources using Chicago style formatting
Keep In Mind:
●All submissions must be typed and submitted in a hard copy format. Printer issues will not be considered an excuse. Use the VHS Learning Commons if your printer at home is not working BEFORE class!
●Plagiarism, in any form, regardless of how minimal or unintended, may result in loss of credit on this assignment.
●Spelling and grammar will be graded in all portions of the assignment.
●Late assignments will lose 10% value per day late.
Helpful Hints
●Follow the directions
●Make sure you prove your thesis
●Balance information with analysis – you are being graded on your understanding and analysis of the material, not another author’s
●Check with your teacher or Mrs. Benz if you are questioning whether a source is academic / scholarly
●Have someone else read your final product
●Don’t wait until the last minute!