World History / Cultures

World History / Cultures

Research Assignment

Mrs. Ajalat

Format/Requirements

1.  Students will work in groups to complete the paper – 1 paper per group.

2.  Papers must be approximately 3-4 pages in length.

3.  Papers must be typed and double-spaced.

4.  You must use a minimum of four sources for the paper .

5.  Each source should be cited at least once within the body of the paper.

6.  General Encyclopedias do not count as a source - However, a high-level academic encyclopedia is acceptable. This type of encyclopedia is found on the library website. Your textbook cannot be a source.

7.  Citations, bibliographic references, and formatting will follow the M.L.A. format (M.L.A. Handbooks are available in the school store). Noodle Tools is a helpful resource.

8.  Each group must also complete a presentation component. A Google presentation must be created, completed and submitted on the same date the research paper is due. (Details for the presentation are the end of this document.)

9.  On the day the assignments are due - Groups will:

·  Submit a final hard copy of the research paper

·  Submit a final hard copy of the presentation

·  Post the research paper to Turn-it-in.com

·  Ensure that the same final copies (of the paper and presentation as submitted to me) are also accessible to me via Google drive

Due Dates

Topic due: ______

Thesis statement:______

Resource check, Highlight key points to be used in your work: ______

Outline of paper with point, evidence and analysis: ______

Rough Draft for Peer Review: ______

Paper and Presentation due: ______

Topics

Topics will be assigned in class.

Tips

1.  Follow the usual rules for writing assignments.

2.  Write an introduction that lists the points to be discussed in the body of the essay. Define your terms.

3.  Begin paragraphs with topic sentences.

4.  Avoid self-conscious phrasing such as: “In this essay, I will analyze” or “then our representatives devised a solution to the problem” or “Japan’s surprise attack made us enter the war”

5.  Avoid slang and informal phrasing.

6.  Develop your ideas by answering the questions of the journalistic inquiry model: who, what, when, why, where and how.

7.  Employ P.E.A: Point – Evidence - Analysis

8.  End paragraphs with transitional sentences that prepare the reader for the move to subsequent idea.

9.  Provide a conclusion that recapitulates the thesis and the evidence you have marshaled to support it.

10.  Proofread your paper.

11.  In addition to handing in your final draft to me, you will also upload your paper to

www.turnitin.com. Failure to complete this process will result in a failing grade (0%).

12.  FAILURE TO CITE PROPERLY WILL CAUSE YOU TO RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE REGARDLESS OF THE QUALITY OF THE CONTENT. BE CAREFUL.

13.  FAILURE TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY CAN RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN ONE OR MORE OF THE STUDENTS GRADES. Students will evaluate their partners work ethic and productivity.

TURNITIN.COM

Your Class ID and password is as follows:

Class ID Password

Period 5 11381045 Napoleon

Period 8 11381051 Napoleon

Possible Constructive Research Paper Comments:

(You want to AVOID these)

______Needs more powerful thesis statement.

______Thesis statement lacks clarity and direction.

______Needs more powerful conclusion.

______Conclusion lacks clarity and connection to your thesis.

______Need more specific evidence supporting the main points.

______Needs more analysis.

______Only write in third person (Do not use words like ‘you’ ‘we’ ‘us’ ‘our’ in a

research paper.

______Need to work on format for works cited page using MLA Format.

______Need to develop correct MLA Parenthetical Citations.

______In your parenthetical citations, the period goes after the citation (not before).

Example: The New Jersey Devils won the Stanley Cup in 1995 (Jones 45).

______Watch spelling. (Proofread paper and read out loud in order to find mistakes in

your paper).

______Need to work on grammar and reword some sentences.

______Do not end sentences with words like ‘be’ ‘on’ ‘from’.

______Expand your vocabulary. (Do not use works like ‘got’ ‘took’)

______Do not cite in last sentence of research paper. Use your own words.

Presentation

Groups will present the content of their paper to the class via a google presentation.

1.  The first slide should present the topic of your research paper with your names.

2.  The next slide should be your thesis for the paper – i.e. explain your thesis.

3.  Each additional slide should be dedicated to a corresponding point/argument in your paper.

4.  The last slide will wrap up your argument – i.e. conclusion.

5.  Each slide should NOT rewrite the each paragraph in the paper - it should analyze the evidence to support your thesis/argue that point.

6.  All students in the group must be equal participants in the presentation effort (just as required for the paper).

7.  All students must be prepared to answer questions about their content from the teacher and students.

8.  Pictures, You tube clips from reliable news sources will enhance your presentation.

Grade Breakdown

·  Check points: Homework Grade

·  Research Paper - Test Grade 100 Points

·  Presentation - Quiz Grade 50 Points

GOOD LUCK!!!