Research Paper

DUE:        ___________________

LENGTH:    3,000-4,000 words (6-8 pp., double-spaced, with 1” margins)
TYPE:    Argumentative, problem-solution paper.

FORMAT: Typed, double-spaced.  Please note special format for paper 5: All the bold items listed below should appear over corresponding material as paper section headings.  Center and double-space labels.  Use only the bold items as headings.

Section #            Heading/Description        Target Length

I.        Abstract    (of your paper)        1  paragraph
II.        Hypothesis (your prediction)        1-3 sentences
III.        Introduction                    1-2 paragraphs
IV.        Methods and Materials            1-2 sentences
V.        Results
(A.)    Results, Discussion
(1.)    State the topic;        1-2 paragraphs
(2.)    State the problem;        1-2 paragraphs
(3.)    Demonstrate a
connection between
the topic and problem    1-2 paragraphs
(B.)    Results, Conclusions
(1.)    State your solution        1-2 paragraphs
(2.)    State 2 objections to
your solution            1-2 paragraphs
(3.)    Refute the 2 objections    1-2 paragraphs
VI.        Conclusion                    1  paragraph
VII.        Works Cited                    Last page

SOURCES/CHECKLIST: Please use a total of 6 sources and observe the following guidelines:

___(1.)    Use at least one but no more than 2 books.
___(2.)    Use no more than 3 Internet sources (this does
not include journal articles from an on-line
database like ProQuest).
___(3.)    Use at least one journal article, electronic or
bound, but no more than 4 of either.
___(4.)    Periodicals, interviews, and pamphlets are fine,
too.
___(5.)    You may use more than 6 sources.
___(6.)    If you feel that an exception applies to you,             please see me.
___(7.)    If unsure as to whether a source is appropriate
or not, see me.
GUIDELINES (CHECKLIST): Your completed research paper should:
___(1.)    Follow the prescribed format.*
___(2.)    Make a clear and obvious statement of a problem;
___(3.)    Make a clear and obvious statement of a solution;
___(4.)    Anticipate 2 objections to a solution.
___(5.)    Unify clear and obvious statements of both a
problem and solution with a concise, focused, and
controlling hypothesis.
___(6.)    Use MLA documentation(Cf. Textbook: 640-662).
___(7.)    Use an MLA works-cited page(Cf. Textbook: 662).
___(8.)    Be approximately 3,000-4,000 words long.

GRADING CRITERIA: The Statewide “C” standard applies; additionally, I will focus on the following:
(1.)        A close observance of prescribed paper format.*
(2.)        A use of 6 appropriate sources (more voluntary but not
graded).
(3.)        A use of MLA textual documentation (i.e., citations).
(4.)        A use of MLA documentation on the works-cited page.
(5.)        The use of a concise, focused, and controlling
Hypothesis statement (labeled hypothesis).
(6.)        The use of a clear topic statement.
(7.)        The use of a clear problem statement.
(8.)        The use of a clear solution statement.
(9.)        supported by 2 refutations of 2 objections.
(10.)        The use of an effective conclusion.
(11.)        The richness of your writing.
(12.)        The depth of your writing.
(13.)        A consistent avoidance of contractions.
(14.)        A consistent avoidance of references to self.
(15.)        A correct, consistent use of a formal tone via
an acceptable, academic register of English.

(16.)        A relative freedom from errors in mechanics, grammar,
and spelling.
*NOTE:    Any approved exceptions will be assessed
according to the best method for that work.

WRITING AIDS: Answers to commonly asked questions appear below: (1.) The ABSTRACT section should contain an abstract of your research paper–all of its main points.  (2.) The METHODS and MATERIALS section should be written without reference to self; for example, “Most sources came from the Internet except for one on-line database journal article” (NOT “I found 3 books at the library and I was up till midnight on the Internet.”).  (3.) Label your “thesis” a HYPOTHESIS because your solution is not proven or tested but is a prediction.  (4.) The prescribed paper format does create redundancy because you restate the same statements over and over again in various sections.  I designed it to be redundant, so do not worry.  This is OK. Rephrase where appropriate to avoid dull prose (hypothesis excepted; do not change). (5.) More questions?

Expound on the topic