Research Paper Checklist, aka “How to Get an A for This Paper”

Introduction

· Attention getter (shocking fact, striking description, a good question, anecdote)

· One-sentence thesis statement, detailed enough to give a good impression of the entire essay

· Preview of the essay (tell the reader what you’re going to tell him)

Sources

· One “alternative” source are used and cited (films on demand, e-book from library, print book from library)

· Two course readings are used and cited

· At least four peer-reviewed sources are used and cited

· At least three national or international news sources are used and cited

· Quotes are embedded in the text, using a quote sandwich

· Sources support the argument in the body of the essay

Each paragraph

· has a topic sentence that defines the paragraph’s topic

· deals with one topic that supports the thesis statement and backs up your thesis

· contains at least two of the following: example, explanation, quote, description, evidence

· every sentence relates to the paragraph’s topic sentence

Transitions

· Each topic sentence directs the reader’s attention (apart from, in spite of, on the other hand, as if that were not enough, similarly, just like, unlike etc.)

· Each sentence has signal words that make clear what its function is (for example, this makes clear that, an explanation for this is, etc.)

A small airline recently sold to a private equity group for $145 million. The airline has earned profits of $9 million last year. The new managers believe they can grow profits at 5% per year. The private equity group borrows money from wealthy individuals to invest in acquisitions. Because of the significant risk involved, lenders are promised a 12% return on their loans to the equity group. Is the purchase price of the new airline reasonable? Explain