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English 162 Bohnert

ESSAY #4

RESEARCH PAPER

Due Date: November 14

Length

1,600-2,400 words of text (not including outline and Works Cited page)

Subject Matter

You may write on any topic; however, it must meet these requirements:

· the topic is significant

· the topic is current

· the topic is complex

· the topic interests you as the writer (this will make the project more meaningful)

You may choose a topic that ties into one of your own interests, but select something that you will still need to research thoroughly—the whole idea is to learn much more about a topic/issue.

Please see me if you fell any uncertainty about your topic.

Sources

· 6-12 sources

· sources may include books, magazines, newspapers, films, websites, personal interviews, surveys

· Minimum of 14 quotations and/or paraphrases

· You must include at least one (1) book and at least three (3) sources from the “databases” we learned about in the library orientation.

· you should quote (or paraphrase or summarize) extensively in this paper; you should feature no less than 14 citations, and probably 18 or more

· your sources should be substantia l (that is, don’t rely too much on encyclopedias, textbooks, movies)

· at least four (4) of your sources should be very recent (that is, within the last two years)

· correct MLA parenthetical citation style and Works Cited list (separate page at end) are required

Structure

You should construct an argument for your paper—a statement of the position you have taken after looking at the evidence and considering multiple viewpoints. A clearly stated thesis statement will be considered vital. The essay must involve analysis and synthesis. Synthesis is especially important since you are working with so many more sources than on any previous English 161 or English 162 paper. Logical development and smooth transitions are vital. Depending on the nature of your topic, you may wish to divide the paper into sections, using subheadings.

A clear introduction (with thesis statement) and a clear, strong conclusion are essential for framing your material. Evidence from your sources is crucial, so you must quote/paraphrase a great deal, but don’t let these dominate your paper (should not be strings of quotations). If you find yourself consistently including more than two citations per paragraph, you are probably going overboard.

Audience/Tone

Consider your readers as intelligent people who are interested in your topic and who want to be engaged by your material. Your tone should be serious and informative, but not dull. I suggest avoiding First Person (“I”), unless you believe there are spots where it really improves clarity. This is YOUR paper, so it should feature your views—but based on evidence and reasoning.

Early Draft /Conference

A rough draft of at least 1,000 words will be due when you come in for a conference with me. This is a serious draft, and not really what would be called a “rough” draft. The point value is rather high. This is a good time to see what you have achieved as you near completion of the project, and I am there to provide feedback and advice.

Oral Reports

Each student will have 5-10 minutes to present his/her paper. Students should write up a short presentation based on the paper or speak from notes; you do not want to read your paper word-for-word. Time will be allowed for questions from class members.

In the oral report you will want to convey all of your mains points. You may want to use props or handouts, and Power Point is highly recommended.