Literary Research Term Paper Requirements



Module 1 - General Requirements

TOPIC

• Student selection from list provided by Mrs. Campbell

• Student must use the texts provided by the media center

• Minimum 5 full pages of text; maximum of 7 double spaced, typed pages

• 12 pt. Times New Roman Font

• Works Cited will be numbered but does not count as part of the text.

• Do NOT include a front page

SOURCES

MUST include:

A. A TOTAL of ten (10) citations – (5 primary and 5 secondary) from your research on your book using MLA parenthetical citations.

B. The following citations MUST be included in your paper:

C. Primary Source *1 (your novel choice)

1. 5–(five) of the citations must be from the book that you are reading.

i. 2-(two) of the five citations must be direct quotes.

ii. 2-(two) of the five citations must be paraphrased quotes

iii. 1-(one) of the five citations must be a BLOCK or LONG direct quote that should be at least 50 words. This will come direct from your book and inserted into your document in long quote MLA format. You may not use more than two block quotes.

D. Secondary Sources *min. 5 total

1. 3-(three) citations should be from secondary sources relating to Literary Criticism about your text from a database or in print (book or periodical) text.

2. 1-(one) citation should be from a reputable website on your particular issue or subject.

3. 1-(one) citation should be on your particular issue or subject from a database or in print text.

A. Correct MLA format, including heading, title, citation form, page numbers and works cited page (does not count toward page total).

B. Correspondence between citations in the essay and sources listed in the works cited.

C. THREE FULLY DEVELOPED MAIN POINTS

D. Thesis statement, all parenthetical citations (sets of parenthesis), and transition sentences between three major points should be highlighted.

FORMATTING

• 12 point, double-spaced, Times New Roman font only

• Set margins and pages numbers according to MLA format

• 8 ½ x 11 inch white paper

• Pages should be numbered consecutively throughout the manuscript in the upper right hand corner header, including Works Cited page. Be sure to include your LAST name only to the left of the page number

• Include a heading in MLA format with First Name, Last name, Teacher, Class period, and date in MLA format

• The title is centered one inch from the top of the past with a double space between title and line of text.

• The title should NOT be underlined, enclosed with quotations marks, typed in all capital letters, or printed in bold.

• Your title is NOT your topic of interest or your thesis statement and is usually not in the form of a complete sentence or question. The thesis statement is found in the text, not on the title line.

POINT OF VIEW

• Third person

• The words I, you, me, my, our, us, we, and your, should NOT appear in your paper unless it is part of a quote.

CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

1. An effective introductory paragraph, which includes the thesis as the last sentence.

2. Full, logical development of the thesis throughout the essay.

3. A conclusion which draws its assumptions from the main points covered in the paper

4. Smooth use of transition words and sentences to connect ideas and paragraphs.

5. An analytical approach, which is student-generated and focused, with sources used primarily for support of the student’s argument.

6. Intelligent, interesting discussion, analysis, comparison, contrast, statement and argument of ideas.

7. A clear distinction between the writer’s thoughts and your own ideas

8. Writing which has style, clarity, precision, and flair

9. Use of example from literary work to illustrate and support

10. Correct spelling, grammar, and usage

11. Use of active voice

Policies for the final draft:

1. Turn in the essay without a cover. MLA does not use a cover sheet.

2. The paper is due at the beginning of the period on the due date. If you either check-in or out so that you are not in class on the due date, you must personally bring the paper or project by my room before your class period begins.

3. If you are absent on the due date, excused or unexcused, you must make arrangements to bring the paper to me before your class period on the due date.

4. Please check your printer’s functioning before the last minute. Printer problems are not an excuse; only typed, complete assignments will be accepted. No disks, email submissions or jump drive submissions! Papers must be printed and stapled BEFORE entering the classroom! Turn all papers into the BOX at the beginning of class on the due date.

5. The Media Center has printing available and each page is only .10 cents.

6. Plagiarism, deliberate or inadvertent, will result in a zero for the assignment.

FINAL DRAFT REQUIREMENTS:

Final due date is MONDAY, March 17, 2014!

Late Policy:

Papers turned in after the final call for papers and up to one day late will automatically be penalized 20 points.

Papers turned in two days (or later) will not be accepted.

You must submit your paper with a doctor’s note for full credit. If you envision your paper is going to be late or if you take a day off the day the paper is due, then you must submit your paper with a doctor’s note to receive full credit. No other excuses will be accepted.

RESEARCH PAPER PROCESS

FOR INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT

Writing a research paper takes time and requires students to follow a strict set of guidelines to complete the paper. Note the approximate amount of hours that each task should take to complete. Use this checklist and check-off when you have completed each task.

o Read, study and take notes from your text: 17-20 hours

o Review MLA guidelines for documentation: 40 minutes

o Select, narrow and submit a topic: 1 hour

o Formulate and submit your research question: 1.5 hours

o Examine library and electronic sources: 14 hours

o Construct and submit an annotated bibliography: 5-6 hours

o Develop and submit a primary thesis: 1- 2 hours

o Revise and submit the final thesis statement: 1-2 hours

o Develop and submit an outline: 1-2 hours

o Write first draft, including parenthetical documentation and works cited page: 2-5 hours

o Revise first draft, parenthetical documentation and works cited: 1.5 hours

o Proofread and edit first draft: 30 minutes

o Proofread for correct documentation and formatting: 30 minutes

o Review and assess writing through rubric scoring: 1.5 hours

o Submit final paper, copies, all research materials, and signed Statement of Authorship: 10 minutes

Brookwood High School

Eleventh Grade Literary Research Term Paper

Statement of Authorship

Due: March 17, 2014

(staple to the top of your final paper)

For the Student

By my signature below, I certify that I am the original author of the research paper entitled:

This paper is submitted for evaluation as part of the Brookwood High School Literary Research paper requirement. I do hereby affirm on my honor the following:

1. I have researched the topic on my own and have not plagiarized any part of the paper.

2. I have given credit to all of the sources used.

3. I am responsible for the original writing of the first draft, the revising and editing of that draft, and the writing and submission of the final draft.

4. I will not allow anyone else to use my notes, first draft, jump/flash drive or final paper and claim it as his or her own work.

5. I understand that failure to comply with the stated conditions of the Statement of Authorship will in a failing grade on the research paper and possible disciplinary action.

Print Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________________________

Student Signature: _____________________________________________________________

Brookwood High School

Eleventh Grade Literary Research Term Paper

Parent Authorization

Due: Friday, January 31, 2014

For the Parent

My signature is confirmation that I have read the above assignment and documentation with the understanding that this assignment is comprised of a total of two (2) test grades, one (1) quiz grade, and three (3) daily grades. I will hold my student accountable for submitting all assignments on or before the required due dates and I have read and affirm that I understand the late work policy as outlined for this assignment.

Student Name (Printed): ______________________________________________________

Student Novel Choice: ________________________________________________________

*please note that students were given the list of novels to choose from two weeks ago

Parent/Guardian Name (Printed): _______________________________________________

Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________________________________

Research Paper Schedule

Important DUE DATES

* All assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class!

⇨ Parent Authorization /Novel Selection Form Due Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014

⇨ Research Question Due (1 DAILY Grade) Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014

⇨ EasyBib Checkpoint 1 (1 DAILY Grade) *min. 2 sources/10 notes Monday, Feb. 10, 2014

⇨ EasyBib Checkpoint 2 (1 DAILY Grade) *min. 4 sources/20 notes Friday, Feb. 14, 2014

⇨ Annotated Bibliography Due (1 TEST Grade) Friday, Feb. 21, 2014

⇨ Preliminary Thesis Statement Due (for feedback) Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014

⇨ Sentence Outline Due (1 QUIZ Grade) Thursday, Mar. 6 2014

⇨ Final Paper Due (1 TEST Grade) Monday, Mar. 17, 2014

In-class work days

*The research paper WILL require out of class work as well!

Media Center: Computer Lab (A-201):

Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 Friday, Feb. 7, 2014

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014 Friday, Feb. 14, 2014

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014 Monday, Feb. 17, 2014

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014 (*also Spring Pics)

Monday, Mar. 3, 2014

Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2014

Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2014

Wed. Mar. 12, 2014

Thurs. Mar. 13, 2014

*Minor grades (daily/quiz) will be accepted only one day late for ½ credit. Assignments must be turned in for evaluation, as it will affect the next step of the process. Absences do not excuse late work. The research paper must be in on the due date. You may turn the paper in ONE day late with a deduction of 20 points. Papers will NOT be accepted after they are more than ONE day late! Please read the “policies for the final draft” for more information.

The teacher reserves the right to make any changes if necessary.

*All of the handouts/information given out to you is ON MY WEBSITE as well.



*PROCRASTINATION IS NOT YOUR “FRIEND” on this project. Keep up with your assignments and progress of your research even if you are ABSENT. You know of the due dates well ahead of time. I am available during guided study/extended lunch/after school most days by appointment if you need additional help!

Good Luck! ( Mrs. Campbell

Module 2 – Developing and Evaluating your Research Question

1. Write a clear question regarding your research topic.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Review your written statement and ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the question stated in a complete, grammatical sentence?

• Is it clear how the area of study will be limited or focused?

• Is it clear that you have an open mind about results that your research may discover?

3. On the basis of your answers to the questions in item 2, edit your written question.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Look at your edited statement and reflect on the following questions:

• Does the answer to this question have the potential for providing important and useful answers and information?

• Will the result be more than a simple exercise in gathering information, answering a yes/no question, or making a simple comparison?

• Is the question focused enough to be accomplished with a reasonable expenditure of time and effort?

5. Looking at the statement once more, consider this: Is the question one that you really want to answer?

6. Show other people your work. Ask them to consider the questions listed in items 2 and 4 and then to give you their comments. With your compiled feedback, edit and rewrite your research question again:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Module 3 – Researching and Preparing the Annotated Bibliography

You must provide evidence that you have started to compile your research on your chosen topic. Construct an annotated bibliography of your sources and the material you collected. Identify the source you used and write it out in MLA format. Paraphrase the information and write your own personal reflection as to why you are using this source to provide evidence that will answer your research question. You should provide a minimum of 1 paragraph per source.

1. You may research your topic in any number of reliable, peer reviewed reference sources. Use the databases we learned about in the Media Center.

2. The annotated bibliography will be typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman and submitted in Word Document in MLA format.

Module 3 – Annotated Bibliography Rubric

MLA Format ________/5

(Header, Heading, Title)

Typed, Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font ________/5

Source Citations ________/30

A. A TOTAL of ten (10) citations – (5 primary and 5 secondary) from your research on your book using MLA parenthetical citations.

B. The following citations MUST be included in your paper:

C. Primary Source (1-novel choice)

1. 5–(five) of the citations must be from the book that you are reading.

i. 2-(two) of the five citations must be direct quotes.

ii. 2-(two) of the five citations must be paraphrased quotes

iii. 1-(one) of the five citations must be a BLOCK or LONG direct quote that should be at least 50 words. This will come direct from your book and inserted into your document in long quote MLA format.

D. Secondary Sources *min. 5 total

1. 3-(three) citations should be from secondary sources relating to Literary Criticism about your text from a database or in print (book or periodical) text.

2. 1-(one) citation should be from a reputable website on your particular issue or subject.

3. 1-(one) citation should be on your particular issue or subject from a database or in print text.

Source citation for each annotation in MLA format ________/30

Quote from source in quotation marks ________/10

Original Annotations ________/20

Total Points ________/100

Module 4 – Developing a Preliminary Thesis Statement

What is the difference between a report and a research paper? We generally think of a report as a body of information pertaining to a topic. A report could certainly involve researching and collecting facts, but it has the information related in the same general manner in which it is found.

In preparing a research paper you will be asked to take the topic to another level by adding a focus, a point of view, or a slant on the topic. This point of view on your chosen topic becomes the thesis for your paper. A paper with facts about the protagonist’s life would be a report; a paper that explores the dynamics of relationships and how this story might be autobiographical to the author’s life would be a research paper. Facts and opinions (literary criticism) would be needed to support this point of view.

To help you determine your focus or point of view, give a thoughtful reply to the following questions:

a) Summarize what you already know about your topic.

b) What are some unanswered questions about your topic?

Module 5 – Formulating your Final Thesis Statement

Now that you have read, studied, and taken notes on the sources you have gathered, it is time to decide what the basis of your paper will be. The thesis statement is your answer to the question you have raised. If you have summarized and paraphrased your material correctly and made notes of possible direct quotations, you have the “heart” of your paper completed. At this point you need to ask yourself some questions about your research question.

o Have I changed my mind about it?

o Does my information support it?

o Will my thesis engage the reader?

o Do I need to narrow or broaden my focus?

o Do I need to change my focus entirely?

The reason for re-thinking your position on your topic is that research sometimes leads you in direction you had not anticipated when you began the research process. Your thesis statement must fit the information and insight you have accumulated. A good thesis statement is derived from, not imposed on your material. The final thesis statement succinctly states the topic and your unique approach to it. It is included in the introduction of your paper. Readers will expect your statement to be supported in the body of your paper.

The MLA Handbook (Seventh edition) gives a definition of a thesis statement which should guide you in crafting the most precise one for your paper. “The thesis statement is a single statement that formulates both your topic and your point of view” (49).

Guidelines offered by most resources to assist in preparing thesis statements contain standard suggestions on what the statements should and should not contain. Listed below are some guidelines and examples.

1. The thesis statement is more than a fact or observation. It is the main idea (topic) and the writer’s perspective about that topic.

Fact/observation: Americans spend billions of dollars each year on fad diets.

Thesis: A personalized diet is needed to fit individual requirements for healthy living.

2. The thesis statement does not declare a subject to be explored. It identifies a point of view on a subject.

Fact/observation: This paper will discuss the rising crime rate in America.

Thesis: To combat the rise of violent crimes in America, political leaders should increase technological resources.

3. A thesis is not the title. It is the paper’s controlling idea and should be written as a complete sentence within the introductory paragraph.

Title: “Baby boomers” in the Next Century

Thesis: The present “baby boom” generation faces future problems which have not been sufficiently addressed.

4. A thesis is not broad and general. It is narrow enough so that it can be fully supported.

Broad/general: Many teenagers have after-school jobs.

Thesis: Teenagers working in jobs after school gain experience which will benefit them in the job market after they graduate.

5. The thesis statement does not deal with both sides of an issue. It has one idea to keep it clear and specific.

Several ideas: Recycling programs work if they become major objectives for responsible citizens.

Module 6 – Developing a Sentence Outline

The most efficient way to construct anything is to follow a plan. Think of buildings, housing developments, recipes, and yes, even writing. A plan is the logical basis for all forms of construction. Organizing topics from your notes forms the plan for your research paper. From these notes you will develop main headings to guide you in logically combining your gathered material.

One way to begin is to take your notes and sort them by topics. You may want to make note cards from your annotated bibliography. A visual display of these cards will help you to determine your main headings and formulate a method of organization for your paper. Ways to organize your paper may include:

o Chronological Order

o Explanation of a Process

o Comparison

o Order of Importance

This doesn’t mean that you’ll have the same amount of material for all headings. Instead, by putting together the main topics in an outline, you can see what information you have, as well as where you might need to continue searching to be able to explain some topics. This is part of the process that truly defines research. It is here that you begin to clarify how much material you will need to develop the main points of your paper. Often researchers must return to libraries or other sources to get additional materials to help support particular points. This is the Module to test how thorough your search has been. If you are diligent in your preparation of the outline, you will have the framework for your paper, and this will save you time later.

Module 6 - Research Paper Sentence Outline Rubric

MLA Format ________/15

(Header, Heading, Title)

Typed, Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font ________/10

MLA Citations ________/10

Outline written in complete sentences ________/15

I. Thesis Statement (1 sentence; covers all topics; own words) ________/10

II. Topic Sentence ________/10

III. Topic Sentence ________/10

IV. Topic Sentence ________/10

V. 15 Supporting Citations ________/10

Total Points ________/100

Module 7 – Write your First Draft, Include Parenthetical Documentation and a Works Cited Page

The first draft of a research paper should be written primarily to organize the content. This is the place for making sure that you present the thesis with a particular point

or “slant,” that you treat your topic with thorough support, and that you follow a logical plan of development which you set up in your outline.

To accompany your body of material, you will need an introduction and a conclusion. The paper should begin with a paragraph to raise the interest level of readers and to make clear the thesis (purpose) of the writing. You need a strong topic sentence to immediately grasp the reader’s attention and then several sentences to give background to your thesis statement. Some students write the introductory paragraph first; others wait until the main body is written to form ideas which would help announce their purpose.

The actual draft of the paper should include paragraphs to develop the different parts of your outline. Some parts may be stated in a single paragraph, and others will require two or more. An important caution is for you to present the material in your style and your words, not just join facts from separate sources of notes. The paper should flow in a uniform manner; therefore, do not forget to use transitional words as you work your way from one topic to another. When writing your draft, make sure that you are including parenthetical documentation to show the sources of your ideas. Remember, all researched information you include in your paper should be credited to a source.

The key to a research paper is to incorporate or “use” the information you discovered in your research to back up your thesis statement. Within each document, you must “cite” all of the sources that you found for your annotated bibliography. Whatever you use in quotes, you must cite. My expectation is that you will insert your researched information into the same location that you indentified in your outline. This is essential to make your paper flow. I will be looking to find these citations by locating the parenthesis identifying the author of the cited source. You MUST use the required amount of citations to receive full credit for this paper.

See my example online.

Carefully check your paper for parenthetical documentation and alphabetization of your works-cited page. There is no way to be too meticulous in this check. Consistency is key. You must follow MLA guidelines.

• Are all sources on the works-cited page cited in your paper?

• Are there any sources NOT listed on the works-cited page included in your paper?

• Have you used correct MLA form?

• Have you given credit to all sources of information?

A conclusion is exactly what the name implies: drawing your reader to a complete

close having shown the significance of what you said you were going to do in the

introduction. It is here that your reader should be left with the feeling of knowing that you

developed a point and you selected a variety of materials to validate your investigation. No

new material should be presented in the conclusion. Likewise, ideas presented before

should not be presented in their same form. CAUTION: DO NOT SWITCH POINT OF

VIEW IN THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH.

At the end of your paper you will add a page of works cited. You will list and give

specific information for all of the works you have referred to in the body of the paper.

Why is this information needed? The purpose is to give complete and accurate credit to

your sources and also to make it possible for the reader to find your sources.

REVIEW

This page should be labeled Works Cited. Do NOT use any of the following titles

for your page: Bibliography, Selected Bibliography, Works Consulted, Annotated List of

Works Cited, or Literature Cited. (Refer to the MLA Handbook if you have questions

about these terms.) These are not descriptive of the list you are being asked to provide for

this project. You are simply to list the works you used for support in your written text.

Guidelines in the MLA Handbook (Sixth edition) indicate that this works-cited

page should be numbered. NUMBER this page. The format is specified by MLA style.

"Center the title, Works Cited, an inch from the top of the paper. Double-space between

the title and the first entry. Begin each entry flush with the left margin; if an entry runs

more than one line, use a hanging indent the subsequent line from the left margin” (145).

Remember to list the entries in alphabetical order. The entire list should be double-spaced.

The following suggestion is a way to help you keep network addresses in standard print form if you are using electronic sources. A hyperlink is a predefined linkage between none object and another. On the internet, the hyperlink displays an underlined text typically in blue with a graphical hyperlink as a small graphic image. Computer Help instructions give the following directions to prevent the network addresses from being displayed on the works-cited page as a blue hyperlink.

1. Right-click the hyperlink you want to remove, point to Hyperlink on the shortcut menu, and then click Edit Hyperlink.

2. Click Remove Link.

������ Your main concern with the first draft is to organize the content of the writing.

������ Added to your body of material should be an introduction and conclusion.

������ The introduction clearly states your thesis and creates interest for the reader.

������ A conclusion provides closure.

������ All sources must be accurately credited

Inserting Block Quotes into Your Research Paper

Incorporating and Citing LONG Quotes in the Research Paper

**Only use this process for DIRECT quotes that are 50 words OR 4 lines of typed text or longer!

• The quote still must have a lead-in, and it CANNOT function as its own paragraph.

• After you write the lead-in, type a colon ( : ). Do not use commas, periods, semi-colons, or any other type of punctuation to introduce the long quote.

• Leave your computer ON the double spacing format.

• Enter down to a new line of text, and press the tab key TWICE. Your regular paragraphs should only be indented once, while long quotes will be indented twice.

• DO NOT USE QUOTATION MARKS!

• This portion of your text should also be double spaced! When you are finished typing, the quote should literally look like a box, or a block (hence the name block quote)

• Put a period or ellipsis at the end of your quote (whichever is appropriate for your quote), and then put the parenthetical citation AFTER the period or ellipsis. NO PERIOD should appear after the parenthesis. Yes, this is the opposite of what we learned for regular length quotes in which the citations appears BEFORE the parenthesis.

• Unless your quote appears at the END of a paragraph (as the last sentence), DO NOT INDENT when you return to writing your unquoted text. Press the backspace button until your text returns to the normal margin, which should be aligned with the text in the rest of your normal paragraphs now.

• If and only if your quotation appears as the last sentence in your paragraph, press backspace until your text aligns with the margin to the farthest left, and press indent ONCE. The beginning of your new paragraph should now be aligned with the indentions of all your other regular paragraphs.

SAMPLE: CORRECTLY FORMATTED BLOCK QUOTE

Nick’s conflicting feelings about Gatsby further the notion of paradox in the novel The Great Gatsby. Nick reveals these feelings in full force to the reader when he states:

Only Gatsby, the man who gives his name to this book, was exempt from my reaction—Gatsby, who represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn. If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life. (Fitzgerald 2)

In one sense, Gatsby stands for everything that Nick dislikes, such as moral corruption, dishonesty, and fraudulence. However, Gatsby also represents a virtue that Nick admires—hope. Nick’s conflicting attitude toward Jay Gatsby’s character ultimately serves the purpose of indirectly revealing the author’s own attitude toward the time period in which he lived, the Roaring Twenties.

Notice that there are no quotation marks, a colon follows the lead-in, the paragraph surrounding the block quote is double-spaced, and the quote itself is also double-spaced. Also, there is no period following the citation. I used ellipsis because I stopped my quote in the middle of the sentence. If you choose to quote until the end of a sentence, replace the ellipsis with a period, and put the parenthetical citation AFTER the period instead of before it.

Module 8 – Correct your mistakes from the

First Draft and Submit your Final Copy

This is the time when you will review any mistakes or corrections that are needed to make your paper be a polished submission. Modify your paper, adjust your research, modify your works cited page and prepare your paper for final submission.

Double-check to make sure you have met the word limit or page limit that your instructor has requested. If not, you are going to want to continue to complete your research and add the pertinent information to your document. Make sure your submission is typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman format, the margins are correct and all items are consistent with MLA format. Staple all pages together and submit it to the box on or before the required due date.

Staple all research materials together and submit it to the box on or before the required due date. Attach your signed Statement of Authorship and submit.

Congratulations, you have finished your literary term paper.

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Junior Language Arts

HONORS

[pic]

Research Paper Requirements

Spring 2014

Mrs. Nicole Campbell

This is where you are going to put your FINAL research question for a grade.

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