You are writing a 3-5 page research paper that explores a ...



Research Assignment (30 points)

You will be writing a 2-3 page research paper that explores a topic or issue related to Biology.  Your research may be based on a topic/issue addressed in class or one of your own interests. The type of report you write may be analytical or argumentative.

In an analytical research paper your goal is to become knowledgeable on a topic so that you can present the topic from your own perspective. Often times you will begin by researching a specific topic you have not drawn conclusions about. This might have first led to a research question (Do human hermaphrodites exist?) then a survey of current information to become familiar with the topic. Research will require critical thinking, reading, as well as rigorous evaluation of your sources. Critical thinking means not considering any view as "truth" simply because a source has been published or claims to be an expert. Research requires you to be objective and ask questions as you gather information.

Conversely, you may consider writing an argumentative (or persuasive) paper. This research paper requires that you gather evidence (primary is preferred) to support your thesis (argument or position). Your thesis is based upon the evidence that you are using and your interpretation of that evidence.  In direct contrast to the analytical paper, your approach here is to take a stand on an issue and use evidence to back-up your stance, not to explore an unresolved topic.

You must have the topic approved.  Papers written on unapproved topics will not be accepted.  The term paper should be in MLA format with a minimum of 2 pages and a maximum of 3 pages exclusive of the title page, literature cited, and appendix sections.  The text is to be double-spaced and one inch margins are to be used.  The font should be in Times New Roman and must be 12 point.  You must have a minimum of 3 references. The term paper should be organized in the following manner and have the following section headers: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

Components of your paper will be collected through the semester as scheduled:

• Outline: (6 points). Due_______Tues. 10/21/14_____Thurs. 10/16/14______

o Approved thesis with outlined areas to be explored in the course of your research.

• Introduction: (6 points). Due____Tues. 10/28_______Thurs. 10/23/14______

o Background on the thesis (Direction of the paper)

o Thesis statement (Nature of the problem being addressed)

• Body: (12 points). Due_____Tues._11/4/14____Thurs. 10/30/14________

o Data bearing on the thesis (Obtained from the primary literature.)

o Data analysis—clearly distinguish between your own ideas and those of others (Compare, contrast, illustrate, discuss)

• Conclusion: (6 points). Due___Tues. 11/11/14_______Thurs._11/6/14________

o Summarize the topic addressed and major points

o Literature Cited section

▪ Begins a fresh page (Use proper format)

o Appendix

▪ Photocopies of the first page of each source.

For the Tuesday Lab: Complete paper is due _______ 11/25_______________

For the Thursday Lab: Complete paper is due _______ 11/20______________

The following website contains useful information on the research writing process and MLA format.

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