Research Essay Length: 1500-2000 word, your thesis should be refined to be specific,
manageable, and interesting. Do not simply “argue for or against” one of these topics.
Notes:
1) Remember that an effective research essay is always one that argues for a particular position based on
convincing support from, and engagement with, secondary sources.
2) You must refer to at least five secondary sources. At least two of these sources must be scholarly sources
(e.g. academic journal articles, books from the library etc.)
3) You MUST provide direct quotations from your sources. I am not going to demand a certain number of
quotations, but generally aim to include at least one in each body paragraph.
4) Your essay must cite all sources properly using MLA or APA style.
5) Your paper should have an interesting and informative title that both gives a sense of what your argument
will be and makes me want to read your paper.
6) Your introduction MUST INCLUDE a “state of knowledge” and clearly-stated thesis statement.