THE SECOND WRITING ASSIGNMENT we have to do is a research paper.
Because it is summer, it is more like a longer essay. This assignment
will be 4 pages ( four pages), not including the Works Cited page at the end. It is double spaced, and you only have to use one outside source (you may use more if you like, but due to time limitations, only one is required). It is fine to use the internet as an outside source. Please just use your good judgement to try to ensure reliable information from the internet.

The topic for the research paper is to be related to any author(s) OR
text(s) OR theme(s) we discussed in class OR any combination of these.
This gives you a lot of freedom in choosing a topic. However, sometimes
that is not always good. Sometimes students have a difficult time coming
up with a topic. If you need help finding a topic, just ask me for
advice; I will be glad to help. Here is a bit of advice though: look at
the essay exam questions below. Any of those could be easily turned into
a longer essay for your research paper. Feel free to use any of those
questions for your research paper or any ideas you may get from them.
You may also generate ideas based on questions from the discussion list.
Again, because of summer, I am making this research paper very
informal. Think of it as just a longer version of the essay exam you are
taking.

The DUE DATE for the research paper will be 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August
4th. The reason for being that specific about the due date and time is
my grades are due by the end of the week, so I need time to grade the
essays and allow time for any problems that might come up. If there is
some extreme situation that would cause you not to be able to meet that
deadline, please let me know as soon as possible so we can make other
arrangements.

I’ll be telling you more about this research paper in upcoming e-mails,
but if there are any questions at all or you need any help, just let me
know.

One final point…It is fine to use outside information from books,
magazines, internet, etc. However, if you do use outside information, be
sure to cite the source, so I know where it comes from. It is our school
policy to electronically check all student papers for plagiarism. As
long as you let me know outside sources are being used, there is no
problem. Again, if you have any questions regarding this point, just ask me.

It is fine to use MLA or APA style as you write and document the
research paper. Use whichever style you prefer.