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Research Paper
DUE: ___________________
LENGTH: 3,000-4,000 words (6-8 pp., double-spaced, with 1” margins)
TYPE: Argumentative, problem-solution paper.
FORMAT: Typed, double-spaced. Please note special format for paper 5: All the bold items listed below should appear over corresponding material as paper section headings. Center and double-space labels. Use only the bold items as headings.
Section # Heading/Description Target Length
I. Abstract (of your paper) 1 paragraph
II. Hypothesis (your prediction) 1-3 sentences
III. Introduction 1-2 paragraphs
IV. Methods and Materials 1-2 sentences
V. Results
(A.) Results, Discussion
(1.) State the topic; 1-2 paragraphs
(2.) State the problem; 1-2 paragraphs
(3.) Demonstrate a
connection between
the topic and problem 1-2 paragraphs
(B.) Results, Conclusions
(1.) State your solution 1-2 paragraphs
(2.) State 2 objections to
your solution 1-2 paragraphs
(3.) Refute the 2 objections 1-2 paragraphs
VI. Conclusion 1 paragraph
VII. Works Cited Last page
SOURCES/CHECKLIST: Please use a total of 6 sources and observe the following guidelines:
___(1.) Use at least one but no more than 2 books.
___(2.) Use no more than 3 Internet sources (this does
not include journal articles from an on-line
database like ProQuest).
___(3.) Use at least one journal article, electronic or
bound, but no more than 4 of either.
___(4.) Periodicals, interviews, and pamphlets are fine,
too.
___(5.) You may use more than 6 sources.
___(6.) If you feel that an exception applies to you, please see me.
___(7.) If unsure as to whether a source is appropriate
or not, see me.
GUIDELINES (CHECKLIST): Your completed research paper should:
___(1.) Follow the prescribed format.*
___(2.) Make a clear and obvious statement of a problem;
___(3.) Make a clear and obvious statement of a solution;
___(4.) Anticipate 2 objections to a solution.
___(5.) Unify clear and obvious statements of both a
problem and solution with a concise, focused, and
controlling hypothesis.
___(6.) Use MLA documentation(Cf. Textbook: 640-662).
___(7.) Use an MLA works-cited page(Cf. Textbook: 662).
___(8.) Be approximately 3,000-4,000 words long.
GRADING CRITERIA: The Statewide “C” standard applies; additionally, I will focus on the following:
(1.) A close observance of prescribed paper format.*
(2.) A use of 6 appropriate sources (more voluntary but not
graded).
(3.) A use of MLA textual documentation (i.e., citations).
(4.) A use of MLA documentation on the works-cited page.
(5.) The use of a concise, focused, and controlling
Hypothesis statement (labeled hypothesis).
(6.) The use of a clear topic statement.
(7.) The use of a clear problem statement.
(8.) The use of a clear solution statement.
(9.) supported by 2 refutations of 2 objections.
(10.) The use of an effective conclusion.
(11.) The richness of your writing.
(12.) The depth of your writing.
(13.) A consistent avoidance of contractions.
(14.) A consistent avoidance of references to self.
(15.) A correct, consistent use of a formal tone via
an acceptable, academic register of English.
(16.) A relative freedom from errors in mechanics, grammar,
and spelling.
*NOTE: Any approved exceptions will be assessed
according to the best method for that work.
WRITING AIDS: Answers to commonly asked questions appear below: (1.) The ABSTRACT section should contain an abstract of your research paper–all of its main points. (2.) The METHODS and MATERIALS section should be written without reference to self; for example, “Most sources came from the Internet except for one on-line database journal article” (NOT “I found 3 books at the library and I was up till midnight on the Internet.”). (3.) Label your “thesis” a HYPOTHESIS because your solution is not proven or tested but is a prediction. (4.) The prescribed paper format does create redundancy because you restate the same statements over and over again in various sections. I designed it to be redundant, so do not worry. This is OK. Rephrase where appropriate to avoid dull prose (hypothesis excepted; do not change). (5.) More questions? –See me.
