Senior+Research+Project

Senior Students CP British Literature Ms. Rubano February, 2014 Senior Research Project
 * __Objective:__** Write a formal research paper, with a compelling thesis statement, integrating 3 or more sources using MLA Format.
 * __Topic:__** Your Choice, must be approved
 * __Final Due Date:__** Tuesday April 8, 2014

General Topic Choice 2/20/2014 [|Research Topic Ideas] [|Research Topic Ideas 2]
 * __Phases__ __Due Date__**

Specific Research Question 2/24/2014

Annotated Bibliography (Quiz Grade) 3/14/2014 [|Evaluating Sources] [|Primary Sources] [|Annotated Bibliography Directions]

Thesis Statement 3/18/2014 [|Thesis Statement Help]

Outline 3/24/2014 [|Outline Help]

Rough Draft 4/7/2014 [|Research Paper Help]

Final Draft 4/14/2014 [|MLA Guide]

You have five-and-one-half weeks to complete this paper NOT INCLUDING the week of the senior trip. Each phase of this paper will count as a Homework/Classwork grade. The Final Draft will count as a test grade (content) and a quiz grade (MLA Format). I am available for individual proofreading after school in Room 146. I will have a sign-up sheet available for this immediately and it can be used for help on ANY phase of this project. Each phases and detailed requirements can be found on our class website. If you finish a phase early and would like to move on, you may. Any papers submitted before the due date will receive 5 extra points. **Research Paper Requirements** Your paper will answer a focused question in detail, however it is easier to choose a more general topic to peruse and then choose a focus for your paper. Remember, the difference between a research paper and a report is the inclusion of your own opinion/analysis. For example, you may be interested in stem cell research and after perusing the many sources and articles decide to focus your research on answering the question: “Should stem cells be available to create designer babies?” This would be the focus of your paper. To complete the requirements for **Phase 1**, you must choose a general topic and write a one-paragraph explanation as to why you are interested in this topic. Do no choose a topic you are not interested in. If you are not sure when to start, begin with a general Internet search of “interesting research topics.” After choosing your topic, you must focus your research to answer a specific question. The answer to your question will eventually become your thesis statement. Choose a question that is interesting and controversial. You want a question that really allows you to voice a unique perspective. You don’t want to write something that has been said a million times before. To complete the requirements for **Phase 2**, you must write your research question, explain why you are choosing your question and give at least 2 different sources that you can use for information. An annotated bibliography is a list of sources used for research accompanied by your summary, assessment and reflection of the source (//The Purdue OWL).// Your annotated bibliography does not have to include all of the sources you will use in your paper. You are required to have at least 3 sources, one of which must be a primary document, by the time you are done with your research. To complete the requirements for the annotated bibliography, you must have 2 sources annotated in MLA format. Please reference the Purdue OWL for formatting information, or see the example posted on our class website. Your thesis statement must make a unique claim or state a unique point of view about your topic. It should answer the specific research question from Phase 3. You thesis statement will be proven through the evidence presented in your paper through combining research and your perspective. To complete the requirements for this phase you must submit your thesis statement. You may choose your outline format. To complete this requirement, your outline must, at minimum, be typed, with your proper heading, include your thesis statement at the topic and outline the content of your body paragraphs. Any research in your outline must be cited parenthetically and you must submit a preliminary works cited page. To complete the requirements of the rough draft, your paper must be typed and ¾ of the way finished. Remember, the more complete your rough draft is, the more helpful feedback will be. I will not be reading full rough drafts during class. If you would like your rough draft read you must make an appointment after school. A hard copy of the final draft must be submitted by the end of the school day (2:15) on April 8th. Any papers submitted after 2:15 will be considered late; a half-letter grade per day penalty will be applied to late submissions, this includes weekends. Works Cited // The Purdue OWL //. Purdue U Writing Lab, 2010. Web. 13 February 2014.
 * Introduction (15%)**
 * Overview of the topic
 * Real-world connection
 * Your opinion stated as fact
 * Thesis
 * Body Paragraphs (30%)** Minimum of six Body Paragraphs
 * Each Body Paragraph must include:
 * o Claim (Topic Sentence)
 * o Research
 * o Interpretation of research (your opinion)
 * o Connection to thesis
 * o Transition to next paragraph
 * Conclusion (10%)**
 * Restatement of key points and thesis
 * Obvious concluding statement
 * The conclusion you would like your reader to come to after reading.
 * Sources (25%)** Minimum of three sources
 * At least one primary source
 * All sources are reputable
 * Grammar (20%)**
 * Spelling, Punctuation, Capitalization, Sentence Structure, Usage, Verb Choice etc.
 * Phase 1: General topic Choice**
 * Phase 2: Specific Research Question**
 * Phase 3: Annotated Bibliography**
 * Phase 4: Thesis Statement**
 * Phase 5: Outline**
 * Phase 6: Rough Draft**
 * Phase 7: Final Draft**