Thesis Paper Overview

Task Description:

Thesis paper: This is not an informative paper, but one that makes an argument and includes information that supports it (see Tips for a Good Thesis Paper).

Process:

Since there will be lots of information on virtually every topic, a good thesis will help you narrow down what you are looking for and allow you to discard information that is unnecessary. Creating a good thesis may require looking at a lot of general information first (like the textbook or an encyclopedia-which, by the way, do not count towards your four sources). You might also want to look at the University of Minnesota's Research Paper writing website or Harvard's Strategies for Essay Writing for more tips.

Format:

• 12pts. Times New Roman

• Double Spaced

• 1.25" Margins

Requirements:

• Must be submitted on turnitin.com to be graded

• At least 3-5 full pages paper of content (does not include the works cited page)

• Works Cited Page (on its own separate page, but as part of the same electronic document)

• Cited works must include a minimum of 4 academic sources. See Mrs. Brockman's research presentation for information on finding your sources.

• One of the four sources can be from either National Geographic magazine or Smithsonian magazine, but not both.

Expectations:

• Support of the thesis should be evident in every body paragraph.

  • Remember analysis still NEEDS evidence to be valid.

  • Cite often (in-text) whenever you are using someone else’s ideas, even when not directly quoting.

  • Points will be deducted for all analysis written without supporting evidence.

• Fewer than five spelling, capitalization, or punctuation errors.

  • YOU MUST EDIT YOUR PAPER BEFORE TURNING IT IN!!!

• All citations must be completed in MLA format. Refer to websites below for assistance with the format:

  • Easy Bib.

  • Owl @ Purdue.

  • Refer to your writer’s manual provided by the English Department (Appendix A has an entire sample paper).

• Works Cited page completed in MLA format, as part of your electronic document.

• Meets minimum page requirements.

• Includes sufficient in-text citations (from all four or more sources). Any time you are using someone else’s ideas you must cite your sources in-text. Sources that are not cited in your paper should not be listed on your works cited page.