Multi-Genre Research Paper

Competency #2: Critical Thinking & Creativity

What is a Multi-Genre Research Paper ?

Multi-genre writing is the discovery of "truth through fiction". The thesis of a multi-genre research paper is communicated through the creation of a variety of creative writing pieces that are then sequenced in such a way that the thesis and supports are clearly and effectively articulated and communicated.

Like a traditional research paper, a multi-genre paper does involve outside sources. Like a traditional research paper, it is a vehicle for the communication of a unique and independently developed thesis. Unlike a traditional research paper, it is more often a powerfully moving paper filled to overflowing with the writer’s own voice.

Creating your Multi-Genre Paper

NOTE: AI IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE TOOL FOR THIS WRITING TASK.

Next, Review Your Reader's Response & Related Research

- reader's response/viewer's response to the designated a literary work(s) from the curriculum
- assigned research completed as part of your study of the literary work (s)

Craft and Draft...

As you start to craft and draft your multi-genre research paper, keep in mind that the final product must be created with Google Slides. This will allow you the flexibility you need in terms or formatting, organization and revision.

The resources below will guide you through the process of writing your paper. Keep in mind that writing is hardly ever a linear process and that's very true for multi-genre papers. You need to decide what you want your reader to understand and feel. You need to decide how you will communicate this by determining whose point of view will guide reader's through the narrative.

Many multi-genre writers skip around from genre to genre, repeating some genres (such as letters, diary entries or news articles) to create a narrative flow and structure. The goal? A paper with a clear voice and message with an easily definable beginning, middle and end.

A multi -genre research paper contains:

- - Title Page
  - "Dear Reader Letter" (write this last)
  - At least ten multi-genre pieces
  - Endnotes/Bibliography

Genre Descriptions & Examples

These examples and definitions represent only some of many forms of creative writing that can be found in a multi-genre research paper. Additionally, each genre listed here can be expressed in more than one way.

Prose Fiction

- - Prose Fiction: Dramatic Scene
  - Prose Fiction: Narrative Scene

Diary

- - Diary Entry

Media Articles

Lists

Play Writing

Math as Prose and Poetry

- - Spreadsheet/Equation: Checkbook Entry
  - Spreadsheet/Equation: If/Then Problem

Poetry

Click here to see some fabulous multi-genre papers written by recent juniors and graduates. You can also take a look at some multi-genre papers archived in the red crate in our classroom.

NOTE: Available only to members of Londonderry School District logged in to their Londonderry Google account.

Edit & Revise

Although you will have the opportunity to create a trend through revision, take the time to edit and revise as fully as possible now. It will pay-off in the long run and save you time. Use these links to help you with this process:

NOTE: AI IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE TOOL FOR THIS WRITING TASK.

All done? Not yet.

Make sure you have submitted your completed summative to the indicated assignment in Google Classroom by the indicated date/time.

Rubric: Multi-Genre Research Paper

(You'll get your copy via Google Classroom.)

Multi-Genre Research Paper Rubric.pdf

Note to Teachers: My approach to multi-genre writing has been directly influenced by Tom Romano, author of "Blending Genres, Altering Style". While a graduate student at UNH, I was fortunate enough to take Dr. Romano's course on multi-genre writing. I can't recommend the course, Dr. Romano or the book enough. Multi-genre writing is an exhilarating challenge. It is at once difficult and stimulating. It awakens the creative spirit within. After writing a multi-genre research paper, many of my students seek out opportunities to write another one.