All components of the paper must be completed using the provided Google Docs assigned in Google Classroom.
*Research Paper Overview (Google Slides-Each step of paper explained in detail)
Step 1-Topic Selection
Complete the Research Paper Acknowledgement Form
Choose a topic (it must be an issue that is debatable/two sides)
Browse through articles relating to your topic using the following databases to find claims (big ideas) for your issue and add them to your Thesis Creation Handout:
JSTOR Database (Login ID= covenantday Password Hint= the "old school" name for the Student Learning Commons)
ProQuest (Controversial Topics Database)
CMS Library Resources (Login ID= cds and flick number; Password= Four Digit Birth Year)
If needed, use Google Scholar to find additional, credible sources
Step 2: Thesis Creation
Complete the Thesis Creation Handout (Classwork Grade). Due Friday, Jan. 13th (before class begins).
Look at the Thesis Statements for Argumentative Research Paper: Lessons Learned before submitting your work.
Step 3:Note-Taking & Source Handout (Quiz Grade) Due Friday, Jan. 27th (before class begins).
Complete the Note-Taking Chart and Source Sheet using credible sources (described above) and remember to copy and paste the full MLA source citation onto the bottom of the handout (only for the sources used at least once in your notes). Required: CP 28/H 35 Facts; CP 5/H 7 Sources
Look at the Note-Taking Handout and Source Sheet Rubric before submitting your work.
If you cannot find the information you need about your topic using the above databases, then you may search your career in Google Scholar. However, you MUST choose credible sources . Do not use Wikipedia, About.com, Dictionary.com, etc. Few (if any) advertisements should be present, the author must be credible, and the website should be affiliated with a credible organization. Look for Peer Reviewed articles. Use MLA Citation Maker to create your Source/Work Cited entry.
If you have trouble finding sources, see Mrs. McClain in the Student Learning Commons (media center/library) during EXCEL, before/after school, or during lunch.
If you make changes to your topic, thesis, or claims, you must get it approved by Mrs. Spriggs. Warning Concerning Changes: with each day that passes, you are losing valuable research time. If you realize you need to make changes, make these in advance of the due date.
Step 4: Outline (Quiz Grade) Due Friday, Feb. 3rd (before class begins).
Using your completed notes, create an outline using the Sample Outline. This will take you the most time, but it will make your paper extremely easy to write.
Look over the Outline Rubric!
Step 5-First Draft and Work Cited (Quiz Grade) Due Friday, Feb. 10th (before class begins).
To create the first draft of your research paper, copy your completed outline into the Sample MLA Paper
Delete any elements of the outline structure (Roman Numerals, alphabetical letters, headings, etc.).
It should have a Works Cited page (always on its own page on the very last page of research paper; copy and paste the citations from the Source Section [Bottom of Note-Taking Sheet] in alphabetical order to create your Work Cited).
Length Requirements: CP 5-6,H 6-7 full pages (15 page maximum, not including Work Cited).
Submit your paper to Turnitin.com. Fix any flagged plagiarism errors. Resubmit if it was over 20% or if you had any incidents of direct plagiarism. Fix any grammatical errors.
Step 6-Self & Peer Editing (Week of Feb. 13-17th)
We will use the Self & Peer Edit Sheet for a final error check. Make all necessary corrections.
Step 7-Submission of Final Draft (Major Assessment Grade) Due Friday, Feb. 24th (before class begins).
Have a parent/guardian read over your paper with the rubric. Make any final changes.
Additional Resources