Name:
English II Research Paper
Mrs. Reyes
October 7, 2007
                                                   Sophomore Research Paper Guidelines (Handout #1)

Requirements:
1.        6 pages minimum (the 7th page is your "Works Cited" page)
2.        Five (5) sources
3.        MLA manuscript form
4.        You must demonstrate that you have moved through the stages of creating this paper yourself.  No one will
be permitted to merely turn in a finished paper rather than presenting concrete evidence consisting of rough drafts,
evidence of research, etc., along with the final version.
5.        Number of sources from the Internet NOT to exceed two (2).
6.        The focus is on critical analysis and evaluation of a subject, NOT historical or biographical information.

                                                                                                   Schedule of due dates:

                                                Mon., Nov. 1th:             General area of research (topic) due

                                                Mon., Nov. 24th:           Thesis Statement due

                                                Mon., Dec 1st :             Evidence of research including notes, outline, etc.   I
                   
                                                Mon., Dec 8th               First draft due (must be typed, MLA format)

                                                Mon., Jan. 5th:              Final draft due.


Please note: I will provide time in class to work on your term paper, but you will have to spend time working outside
of class as well in order to successfully complete the requirement.

                                                                         Evaluation: (see Research Paper Rubric)

A Rubric follows this sheet.  The paper is worth 200  points, the final paper is 100 points, each step is  10 to 20       
points– however, if no process grade is completed, no final draft will be accepted. Also, make sure that you follow
the guidelines for selecting your topic. (To be posted here soon.)
    
A research paper may compare to an ongoing conversation.  You are attempting to join in a conversation with
another person(s) on a given topic.  You find out what s/he has to say through their established research, and then
attempt to contribute your “two cents worth” to the conversation.
   
You will research a topic that interests you and then argue your ideas about it.  In plain terms, your job is to
generate an argument, read about the topic, evaluate information about it, and then report what you find.  

So, why do a research paper?  By writing a research paper, you will learn about the ethics of research, effective
writing, and the topic on which you choose to write.  You will need to discriminate between valid and invalid
sources, and you will organize your ideas in a paper of substantial length.