Paper 4: Current Event Research
Word Count: 1000 minimum
“Please come up with a title”
The main purpose of the research paper is to learn how to find basic background information on a topic. Finding general background information is an essential step in writing a research paper, which will have a more focused subject than the three essays you previously wrote for this class. You are required to supplement your original observations about your topic with at least 3 credible secondary sources. This paper should incorporate writing techniques and modes you learned throughout the semester. The paper will be graded on both quality of information and writing ability (coherence, style, organizations, depth of insight). Your audience consists of your fellow students. You are writing to them in order to project your point of view on a specific topic and inform them of the facts surrounding your reasons why you are for or against something. Remember, don’t assume everyone will know what you’re writing about, so be sure to include 3 points of comparison (use examples, compare and contrast, cause and effect) and provide a clear explanation of the subject. For citing quotations in your paragraphs, keep them to a length of 3 sentences maximum. Any more than that and it will look like you are using other people’s words to write your paper. Also, remember to include an in-text citation behind all quotes, paraphrases, and summaries that correspond to the Works Cited page you include behind your paper.
Your paper should begin with an introduction that tells your reader what your topic is and what side of the issue you’re on. You should orient the reader with your topic with a clear, solid description and refrain from stating your personal perspective in the 1stperson. Your conclusion should not repeat what you have said in the introduction, but should tie up loose ends and explain why you will continue to support this issue the way you do now. The paper should include a descriptive title that tells the reader what the essay is about. This paper should also include a Works Cited page in the correct format. Please refer to your textbooks or Purdue Owl for information on how to format this page. Your essay should also include a descriptive title that tells the reader what the essay is describing. Failure to include a title will cost you 5 points on this assignment.
Grading Criteria:
Clear organization and a show of progression in topic development.
Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling and correct MLA formatting.
Strong proposal statement – state your subject and why you are writing.
Details – do not assume I will know what you mean! Describe the subject as if no one else has ever heard of it and you are explaining it for the first time.
Correct format: Times New Roman, 12pt font, double spaced, 3rd person
Don’t forget: NO CONTRACTIONS! (I’ve, don’t, couldn’t, etc). They are not acceptable in research papers so it is best to practice now.
