Essay 2 – Brief Research Essay
This is the assignment sheet. The to do date means read the
assignment sheet by this date. The due date is not until you see the Essay 2
Drop Box in an upcoming week. In Canvas, notice the symbol which says read a
Page versus post to a Discussion versus turn something in all has a different
logo.
The Assignment:
One of
the main requirements for this course is that you learn how to conduct
effective and accurate research and write about it. For your paper, you
will: 1) Create a research question or thesis about something you would like to
research; 2) Conduct relevant research; 3) Write a paper based upon the
research you have read and what you think of this
research. In other words, a research paper is not just a list of
“the expert’s” opinions, instead, it is a paper describing your thoughts and
ideas on a single topic, which you will support through outside research.
Sample
research questions:
·
Historical: How did the U.S. become involved in
the Vietnam Conflict?
·
Political: Should California encourage language
diversity in public schools?
·
Social: What role should the police play
in preventing youth violence?
For this class, a research paper is the same type of
writing as an essay.
For this assignment, I recommend you choose a topic where
the focus of your essay can be more informative. I do not necessarily recommend
choosing a persuasive topic for this assignment, although you can if you
want.
Paper Requirements:
Length:
1,200-1,500 words, approximately 4-5 pages. Paper should not be longer than
approximately 1600 words.
Word
count and page count does not include Works Cited page
MLA
Format including:
·
Accurate MLA citations
(in-text)
·
Accurate Works Cited
Page
Meets
Research Requirements (see below).
Research Requirements:
Minimum
of three (3) secondary sources, integrated into the body of the paper. Maximum
of ten (10) sources.
·
At least two
print or database sources (2 e-books or academic journals –
Encyclopedias and dictionaries do not count.)
·
Minimum of one (1) other
library sources (general web sources only allowed with prior instructor
approval).
·
Research must be
academically sound.
You may need to consult additional sources to learn about
your topic, yet you need only cite from three.
Patterns for College Writing has guidelines on how to conduct
research in the “Working with Sources” chapters 16-18 (begins page 705),
including a sample research paper and Works Cited list. MLA format and
documentation is covered in Patterns.
Essay
2 Evaluation Criteria
Introduction: Introductory paragraph includes an attention getter,
defines terms as needed, and gives background information necessary to
understanding topic.
Thesis & Focus: Thesis statement is explicit and clearly expressed in one
sentence. Student has clearly chosen a manageable research topic. Paper
is focused around a discussion of the topic.
Content & Argument: Content is original, informative, and persuasive.
Body paragraphs clearly support the main idea. Paper achieves depth
through the student’s presentation of evidence and reasons, supported by
research.
Organization and Format: Ideas are presented in a logical order. Essay’s
overall organization is effective. Transitions segue between main ideas or main
body paragraphs.
Paragraph Organization and Development: Paragraphs are well structured,
clearly unified around central topic, and include clear topic sentences. Each
paragraph should include a conclusion or transition sentence at the end.
Conclusion: Conclusion may include a summary of main points and does
not introduce new ideas. Leaves reader thinking, not wondering.
Grammar, Style, Voice: Paper is free from grammatical, surface, or stylistic
error. Paper does not include “I/you” sentence structures, slang, or
other inappropriate speech.
Scope of Research: Student has conducted sufficient research (at least 3
sources total). Sources are academically sound and cited in body of
paper.
In Text Citations: Student has correctly used MLA format to paraphrase,
summarize, or use direct quotes in relation to the subject. Direct quotes
are fully explained through a lead up and explanation of each quote.
Works Cited: Works Cited list correctly documents all sources used
in paper.
PreviousNext
