Overview

Research Paper

1.  You will write a 4–5-page expository paper on one of several specified topics.
2.  You may choose from one of the following topics:

• Tiny homes (as solution to homelessness/housing shortage)
• More brutal domestic violence
• Pet abandonment
• Plant intelligence
• Slashing of Military troops
• Obituary Pirates
• Black barbers and mental health
• Infant Mortality

3. You will be provided with ONE article on your chosen topic.  You will then use the databases to find TWO additional high-quality articles to complete your paper.
4. One source should be from a peer-reviewed journal; the other should be from a magazine or newspaper intended for general readership.
5. Unless longer than 10 pages, print out your sources, read and annotate them. 
6. The two articles I have not seen or read must be attached to your submitted paper (scan and attach).
7. Beginning with the proposal, followed by the outlines, the intro, the body paragraph, and the conclusion, you will complete templates in a prescribed format and submit them for my review.
8. Once your outlines have been approved, you may move forward with the construction of all body paragraphs.
9.  Your paper will be typed, according to MLA formatting guidelines.
10.   This will include in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
11. In your proposal, you will identify your topic and sources in general terms.
12.  In your outlines, you will identify your thesis statement, the 3 main points that will support your thesis, and 3 quotes from your sources that will support each main point.  You will also identify your sources on this submission in complete and correct MLA citations.
13.  Each of your sources should be equally represented in your paper.
14.  As with your essay, the proposal, outline, ONE body paragraph, and your conclusion will be submitted for my preliminary review.
15.  Pre-Submission of the Works Cited page is optional but encouraged.
16. You need not submit revised versions of particular sections; revisions should be reflected in your final paper.
17.  The exception is submissions which receive a zero.
18. Based on my comments, you will revise your template and convert it into paragraph form with the “scaffolding” of the template structure removed.
19.  The complete revision of your template is to be submitted as your final paper.
20.  Your final paper will be prepared and submitted in paragraph form, according to MLA guidelines, with in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
21.  It must be submitted to me by the specified due date.
22. Your final paper will consist of the following in the listed order:  Intro, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.  You will also attach the Works Cited page and articles 2 and 3 (or more) which you found independently.
23. I urge you vehemently NOT to just submit the separate templates but also to submit the final paper because it will be worth 300 points!  (Remember as well that the research paper is worth more than any other portion of your grade.)
24.  You may NOT submit the final paper before pre-submissions have been submitted and returned to you, reviewed by you, and my comments applied.
25.  Be mindful of all due-dates and changes to these instructions especially since time is very much of the essence!