REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HONORS RESEARCH PAPER

The research paper is similar to the literature essays we have written earlier in the year. Again, you need to first develop a thesis that is focused on some aspect of the text and involves at least two or more literary elements, such as plot, character, symbol, theme, atmosphere, tone or setting.

The key to a good research paper is to create appropriate sections of argumentation, produce significant claims for each section, gather related evidence from the text to validate your claims, and LASTLY, using a research library, acquire writings that FURTHER REINFORCE your claims. The way NOT to write a research paper is to read the text and immediately go to a research library where you “borrow” someone else’s argument. Not only is this plagiarism, but also you fail to develop the necessary skills to pass in-class written exams at both the high school and university levels.

So, the basic pattern for you body paragraphs is to introduce the paragraph’s single focus or topic, make a claim, follow it with a primary text paraphrase or direct quote, analyze closely the primary text evidence toward the previous claim and end this “chunk” of argumentation with a related paraphrase or direct quote from a secondary text of literary criticism. Some secondary evidence will require an additional sentence of clarification. Finish the argument with a summarizing concluding statement. Of course, the quality of each of these three elements is important but the consistent use of transitional phrases to hold them together may prove to be the difference between an “A” and a “B” paper. How many “chunks” you have in each body paragraph will determine the depth of your defense of the thesis.

1) Topic Sentence

2) Narrow the claim in the topic sentence

3) Present Primary Evidence

4) CM Analysis: with depth and focus on words from the evidence

5) Transition and strengthen rhetoric as you move into the Secondary Evidence and present it

6) CM Analysis: provide clarification of what the Secondary Evidence accomplishes and/or explain ambiguity

7) Conclude this “chunk” of argumentation and analysis and move to the body paragraph’s next chunk OR the next paragraph

Please refer to the “Areas of Improvement” check sheet we have used this year, as all elements on the sheet may apply to this paper. The following elements are not on the check sheet but are my expectations for this paper

A minimum of three (3) secondary sources in addition to the primary text(s); one of these three must be from a non-Internet site, and all Internet site sources must come from a .edu site.

A length of 4-6, double spaced, typed pages

All in-text citations must be on the Works Cited page and all entries on the Works Cited page must appear at least once in the paper

Please follow closely the MLA guidelines, since any infractions will result in lost points.