Research Project: 9

th
Grade
Honors Literature
The Standards:
ELACC9-10W7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate;
synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
ELACC9-10W8: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of
each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a
standard format for citation.
ELACC9-10W9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
ELACC9-10L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
ELACC9-10L2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

The Task:
Students will choose a topic and create a research question revolving around some sort of historical unsolved
mystery. They will find at minimum five sources (two cannot be websites) which they can use to answer their
question. This research will be used to develop a research paper that is at least 5 pages. They will have extended
time to work on this assignment out of class, as well at least seven days in class. The purpose of this assignment
is twofold: students who have moved on to AP Language and Literature have made the suggestion to
incorporate more research assignment in ninth grade that are engaging, so that students will be better prepared
to write a literary research paper in future years. Secondly, I believe that it is important for students to learn how
to manage a long term project. This paper will not be due until May 1
st
. If students manage their time wisely,
and do not wait until the last minute before each checkpoint, it will not be a difficult assignment. The
checkpoints are as follows (Dates may vary slightly):
11/18 11/20 Students will create a research question, discuss how to evaluate sources, and begin their
preliminary research.
1/14 The MAJORITY of research should be finished. Students will discuss research paper organization and
create an outline for their paper.
3/10 3/11- First draft is due. Students will participate in peer editing procedures. I will also conference with
students.
4/14 Second draft is due. Students will participate in peer editing with a different set of students.
5/1 Final draft due
Parents, please look over the checkpoints. Your student should have a topic chosen at this point. Students,
please use this as an opportunity to learn how to best manage your time!
Parent ____________________________________ Student _______________________________________
ELACC9-10W2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection,
organization, and analysis of content.
a. Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension.
b. Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples
c. Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.
d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.
e. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented

Topic Suggestions
You may go off list, provided that you speak with me first. Some of these mysteries have been solved. Some
have not been. Your research question will vary depending on the kind of mystery you choose.
1. Amelia Earhart
2. The colony of Roanoke
3. Atlantis
4. The location of Troy
5. King Tuts tomb
6. Jack the Ripper
7. The Sphinx
8. Anastasia Romanov
9. Atlantis
10. Bigfoot
11. The Loch Ness Monster
12. Easter Island
13. The Mary Celeste
14. El Dorado
15. The origin of the Robin Hood legend
16. The origin of the King Arthur legend
17. Nazca lines
18. The Man in the Iron Mask
19. Vlad Dracula and his tomb
20. The Bloop
21. The Tunguska explosion
22. The Flying Dutchman
23. The Taman Shud case
24. Ambrose Bierces disappearance
25. Stonehenge
26. The Voynich manuscript
27. The Baghdad batteries