1

ACADEMIC ENGLISH 11

RESEARCH PAPER GUIDE




















Name: _________________________________________________


Class Period: ________________________


Room #: ________________________







KEEP THIS GUIDE AT ALL TIMES FOR USE DURING THE RESEARCH PAPER PROCESS!
2


Unit Overview

One of the expectations of high school graduates is that they know how to conduct
library and technology based research. Being able to do this is an important life skill in
a rapidly changing world. Knowledge is doubling at an astounding rate, and being able
to research and distinguish among appropriate source material is one way of keeping
up with an ever changing knowledge base. Not just colleges and universities have this
expectation. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has established research as one of its
Academic Standards for Reading and Writing for all graduating high school students.
In this standards document, the Commonwealth expects eleventh grade students doing
research to be able to:

select and refine a topic for research.
determine valid resources for researching the topic.
authenticate the validity of the resource.
locate and access materials appropriate to purpose in various libraries.
use and explain specialized library classification systems.
use table of contents, indexes, key words, cross references, and appendices to
locate information.
use traditional and technological resources to locate information.
use features of electronic media to locate information.
use the following to gather information: books of all kinds, newspapers,
periodicals, audio/video resources, computers, interviews, surveys, documents,
artifacts.
take notes relevant to the research topic.
develop and defend a thesis based on research.
organize, summarize, and present the thesis and its defense.
give precise, formal credit for others ideas, images or information, using
standard methods of documentation.

Doing a research paper is not something we at WVW dreamed up. Being able to
conduct research is an important educational activity all students graduating from high
school in Pennsylvania are expected to complete. It is also something colleges and
universities expect students to be able to do when they arrive on campus, and it is a
work skill many employers now want in those they hire to keep up with the changing
nature of knowledge.

Students cannot pass the marking period(s) without submitting each component and an
acceptable research paper. In addition, students cannot take Classical Literature (CP
course) in twelfth grade without submitting an acceptable research paper.


3

In this course, you will complete a product, a 1,500 word (5-6 pages) typed paper with
a correctly formatted Works Cited page in MLA format, the adopted format used in the
humanities. That paper will explore a subject you select and limit. Along the way you
will complete a series of activities which will assist you in every step of the research
process. In addition, there will be classroom lessons and sample handouts to help you
learn about things like internal documentation and properly listing sources on a Works
Cited page. What you need to do is complete ALL work in a timely manner and to ask
questions when you do not understand. Remember, poor planning on your part does
not constitute an emergency on my part. Otherwise, you can expect to complete the
following activities:

brainstorming to find a topic that interests you and which you want to research
in order to learn more about.
doing preliminary research to locate basic information to develop a thesis and to
raise important questions for research.
develop a working bibliography of potential sources of information.
taking notes from sources to support your thesis.
summarizing information from sources.
evaluating sources of information for the amount, quality, and validity of
information they present.
reacting to the information you find in sources.
practicing internal documentation and Works Cited format.
preparing a rough draft of your paper for conference with your peer partner and
the teachers.
typing a submission copy of your paper for evaluation and grading.

Your binder for Academic English 11 is where you should retain all of your materials
related to your research, and bring it to class each day. These materials will include the
research logs for each component, all handouts you will receive, and the returned
copies of assignments. All of these will be important when it comes time to begin
drafting your paper and preparing your submission draft. You will also need to submit
ALL graded assignments with the completed final draft of your paper. Organizing
yourself as you progress with your research will save a lot of time and heartache-and
heartbreak-in the end. Familiarize yourself with the rubric for evaluating and the list of
due dates.

For many of you this will be your first research effort. It may appear overwhelming,
but with patience and perseverance you will succeed. If you work with diligence and
timeliness, this project will be easy. With each completed step in learning how to do
research, you will be that much further along the path to future success beyond high
school.



4

Research Paper Grading Policy

The teachers of the Academic English 11 course have developed a grading policy
regarding research papers. In accordance with that policy, we will evaluate your
research activities in this class in the following manner.

1. Students will earn points toward individual assignments throughout the course
before the final submission of the paper. These activities will be graded on a
point system and you are to follow the directions outlined for each activity.
Because research is a process, all assignments must be completed in sequence
BEFORE the submission of the paper. In order to proceed to the next part
of your paper, the previous part of the process must be completed,
checked, and accepted one at a time. Failure to submit ANY item
assigned will result in an incomplete. You MUST submit ALL work
previously completed in addition to your paper.

2. Students will also receive points on the final paper totaling 175 points. These
points, in addition to the class points, will encompass the overall grade.

3. All work is to be submitted on or before the due date. Any work submitted late
will lose credit at the rate of 5% per assignment per calendar day late including
weekends. NO EXCEPTIONS! Due is due regardless of printer failure, field trips,
holidays, rehearsals, absence, tardiness, alien abduction, etc.

4. All materials will be kept in a binder, including copies of ALL sources. This
portion of the course binder with all previously completed work will be collected
on the final due date with the paper. This is a process paper; therefore, each
step will be checked and graded. Failure to complete and submit ANY
component satisfactorily will result in an incomplete grade.

5. Students are responsible to KEEP ALL components before and after they are
graded. All components must be turned in with the final paper. Your submitted
research paper will be evaluated using the RESEARCH PAPER GRADING RUBRIC.

6. Failure to submit a paper and ALL required components will result in COURSE
FAILURE. A paper will not be accepted without all required materials. See the
research paper submission checklist for a final list of all components to be
submitted.

7. This is a RESEARCH, not an opinion, paper based on the findings of EXPERTS in
the field of your topic. You must have at least five-to-eight (5-8) varied sources
on the topic. Therefore, poor, insufficient, or impractical documentation will
lower your grade significantly or result in a 0 for the paper. See below for further
reasons as to why a paper will be returned
5


Your work may be returned for the following reasons:

1. Plagiarism
2. Unauthorized thesis
3. Sloppiness
4. Insufficient length (minimum FIVE FULL pages)
5. Improper format and/or documentation
6. Missing or faulty documentation
7. Poor organization

Consequences:

1. If you plagiarize your paper, you receive an incomplete (0). You will need to
make all necessary corrections (retype the paper) until ALL corrections are made,
submitted, and approved.
2. If you used an unauthorized thesis, you will lose 50 points from the final paper
grade.
3. If your paper is returned for any of the other reasons listed above, a new
deadline will be set two weeks from the date of the returned paper, but the
paper will also incur late points (10 points per calendar day) from the final grade
during this time frame.


I understand my personal responsibilities and all guidelines of the research paper
project. I understand that failure to complete all components of the process will result
in course failure.



__________________________________________________ _____________
Student Name (print) Date

__________________________________________________ _____________
Student Signature Date

__________________________________________________ _____________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date


Teacher Initial: _______________


KEEP THIS SIGNED PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS!
6

Research Paper Grading Policy

The teachers of the Academic English 11 course have developed a grading policy
regarding research papers. In accordance with that policy, we will evaluate your
research activities in this class in the following manner.

8. Students will earn points toward individual assignments throughout the course
before the final submission of the paper. These activities will be graded on a
point system and you are to follow the directions outlined for each activity.
Because research is a process, all assignments must be completed in sequence
BEFORE the submission of the paper. In order to proceed to the next part
of your paper, the previous part of the process must be completed,
checked, and accepted one at a time. Failure to submit ANY item
assigned will result in an incomplete. You MUST submit ALL work
previously completed in addition to your paper.

9. Students will also receive points on the final paper totaling 175 points. These
points, in addition to the class points, will encompass the overall grade.

10. All work is to be submitted on or before the due date. Any work submitted late
will lose credit at the rate of 5% per assignment per calendar day late including
weekends. NO EXCEPTIONS! Due is due regardless of printer failure, field trips,
holidays, rehearsals, absence, tardiness, alien abduction, etc.

11. All materials will be kept in a binder, including copies of ALL sources. This
portion of the course binder with all previously completed work will be collected
on the final due date with the paper. This is a process paper; therefore, each
step will be checked and graded. Failure to complete and submit ANY
component satisfactorily will result in an incomplete grade.

12. Students are responsible to KEEP ALL components before and after they are
graded. All components must be turned in with the final paper. Your submitted
research paper will be evaluated using the RESEARCH PAPER GRADING RUBRIC.

13. Failure to submit a paper and ALL required components will result in COURSE
FAILURE. A paper will not be accepted without all required materials. See the
research paper submission checklist for a final list of all components to be
submitted.

14. This is a RESEARCH, not an opinion, paper based on the findings of EXPERTS in
the field of your topic. You must have at least five-to-eight (5-8) varied sources
on the topic. Therefore, poor, insufficient, or impractical documentation will
lower your grade significantly or result in a 0 for the paper. See below for further
reasons as to why a paper will be returned.
7

Your work may be returned for the following reasons:

8. Plagiarism
9. Unauthorized thesis
10. Sloppiness
11. Insufficient length (minimum FIVE FULL pages)
12. Improper format and/or documentation
13. Missing or faulty documentation
14. Poor organization

Consequences:

4. If you plagiarize your paper, you receive an incomplete (0). You will need to
make all necessary corrections (retype the paper) until ALL corrections are made,
submitted, and approved.
5. If you used an unauthorized thesis, you will lose 50 points from the final paper
grade.
6. If your paper is returned for any of the other reasons listed above, a new
deadline will be set two weeks from the date of the returned paper, but the
paper will also incur late points (10 points per calendar day) from the final grade
during this time frame.


I understand my personal responsibilities and all guidelines of the research paper
project. I understand that failure to complete all components of the process will result
in course failure.



__________________________________________________ _____________
Student Name (print) Date

__________________________________________________ _____________
Student Signature Date

__________________________________________________ _____________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date


Teacher Initial: _______________



RETURN THIS PAGE SIGNED TO THE TEACHER!
8

GENERAL GUIDELINES AND REMINDERS
MLA Format
Paper is typed and printed out in black ink
Standard computer paper is used (8.5 x 11 inches, white)
Paper is printed out on only one side of the paper
Entire paper is double spaced
12 pt. Times New Roman font is used
1 inch margins all around
Header is inch down in the top right corner
Title is centered ONLY and supports chosen project topic; it is interesting
and creative (do not put in bold face, italics, and/or underline it keep
the font the same as the rest of the paper)

Paper Length is 5-6 pages (Any paper less than 5 full pages must be redone!)

Paper Format
Introduction Paragraph
Approved thesis statement (MUST be adhered to in final paper) is the last
sentence of the introductory paragraph; it is an original three-prong,
parallel thesis statement; the three prongs are organized from weakest
point to the strongest point.
Three body paragraphs, including internal documentation as necessary
Conclusion Paragraph
Each paragraph is 12-15 sentences long. Sentences are appropriate to
eleventh grade.
Transitions are used within and between paragraphs and ideas (when
appropriate)
Each body paragraph has a clear topic sentence with supporting details

Outline
Outline will be turned in with the final paper. Your paper should follow
your outline.

Sources
5-8 valid, academic sources used
All are cited within the paper using MLA internal/parenthetical
documentation
There is a variety of at least two different types of sources (one print and
one web)
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All sources used are reliable (no .com, .net, Wikipedia, etc.)
Copies of all sources used in the paper must be included with the final
paper in addition to notes pages
Sources listed in MLA format in a Works Cited page


Resources for Research and MLA Format

ProQuest
This site is an online database.
www.proquestk12.com
Username: 36-46221 Password: Spartans
Ebrary
This site is an online library. You can highlight and annotate documents,
save documents, and create folders to organize research.
http://site.ebrary.com/lib/wvwhs
Create a free ebrary account by: going to the ebrary site, clicking the
Sign-In button in the upper right corner, clicking Create an Account on the
Sign-In page, and completing the form and clicking Create New Account.
OWL (Online Writing Lab at Purdue University)
This site contains the most recent MLA format information available.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu
When you are on the main page, just click MLA Format to begin.





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Research Paper Due Dates

Distribute Policies- Monday, September 22
Policies Due- Wednesday, September 24
Log 1 (Topic) - Friday, September 26
Log 2 (Thesis) - Monday, October 6
Log 3 (Working Bibliography) - Tuesday, October 14
Log 4 (Notes on Prong 1) - Monday, October 20
Log 5 (Notes on Prong 2) - Friday, October 24
Log 6 (Notes on Prong 3) - Thursday, October 30
Log 7 (Outline) - Wednesday, November 5
Log 8 (Rough Draft) - Wednesday, November 12
Final Copy- Friday, November 21











11


Local Library Information
Plymouth Public Library
107 W. Main Street
Plymouth, PA 18651
Phone: (570) 779-4775
Hours of Operation:
Mondays - Thursdays 9:30 am - 7 pm
Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm



The Hoyt Library
284 Wyoming Avenue
Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 287-2013
http://hoytlibrary.org/




Osterhout Free Library
71 South Franklin Street,
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
570-823-0156
http://www.osterhout.lib.pa.us




Mon. & Thurs.: 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Tues., Wed., & Fri.: 9 a.m. 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed





MondayThursday: 9 am 8 pm
Friday: 9 am 5 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm
Sunday: Closed
OPEN COMPUTER LAB
Mon. & Wed. 5pm-7:30pm
Sat. 1-3:30pm























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RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS
Authors
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Jonathan Edwards
Anne Bradstreet
Arthur Miller
Edward Taylor
Kate Chopin
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Henry David Thoreau
Washington Irving
Walt Whitman
Ben Franklin
Thomas Paine
Thomas Jefferson
Jack London
Emily Dickinson
William Faulkner
F. Scott Fitzgerald

Events
Salem Witch Trials of 1692
The American Revolution
Events of 1600s (choose a
maximum of 2 specific events)
Events of 1700s (choose a
maximum of 2 specific events)
Event of 1800s (choose a
maximum of 2 specific events)
Events of 1900s (choose a
maximum of 2 specific events)
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Land Act of 1851
Mexican- American War
Great Depression
Jazz Age
Gangsters
Prohibition
The Stock Market Crash
Talkies (1920s)
Mass Production
Political/Social
Tories
Breaking Away from British
Authority
Puritanism
Transcendentalist Movement
The Role of Women in society
(choose a decade)

Themes
The American Dream
Puritan Influence
The Over-soul
Gothic Literature
Tragedy in American Literature
Non-conformity in American
Literature
What Makes American Literature
American?
How does Literature shape or
reflect society?
Literature and Environment
Literature of Protest
Literature of the Civil War and
Frontier (1850-1914)
Disillusion, Defiance, Discontent
Blank v. Free Verse
Strong Woman (Compare &
Contrast 2 from differing literary works)
Realism v. Idealism
Rationalism
Note: Topics will be selected on a first come, first
served basis. Likewise, only one person will have a
particular topic per class. YOU ARE NOT LIMITED
TO THE TOPICS ON THIS SHEET. IF YOU CHOOSE
YOUR OWN TOPIC, IT MUST RELATE TO THE
COURSE AND TOPICS COVERED IN CLASS!
13

Research Paper Log 1
Selecting a Topic

Background: The most difficult part of any research project is determining the topic
to research. Research log one will aid you in determining a topic the works for you.

Task: For this assignment, you will read about several topics of interest to you and
explain why any of these topics will be a good fit for you for your paper. As necessary,
you will conference with the teacher to determine the best topic, as only one topic will
be allowed for all classes.

Procedure: Complete STEPS 1-3 below in the research section of your binder to help
you think about potential topics for your research paper. Then complete STEP 4 as
indicated and submit on or before the assigned due date.

STEP 1: Choose THREE potential topics from the research project topic choices
sheet or you are free to develop your own within reasonable standards of
course curriculum. Since only ONE TOPIC will be allowed for ALL
CLASSES, select the topics important to you not to your friends.)

STEP 2: Remember, this is an argumentative paper, therefore choose a topic that
you feel confident about in your ability to take a stance on an aspect of
the topic and argue that stance.

STEP 3: Complete the topic approval form following all directions carefully.

STEP 4: Submit the topic approval form on or before the assigned due date.
Remember, topic will be assigned on a first come-first served basis.

IMPORTANT!
You may need to repeat this process for several more topics listed in STEP 1 because
you may find that a topic choice is one about which you cant finish the whole process
or you may have no approved topics. Your final topic will NOT be changed once it is
assigned to you, so therefore be sure you can find relevant information about your topic
and be sure you want to spend time researching and writing about the topic. Complete
your work in a timely manner and ask questions as your progress. Those who
procrastinate should remember that poor planning on your part does not constitute an
emergency on my part.







14


TOPIC APPROVAL FORM

Directions: Complete and submit this sheet on or before the due dates
for each section. All parts of each section must be completed before
approval. All work must be submitted in BLUE OR BLACK INK ONLY.
Pencil will not be accepted.

Student Name: _____________________________ Period: ___________

1. FIRST TOPIC CHOICE

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
I intend to prove that ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

2. SECOND TOPIC CHOICE

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
I intend to prove that ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

3. THIRD TOPIC CHOICE
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
I intend to prove that ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Circle and initialed topic is approved. Once approved, you may not change topics.
15

Research Paper Log 2
Developing a Thesis
Background: Now that you have an approved topic for research, you need to find
some background information; that is, very basic knowledge you need to conduct
research about your topic.

Task: For this assignment, you will locate answers to the questions below by using at
least THREE (3) DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOURCES available in the library: reference
books, books in the general collection, magazines, newspapers, and internet resources.
As you use these sources, compose a list of sources using MLA format.

Procedure: Complete STEPS 1-4 below in the research section of your binder. Then
complete STEP 5 as indicated and submit on or before the assigned due date.

STEP 1: Answer the following questions TYPED on a separate sheet of paper. If
you do not know the answers, its time to research! Provide evidence for
your answers.
1. Who are or were some important people connected to the
issue?
2. When did the issue come to prominence, and is it still an issue
today? Where in the country or the world is or was the issue
important?
3. What are or were some problems associated with the issue?
4. Why is or was this a prominent issue?
5. What are or were some of the arguments for and against the
issue?
6. What are or were some potential ways to solve the issue?

STEP 2: Research your topic to narrow the scope of your argument. Some class
time will be devoted to this. Find at least three (3) sources of varying
types that yield information on one or more of your potential thesis
prongs. You cannot create a thesis claim or the prongs/supports without
information to support these ideas.

STEP 3: Complete the thesis approval form and submit on or before the assigned
due date. If your preliminary thesis is approves, you are ready to
continue. If not, you must fix it and resubmit until it is approved by the
teacher. Unapproved thesis statements cannot be used. You must earn
thesis approval before moving on to log 3.
IMPORTANT!
Once your thesis is approved, it cannot be changed unless you encounter
insurmountable problems in your research. Complete your work in a timely manner
and ask questions as your progress. Those who procrastinate should remember that
poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part. See me with
questions or concerns.
16

ENGLISH 11
Thesis Statement Writing Tips

As you know, a thesis statement provides the controlling idea for any piece of writing, and a
research paper is no exception. A thesis is a concise map to your paper. You should
remember that a thesis statement

Narrows the topic to a single, central idea that you want your reader to gain from
your research.
Names the topic and asserts something specific and significant about it.
Often provides a concise preview of how you will arrange your ideas in your paper.

While there are many types of thesis statements, the most commonly used is the three-
prong thesis for the traditional five-paragraph essay. The thesis statement makes a claim and
illustrates the essential points the author will prove. Remember, the prongs (points) may come
before or after the claim. Below are some examples.

Strip-mining should be tightly controlled in this region to reduce its pollution of water resources,
its destruction of the land, and its devastating effects on peoples lives.

Active learning programs, full-time sports, and intervention by mentors are three ways to divert
juveniles from crime.

Ernest J. Gaines is one of the most influential and finest African-American writers of this century
as proven by his literary genre, acquired awards, and critical acknowledgement.

When you sit down to write an essay, start with a general topic and move towards a thesis
statement. Consider the following questions.
What assumptions to YOU have about the reader of your essay? (Or, what does the
reader already know?)
What do you WANT your reader to lean about your subject?
What does YOUR READER expect to find in your paper?
What is important about the SBUJECT/what does the SUBJECT do?

In drafting your thesis statement, you want to ask yourself some questions.
What conclusions can I draw from the work I have done so far?
How can I express that idea by naming the topic and making an assertion?
How can I convey my purpose in that assertion?

Once you have written your thesis, use these questions to check and revise it, if necessary.
Does the sentence make an ASSERTION about your topic?
Is the assertion LIMITED to only one idea?
IS the assertion SPECIFIC and SIGNIFICANT?
Does the sentence convey your PURPOSE for writing?
Is the sentence UNIFIED so its parts relate to each other and are parallel?

As you continue your research, you mat have to modify or rearrange your preliminary thesis
statement. Your final thesis statement will guide your writing and will appear as the last
sentence in your introductory paragraph.

Material taken from pp. 47-50 of The Little, Brown Handbook, 7
th
ed, H. Ramsey Fowler and Jane E. Aaron, editors.

17

THESIS APPROVAL FORM

Name: _______________________________ Period: ___________

Directions: Complete and submit this sheet on or before the due dates
for each section. All parts of each section must be completed before
approval. All work must be submitted in BLUE OR BLACK INK ONLY.
Pencil will not be accepted.

I. Possible Thesis (Use this area to write rough draft of your thesis statement.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________


II. Final Thesis (due on or before ____________________________________________________)
(must be adhered to in paper)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Approval:

_____________ YES _____________ NO (resubmit ASAP)

Once your thesis is approved, you should begin drafting your outline.
If necessary, use this sheet to redo your thesis until it is acceptable.
Failure to follow directions will result in re-doing this step.

III. Final Thesis (must be adhered to in paper)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
18


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Approval:

_____________ YES _____________ NO (resubmit ASAP)

IV. Final Thesis (must be adhered to in paper)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Approval:

_____________ YES _____________ NO (resubmit ASAP)

V. Final Thesis (must be adhered to in paper)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Approval:

_____________ YES _____________ NO (resubmit ASAP)

If necessary, re-submit your thesis on a separate sheet of paper, still using INK.








19

Research Paper Log 3
Working Bibliography

Background: Now that you have a thesis, it is time to compile a list of acceptable
sources to prove your argument in your paper. By crediting your sources, you are
participating in an intellectual activity and showing the reader that your argument has
validity and that you are a credible author. The first part in this process is developing
citations for your sources to include on the works cited page at the end of your paper.

Task: For this assignment, you will locate and read several varying sources of
information about your topic that you think MIGHT help you support your approved
thesis by giving detailed information about your approved topic.

Procedure: Complete STEPS 1-5 below in the research section of your binder. Then
complete STEP 6 as indicated and submit on or before the assigned due date.

STEP 1: Review and take notes on your teachers examples in class and review the
MLA Style Guide you received in class. It is impossible to spend class time
on how to document every source available, so if you are unsure about
how to document something, follow the MLA guide, try it and then see the
teacher with your draft.

STEP 2: Select ten (10) sources of VARIOUS types that may help you support
your thesis. These sources should give relevant and detailed information
about your topic. Alphabetize your list according to MLA rules.

STEP 3: This will be your source pool. Be sure you know what information comes
from what source. Therefore, highlight or tab your sources for future use.

STEP 4: Choose sources carefully because these will be the only sources you will
be permitted to use in the final paper. DO NOT just choose from random
sources just to complete the assignment. You may eliminate using some
of these sources in the final paper, but you may NOT ADD NEW SOURCES
after you submit log 3.

STEP 5: Remember you will need at least FIVE (5) VARIED sources in the
final paper you submit (one print, one web, etc). Remember, .gov,
.edu, .org, are more credible than .com, .net, etc.

STEP 6: On a separate sheet for submission, TYPE your list of possible sources.
Be sure to have an MLA block and title your assignment Log 3. Your list
should follow the guidelines outlined in the MLA style guide distributed.
Submit Log 3 with the thesis approval form paper clipped behind it on the
assigned due date.

20

Student 1

Ima Student

Teacher

Academic English 11- #

8 October 2013


Working Bibliography

"Blueprint Lays Out Clear Path for Climate Action." Environmental Defense Fund.
Environmental Defense Fund, 8 May 2007. Web. 24 May 2009.
<http://environmentaldefensefund.org/387232/>
Dean, Cornelia. "Executive on a Mission: Saving the Planet." New York Times 22 May 2007:
3A. EBSCOhost. Web. 25 Jan. 2009.
Leroux, Marcel. Global Warming: Myth Or Reality?: The Erring Ways of Climatology. New
York: Springer, 2005. Print.
Milken, Michael, Gary Becker, and Myron Scholes. "On Global Warming
and Financial Imbalances." New Perspectives Quarterly 23.4 (2006): n.pag. ProQuest.
Web. 8 Dec. 2011.
Nordhaus, William D. "After Kyoto: Alternative Mechanisms to Control Global Warming."
American Economic Review 96.2 (2006): 31-34. Print.
---. "Global Warming Economics." Science 9 Nov. 2001: 1283-84. Science Online. Web. 24 May
2009.


IMPORTANT!
Complete your work in a timely manner and ask questions as your progress. Those
who procrastinate should remember that poor planning on your part does not constitute
an emergency on my part.
Note: This is only a partial example. Your
Working Bibliography will have at least 10
entries. In addition, remember to alphabetize all
sources and include a hanging indent.
21

Research Paper Log 4
Note Check #1

Background: Now that you can distinguish between useful sources, it is time to use
them in your paper. Be careful to check your sources and avoid Plagiarism.

Task: For this assignment, you will take notes in order to incorporate sources in the
text of your paper.

Procedure: Complete STEPS 1-4 below in the research section of your binder. Then
complete STEP 5 as indicated and submit on or before the assigned due date.

STEP 1: Read at least TWO (2) sources from those listed on Research Log 3.
These sources should go with prong ONE (1) of your thesis.

STEP 2: Carefully read your sources and take notes in the appropriate word
processing document as you read. You will need to highlight the
information you use in each source. At this point, it would be helpful to
assign each prong of your thesis a color, so you can find information
easier. You will also have access to notes pages in class.

STEP 3: Review the sheet distributed about placing source material in the text (in-
text citation) and when to cite sources as well as notes taken from class
on paraphrasing.

STEP 4: Type/print (legibly or not accepted) AT LEAST 10 notes for each source
(20 minimum, 30 maximum). Feel free to do more as having more is
better in the long run. Follow the appropriate notes pages format.
Double check your work to ensure you havent added your own personal
comments/interpretations. The notes should be information clearly
represented in the source, not the conclusions you will draw from your
mind.

STEP 5: Submit your notes pages with log 3, thesis approval form, and sources
used (highlighted) and paper clip them together on or before the due
date.
IMPORTANT!

This is where plagiarism can occur. Remember to document all material not your own.
At this point you may find that some of your sources on your working bibliography are
not helpful to your research, and you will not use them in the final paper. Remember,
the paper you submit must have at least FIVE sources of information on the
Works Cited page. In your final paper, you will only be able to use three direct quotes
which may be no longer than three types lines; use ellipsis if necessary. Complete your
work in a timely manner and ask questions as your progress. Those who procrastinate
should remember that poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on
my part.
22



Name: ___Justin Case (SAMPLE)____________________________ Period ____8_____________

Topic: ___Effects of the American Dream in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman

Thesis Statement:
Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman vividly depicts the evolution of the American
Dream as evidenced by the characters daily struggles with education, employment, and
discrimination.

Citation in MLA format:
Freedman, Russell. The American Dream. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005.
Print.
Signal Word for Parenthetical Documentation: __(Freedman #)___________________
Note
Number
Paragraph/
Prong
Information Page
#
CODE
(P, S,
DQ)
1





2
Includes Name, Period, Topic,
Thesis,
Source Citation, and Signal Word
(as evident above)


3 employment Among the nations children, more than half
the population was growing up without
proper food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.

4 S
4 education Reasons for dropping out of school:
Couldnt support selves
Had to work to help family
No money for books or transportation
Lack of adequate shoes or clothes
during cold weather
31 P
5 employment 1930s census reported 2.25 million children
between ages eight and ten worked in
factories, canneries, mines, and farms.



42 P
23


Signal Word for Parenthetical Documentation: __(Freedman #)____________________________
Note
Number
Paragraph Information Page
#
CODE
(P, S,
DQ)
6 discrimin-
ation
African-American workers were the last hired
and the first fired.


49 DQ
7





8





9 - Only the Signal Word is needed at the top of
each additional notes page
- Be sure to number notes consecutively
- Do NOT repeat note numbers for any given
source


10
Paragraph or prong refers to where in the
paper you plan on using this piece of
information. You may label by a word from the
prong, as the example shows, or you may label
by body paragraph. (Ex: Body 1, Prong 2, Body
1A, Body 3B, Intro., Conc., etc.)

11
*Some students choose to split each prong into
multiple paragraphs. In these cases, use capital
letters to show the specific paragraph for that
prong. (I wouldnt recommend splitting into
more than 3 per prong. Two is typical.)

12 CODE refers to the type of information. It may
be:
1. Summary (S)
2. Paraphrase (P)
3. Direct Quote* (DQ)
Remember, DQs do NOT count toward the

S
24

number of required pieces of information for
Logs 4 and 5.
13
Notes do not need to be in complete sentences.
Each note should be one important,
supportive fact/reason/ example/detail/
description. (FREDD!!)
































25

Name: _____________________________________________________ Period _________________

Topic:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thesis Statement:


Source Citation in MLA format:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signal Word for Parenthetical Documentation:
_______________________________________________________________
Note
Number
Paragraph/
Prong
Information Page
#
CODE
(P, S,
DQ)
1





2





3





4





5







26

Signal Word for Parenthetical Documentation:
_______________________________________________________________
Note
Number
Paragraph Information Page
#
CODE
(P, S,
DQ)
6





7





8





9





10






27

11
12
13



















28

Research Paper Log 5
Note Check #2

Background: Now that you can distinguish between useful sources, it is time to use
them in your paper. Be careful to check your sources and avoid Plagiarism.

Task: For this assignment, you will take notes in order to incorporate sources in the
text of your paper.

Procedure: Complete STEPS 1-4 below in the research section of your binder. Then
complete STEP 5 as indicated and submit on or before the assigned due date.

STEP 1: Read at least TWO (2) sources from those listed on Research Log 3.
These sources should go with prong TWO (2) of your thesis.

STEP 2: Carefully read your sources and take notes in the appropriate word
processing document as you read. You will need to highlight the
information you use in each source. At this point, it would be helpful to
assign each prong of your thesis a color, so you can find information
easier. You will also have access to notes pages in class.

STEP 3: Review the sheet distributed about placing source material in the text (in-
text citation) and when to cite sources as well as notes taken from class
on paraphrasing.

STEP 4: Type/print (legibly or not accepted) AT LEAST 10 notes for each source
(20 minimum, 30 maximum). Feel free to do more as having more is
better in the long run. Follow the appropriate notes pages format.
Double check your work to ensure you havent added your own personal
comments/interpretations. The notes should be information clearly
represented in the source, not the conclusions you will draw from your
mind.

STEP 5: Submit your notes pages with log 3, thesis approval form, and sources
used (highlighted) and paper clip them together on or before the due
date.
IMPORTANT!

This is where plagiarism can occur. Remember to document all material not your own.
At this point you may find that some of your sources on your working bibliography are
not helpful to your research, and you will not use them in the final paper. Remember,
the paper you submit must have at least FIVE sources of information on the
Works Cited page. In your final paper, you will only be able to use three direct quotes
which may be no longer than three types lines; use ellipsis if necessary. Complete your
work in a timely manner and ask questions as your progress. Those who procrastinate
should remember that poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on
my part.
29


Research Paper Log 6
Note Check #3

Background: Now that you can distinguish between useful sources, it is time to use
them in your paper. Be careful to check your sources and avoid Plagiarism.

Task: For this assignment, you will take notes in order to incorporate sources in the
text of your paper.

Procedure: Complete STEPS 1-4 below in the research section of your binder. Then
complete STEP 5 as indicated and submit on or before the assigned due date.

STEP 1: Read at least TWO (2) sources from those listed on Research Log 3.
These sources should go with prong THREE (3) of your thesis.

STEP 2: Carefully read your sources and take notes in the appropriate word
processing document as you read. You will need to highlight the
information you use in each source. At this point, it would be helpful to
assign each prong of your thesis a color, so you can find information
easier. You will also have access to notes pages in class.

STEP 3: Review the sheet distributed about placing source material in the text (in-
text citation) and when to cite sources as well as notes taken from class
on paraphrasing.

STEP 4: Type/print (legibly or not accepted) AT LEAST 10 notes for each source
(20 minimum, 30 maximum). Feel free to do more as having more is
better in the long run. Follow the appropriate notes pages format.
Double check your work to ensure you havent added your own personal
comments/interpretations. The notes should be information clearly
represented in the source, not the conclusions you will draw from your
mind.

STEP 5: Submit your notes pages with log 3, thesis approval form, and sources
used (highlighted) and paper clip them together on or before the due
date.
IMPORTANT!
This is where plagiarism can occur. Remember to document all material not your own.
At this point you may find that some of your sources are not helpful to your research,
and you will not use them in the final paper. Remember, the paper you submit
must have at least FIVE sources of information on the Works Cited page. In
your final paper, you will only be able to use three direct quotes which may be no
longer than three types lines; use ellipsis if necessary. Complete your work in a timely
manner and ask questions as your progress. Those who procrastinate should
remember that poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my
part.
30

Research Paper Log 7
Outlining

Background: Now that you have some essential components of the research paper, it
is time to put everything together to make a first draft outline.

Task: For this assignment, you will organize your paper according to your thesis
statement and organize your paper ideas in outline form.

Procedure: Complete STEPS 1-3 below in the research section of your binder. Then
complete STEP 4 as indicated and submit on or before the assigned due date.

STEP 1: Read through your research and materials. Organize your notes pages by
prong. Following the format taught in class, create an outline of your
paper.

STEP 2: On a separate document for submission type the thesis and informal
outline for the tentative organization of your paper. Be sure to have an
MLA block and title this assignment Log 4 and the tentative title of your
paper.

STEP 3: Skip a space after the title and place the thesis next. Then begin the
informal outline.

STEP 4: At the end of your work, list all the sources in MLA form that you will
incorporate into your final paper at this point in the process. Attach ALL
sets of notes underneath the outline. Submit your outline on or before
the assigned due date.

IMPORTANT!

Remember, the paper you submit must have at least FIVE sources of
information on the Works Cited page. Complete your work in a timely manner and
ask questions as your progress. Those who procrastinate should remember that poor
planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.










31


Outline Example

Thesis: Society will continue to enjoy vanilla ice cream more than any other flavor for its
simplicity, its versatility, and its cultural significance.

I. Introduction (Write the word Introduction here).
A. Ice cream is a popular staple in American Society (feed into your thesis).
B. High-quality vanilla ice cream remains the top ice cream flavor on the market.
C. People will continue to enjoy vanilla ice cream more than any other flavor for its
simplicity, its versatility, and its cultural significance. (This is your thesis).
II. Vanilla ice cream is popular because it is simple, yet never boring. (Prong 1)
A. Vanilla ice cream can be made with only four ingredients (Breyers 6).
B. In her new book Rachel Ray argues, The flavor of vanilla is a simple, yet classic
one that goes well with any meal (43).
C. Examples to support prong 1.
III. Vanilla ice cream is more widely used because of its versatility. (Prong 2)
A. Vanilla can be eaten plain, but also goes well with many different toppings.
B. Another key idea which illustrates III.
C. Another key idea which illustrates III.
IV. Vanilla ice cream has significance in American culture. (Prong 3)
A. Chef Julia Child has written, Vanilla ice cream is one food that bridges
generations. I share it with my children and grandchildren each summer (16).
B. Another key idea which illustrates IV.
C. Another key idea which illustrates IV.
V. Conclusion (Write out the word Conclusion)
A. Although chocolate is a close second, vanilla reigns supreme.
B. Restate thesis. DO Not copy thesis word for word.
C. Try as they might, no manufacturer can come up with a way to top classic vanilla.
















Your outline will be double-spaced.
The example is single-spaced to conserve paper.
32

Research Paper Log 8
Planning the First Draft

Background: Now that you have each component of the research paper, it is time to
put everything together to make a first draft.

Task: For this assignment, you will organize your paper according to your thesis
statement, incorporate sources, and include an appropriate introduction and conclusion.

Procedure: Complete STEPS 1-3 below in the research section of your binder. Then
complete STEP 4 as indicated and submit on or before the assigned due date.

STEP 1: Read through your research logs and materials. Reference the writing
process as it was reviewed in class.

STEP 2: Takes notes in your binder. Review the sheet on writing Dos and Donts.
Be sure to also use the Research Paper checklist in the development of
your final copy.

STEP 3: Review the rules and process for writing an introduction and conclusion
abd write your rough draft. Be sure to have internal documentation and a
final works cited page with only the sources used at the end of your draft.

STEP 4: Submit your TYPED rough draft on or before the assigned due date.


IMPORTANT!

Remember, the paper you submit must have at least FIVE sources of
information on the Works Cited page. Be sure to keep track of all of your sources.
All sources used in the paper MUST appear on the works cited page and all sources on
the works cited page MUST appear in the paper. Complete your work in a timely
manner and ask questions as your progress. Those who procrastinate should
remember that poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my
part.












33



Writing an Introduction
Goals:
1. Grab the readers attention and peak his/her interest.
2. State what is intended to be proven in the paper.

Guidelines:
1. ONE paragraph only
2. Includes mostly original thoughts and ideas
3. Maintains point of view
4. Uses transition words or phrases to smoothly connect thoughts and ideas

Contrary to what you may have been taught, intros don't have to begin with a
"general statement." So what are some different ways to start that first
sentence?



You will use the inverted pyramid style introduction:

a.k.a. the funnel! The introduction should move from general/broad
ideas to specific ideas, ending with the most specific focus sentence,
your thesis.

Your commentary must relate the opening statement to your
research. If it doesnt apply to your thesis, do not use it!

***Do NOT speak to the audience. Do NOT say, In this essay, I will explain
or ANY version of this!

Adapted from
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResearchW/writeintro

Writing a Conclusion

Goals:
1. To pull together the entire paper
2. To re-emphasize the main points of the thesis statement

Guidelines:
1. ONE paragraph only
2. This should NOT be a cited paragraph!
4. Maintains point of view
5. Raises questions concerning the information presented
6. Draws at least1-2 conclusions concerning the topic. (For example,
what is learned through the paper/argument)
7. Re-emphasizes the thesis and overall point of the paper in a summary

34




Options: (To drive the point home)
Place the paper in a larger context
Serve as a call for action
Set forth a warning or hypothesis
Intentionally complicate the issues you have already introduced

Remember:
Restate your ideas in a different way!
DO NOT repeat the same sentences, phrases, or words.
DO NOT use the same information used in the introduction.
DO NOT use In conclusion, In summary, or any version of this!
DO NOT use rhetorical questions. If you are raising a question, do so in
the form of a statement. (See example below)

BAD: Does the Common Core Curriculum provide a practical solution to the
problems facing the modern educational system?

Can be changed into:
It is questionable as to whether or not the Common Core Curriculum
provides a practical solution to the problems facing the modern educational
system.

Leave a lasting impression
Offer final insights
Bring closure to the topic and thesis


Adapted from http://www.csuohio.edu/academic/writingcenter/introcnc.html

















35


NAME: ____________________________________________ PD: __________ DATE: __________

Final Research Paper Submission Checklist

Directions: In order to complete the final submission of your research paper, follow
the checklist below and be sure to turn in all listed components. Students missing any
of the listed components will have the paper packet returned to them until all
components are accounted for. Returned papers will incur late points. Submit all
materials in the envelope provided to you.


1. Final Paper with works cited attached
2. All previously graded assignments (logs 1-8)
3. Completed and approved topic approval form
4. Completed and approved thesis statement form
5. Copies of all notes pages
6. Copies of ALL sources used and highlighted (Indicate on the paper where I will
find the materials.)
7. Peer evaluation sheet
8. Second copy of works cited pageUNATTACHED
9. Research paper grading rubric from introductory guide
10. This sheet with your last, first name, period, and date submitted and filled out
completely
***NOTE: All of these materials should be placed in the envelope ready to go
before you enter class and in this specific order. Those who procrastinate should
remember that poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my
part. Any missing pieces will result in a returned and ungraded research paper that will
incur late points until ALL parts are successfully submitted in the correct order outlined
above.