Banned Books Research Paper
Students will choose a literary work that has been challenged in the United States. While
reading the work, students will take notes on scenes and situations in the work that may have
caused it to be challenged. They will research why the book has been banned as well as read
sources that describe support of the literary merit of the book. The students must have an
understanding of both sides of the argument. The students will decide if the book should be
banned, if the arguments brought against it weak and unfair, or if they agree with both sides.
They will write a 3-4 page argumentative research paper expressing their viewpoint. The
students will include the following in their paper:
I.
A brief summary of the work.
II. A discussion of the reasons the book was banned. Cite examples from the text and
analyze evidence from the text. Also, use other sources (articles from the internet or
criticisms about the work) and analyze them.
III. Discuss reasons from sources (article from internet or criticisms about the work) that
support the use of the work.
IV. Argue your position. Should the book be banned? Use your opinions and support with
information from sources and from the work.
Oral Presentation:
Should the book be banned, or are the arguments brought against it weak and unfair? Or are you
forced to agree with both sides of the argument (present a solution)? Write a speech expressing
your viewpoint. Your speech should be 2-3 minutes long. Create a 6-12 slide PowerPoint
presentation to follow your speech.
Due Dates:
Rough Draft Monday, May 7, 2010
Final Draft
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Speech and Presentation
Exam Review Day