Research Paper
College Prep
Rough draft due:
Final draft due:
Objectives:
• Research a school-related topic
• Review a variety of sources
• Write a thesis statement
• Practice paraphrasing, analysis, and citation skills
• Learn, practice and utilize the MLA format for writing a research paper and works cited
The next writing assignment will be a research-based argumentative essay on a school-related topic. The
following page of this handout lists all possible research topics. Each topic can only be used by one person
in each class.
The research paper will be divided into two parts. For the remainder of the 3rd nine weeks, we will focus
on finding quality research, writing citations for sources, taking notes, and creating a MLA works cited
page. At the beginning of the 4th nine weeks, we will focus on creating a well-developed outline, writing
the paper, including in-text citations, and editing your work.
Requirements:
 3-4 typed pages (double-spaced) using 12 point Times New Roman font OR 6-8 handwritten pages
in blue or black ink
 must follow MLA format
-must utilize the font sizing and spacing listed above
-include proper heading on the first page only
-page number and last name in upper right hand corner of each page
-works cited page on the final (separate) page of the essay
 includes in-text citations with proper introductions and citations
 follows proper essay format (introduction includes thesis statement, body paragraphs begin with
topic sentence and align with thesis statement, ends with conclusion)
 Avoid any plagiarism by carefully citing sources
Additional Notes
 You need to be very careful not to plagiarize (claim someone else’s ideas, words, etc as your own)
for this assignment. You will also have to submit your paper through the textbook’s website which
uses Turnitin.com to check for plagiarism. I will show you how to submit via this website before
your paper is due.
 Remember to avoid writing in 1st (“I”) or 2nd (“you”) person and to maintain a formal tone
throughout the paper.
 This research paper will be a major part of your 4th nine weeks grade. You will have smaller
assignments due throughout both the 3rd and 4th nine weeks. You must work hard throughout the
entire process of collecting research, analyzing & synthesizing your notes, outlining your paper,
and editing and revising your rough draft in order to do well on the final paper that will be
submitted. You cannot slack off throughout the semester and expect to do well. Please review the
calendar for due dates and grades.
 Review the rubric for the research paper before beginning any research and again before writing
your paper to familiarize yourself with the requirements.
Possible Research Topics
Media/Internet Usage
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How do social media affect behavior?
Should parents monitor what their kids are doing online?
Is online privacy important?
Is censorship of internet necessary?
Should we reduce the presence of technology in our life and/or school?
Cheating
6. Is plagiarism as serious a crime as it is believed to be?
7. Should cheating on an examination be a criminal offense?
8. Should students be punished for cheating on class work and/or tests?
Education Importance
9. Is education becoming useless?
10. Is the current education system relevant?
11. Should education be mandatory?
12. Should education be privatized?
13. Should high school education be mandatory?
Requirements
14. Should physical education be mandatory for students?
15. Should students still be taught handwriting/cursive?
16. Is history an important subject in school?
17. Is academic grading helpful in performance?
18. Do grades accurately measure students’ intelligence and performance?
19. Are essays an accurate reflection of a student’s ability?
20. Is there a connection between homework workload and a student’s stress level?
21. Should students be graded on their handwriting?
22. How can a student acquire all-round education?
23. Should testing be standardized?
24. Should all students be required to learn a foreign language?
25. Should students start learning a foreign language before middle and/or high school?
Dress Code/Uniforms
26. Should there be specific dress codes in schools?
27. Do school uniforms affect learning and education?
28. Are school dress codes helpful or hurtful?
29. Do students have the right to challenge school dress codes?
Discipline
30. Should schools place more emphasis on disciplining?
31. Should corporal punishment be used in schools?
32. Should schools do away with suspensions and discipline?
Alternate Learning Environment
33. Should schools operate year-round?
34. Is homeschooling equivalent to a public-school education?
35. Are single sex schools good for education?
Bullying
36. Can bullies stimulate other students’ self-development?
37. Should bullies be held legally responsible for what they do?
38. Should schools do more to combat bullying?
39. Is bullying as serious as schools and media make it out to be?
Misc.
40. Should high school graduates take a year off before entering college?
41. Should extracurricular activities be made mandatory?
42. Should high school students receive work and life-training skills?
43. Should all students be required to perform one year of community service?
44. Should prayer and/or the Pledge of Allegiance be allowed in schools?
45. Should schools have later start times?