Topic Review Paper Guide Lines
1. Paper
Type your report using this format. A minimum of 6 pages, double-spaced, plus a
“Works Cited” page is required.
2. References used for your topic research
Use a minimum of three references for your paper. Two must be books specifically
describing your topic and furnishing the historical detail for your report. Be
prepared to show me these books on the scheduled due date. The third reference
must be from an Internet site and be a primary source of material for this topic.
Use information from this source to help support the information in your report.
A primary source is a first-hand report of your topic from someone who witnessed
it, lived it, researched it, etc. Ask me for help with your resources if you cannot find
a primary source.
A good resource is the Library of Congress at www.loc.gov. Click on the “American
Memory” link.
Other Government offices such as the White House, Smithsonian Institute, Senate
and House of Representatives have databases of resources. State libraries and
museums also have primary sources. Some of these sources and links to Primary
and Secondary source explanation sites are found on my Learning Web page in the
“Resources” link folder.
DO NOT USE Wikipedia or other on-line dictionaries as a source of content for
your topic. It can only be used to determine the type of source you have selected.
3. Work Cited Page (Attach to your paper). Use the MLA style
The entries in your Works Cited page is put in alphabetical order by last names of
the author, editor, translators, etc. or by first words of titles. An Internet web site is
available to help you format the work cited page.
4. Keeping the Paper Together
Sheets of paper should be stapled at the upper left-hand corner. Use a paper clip if
no stapler is available. Do not use a pin or fold the paper. You do not need a binder
or folder. However, a cover page with your name and class information should be
used.
The condition of the paper you hand in is an indication of the respect you have for
yourself and the respect you have for your teacher. Before handing in your paper,
ask yourself, "Is this the VERY BEST that I can do?"
5. How it will be graded
Each paper will be graded subjectively by me and compared with other student
papers for providing a point spread. The most comprehensive and detailed papers
will receive a maximum score. Papers that appear less comprehensive or detailed
may lose points from the maximum score. The paper will require you to perform
the following key skills:
Critical Thinking Skills - to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and
analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information
Communication Skills - to include effective development, interpretation and
expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication
90% Historical Content. Did you support the topic thesis statement and
content with statements that are logical and authoritative? Did you use your own
words to restate the reference in your own language?
10% Following instructions given on written presentation. Remember to use
at lease one primary source and one secondary source.
Due Date: See schedule for due dates for each class and semester. Papers and the
books used are due at the beginning of class. No late papers will be accepted after 3
class days.
Use the following formatting structure for the report:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Thesis Statement
Supporting Materials
a. Supporting content using critical thinking skills
b. Supporting content using communications skills
Summary Statement – restate the thesis and summarize the findings
Summary Statement – restate the thesis and summarize the findings
Work cited Page