Name
Ms. DeMartino
English 8 Research Paper Assignment
The Impact of Technological Advances in the 21st Century
“The rapid pace of technological growth changes the world as we know it. Many of these
changes prove beneficial, but some come with negative side effects.”
Research Topic Information

This year your research paper assignment will focus on the impact of technological
advances in the 21st Century. It is your responsibility to choose a topic that you feel
comfortable researching.

Your Goal: Choose an aspect of technology in the 21st Century and explore either the
benefits or drawbacks of it. Possible topics are listed on the last page. After looking
at the suggestions, think about a question you may have relating to the topic. This
will help you find your specific area of research.
o EX: Has social media encouraged positive or negative communications among
people?

You should choose your topic prior to the library visit.

Attached is a list of possible topics. Please look through them and decide on a focus.
If you would like to research something that is not on the list, please see me before
you begin this assignment.

You MUST get your topic approved by me before you start your research!
Library/Resource Information
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


We will be visiting the library and conducting research in the computer lab during
the following days: 4/11-4/15
You will begin researching your topic on these days. However, any information that is
not gathered on these dates can be gathered from home or from the school library.
It is your responsibility to research your topic on your own time!
Use the password: hfclibrary to access the databases from home
Time in the library and the computer lab should be used effectively to get as much
work done as possible.
You must gather at least three database articles related to your topic while in the
library or computer lab.

 DO NOT USE GOOGLE OR WIKIPEDIA – THESE WILL NOT YIELD
RELIABLE SOURCES!
 Use any graphic organizers provided to you to help you plan and stay
organized! You will be receiving these from me!
Plagiarism will not be tolerated! If you plagiarize your paper you will receive a
zero!
TIME SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS
DAY
DATE
ASSIGNMENT DUE
COUNTS AS…
MondayFriday
Monday
Friday
Monday
Thursday
4/11-4/15
Classwork
Monday
Friday
5/11
5/20
Research: Library and Computer
Labs - TBD
Articles read and highlighted
Thesis statement (1 sentence)
Annotated Bibliography
List of “direct statements” from
your database articles that you
will use in your paper.
You need at least 6!!
Outline for Research paper
Research paper with Work Cited
page attached
4/18
4/22
5/2
5/5
Classwork
Homework
Homework
Homework
Quiz
2 Test Grades
FORMAT FOR RESEARCH PAPER
Length – 2 pages minimum (4 pages maximum)
Font – Size 12, Times New Roman ONLY!
Spacing – Double
Margins – Standard 1 inch
Title Page – Center the title and your first and last name; bottom right-hand corner should include
the class, date, and teacher’s name; Times New Roman, 12 pt. font ONLY!!
Page numbers – Include page numbers on the bottom right-hand corner of each page EXCEPT THE
TITLE PAGE AND WORKS CITED PAGE
In-text citations – Include at least 5 direct statements and in-text citations in your paper to
support your ideas. We will talk about this in class!
POSSIBLE TOPICS
Internet News
Downloading Ethics
Television Content and Technology
Censorship and the Internet
Computer/Internet Crime
Automation
Computer Dependency
Information Technology in the Workplace
Social Networking
Technology and Education
Genetics and Technology
Technology and the Military
Modes of Transportation and Technology
Internet Use as a Universal Human Right (no cost)
Businesses and Technology
If you would like to research a related topic that is not on this list, please see me to
discuss the possibility. 