Name: ___________________________________
Grade 12: British Literature
Date: _______________________
Class Name: ________________________
Attributes of a Strong Persuasive Research Paper
GRADING RUBRIC
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Strong thesis statement with powerful word choice and strong stance. This is the last sentence of
your first paragraph.
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Support of your comments and opinions with clear, specific examples, quotations and references.
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Integration of sources and research throughout body paragraphs.
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Smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
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No contractions (don’t, haven’t, wouldn’t, etc.) and/or slang (thing, guy, stuff, etc.), except when
part of a direct quotation from a source.
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Proper use of mechanics (correct punctuation, spelling, grammar, etc.)
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Varied sentence structures: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex
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Avoid plagiarism; otherwise, you will receive an F.
Due Dates (Subject to Change)
Research Topic Proposal Worksheeet
____3/04____
10 points
Research Sources (4-5)
____4/01____
20 points
MLA Documentation
____4/01____
25 points
Research Outline
____4/01____
30 points
Typed Works Cited Page
____4/01____
20 points
First Draft of Research Paper (typed)
____3/25____
20 points
Final Draft of Research Paper (typed)
____4/01____
200 points
Late Policy: You will lose one letter grade off of your research paper for every class day your
paper is late.
Remember: If you choose not to write the research paper and follow directions, you will fail
this quarter. Please ask me for help if you are confused or struggling at any point
in the process.
~Ms. Sandini 
Name: ___________________________________
Grade 12: British Literature
Date: _______________________
Class Name: ________________________
Persuasive Research Paper
OBJECTIVE
To write a persuasive research paper about a controversial issue.
Examples:
The media hype surrounding global warming is over-exaggerated…
Capital punishment in America should be abolished because…
The use of embryos in stem cell research is unethical and should be outlawed because…
Athletes who have used steroids in their particular sports should be heavily penalized
because…
GUIDELINES
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Fill out your Project Proposal worksheet and conference with me about your topic before
committing.
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Use 4-5 good sources in your paper. You may use Internet sources; however, they must be
reputable (NO Wikipedia!). At least 2 of your sources must be from Gale’s “Opposing
Viewpoints in Context” online research database at http://bhslibrary.bellinghamk12.org/home
(directions are given on your Research Paper Proposal Worksheet.
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Your paper must be 3-5 full pages in length. Ten or more points will be deducted from your
grade for any paper shorter than 3 full pages, not including your Works Cited page.
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You need 4 quotations and at least 10 paraphrases.
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Integrate sources throughout your body paragraphs; do not use only one source per paragraph.
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On average, there should be 3 instances of parenthetical documentation per body
paragraph—see model examples.
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All quotations, paraphrases, and summaries of information must have parenthetical citations or
you are plagiarizing. (Directions to follow.)
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Information which is not common knowledge must be followed by parenthetical documentation.
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If you don’t use parenthetical documentation, you will earn a zero on your paper!
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Use MLA Heading on upper left-hand corner of your paper: your name, my name, course name,
and date format.
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Include a creative title.
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Anchor each quotation—lead them in and explain their significance afterwards.
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Include all sources used and documented on your Works Cited page. Follow standard MLA
documentation. Staple your WC page to the back of your paper.
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Follow standard MLA formatting: 12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins, doublespacing, and no paragraph breaks (big spaces between paragraphs).
□
Include a standard header on every page with your last name and page number in the top righthand corner.
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Submit your final research paper to www.turnitin.com (directions to follow).
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Turn in, on the final paper due date (dates to follow), in a manila envelope or pocket folder,
copies of all of your sources, your first and final draft, any notes used, your outline, your self-edit
sheet, and your peer-edit sheet.
NOTE:
This is a writing process and should be approached not with fear, but anticipation! If you have
questions or feel you are close to plagiarizing—see me so I can help. 