Informational Research Essay Assignment
What you will do:
1. Pick a topic that interests you in connection with cultural issues and concerns in the
world today. (Remember the types of things you looked at in the library). Something you
WANT to read about! Example: Tobacco use is harmful to people.
2. Then- narrow that topic so that you can create a research question that focuses on the
topic more precisely. Example: How tobacco use is harmful to people.
3. Write your thesis. Your thesis answers your research question. Example: Tobacco use is
harmful to people because it is addictive, damages the lungs, and can cause cancer.
You need to have a claim that can be discussed and argued, and that can be supported by
your evidence (supporting details you find from your research). Here, the supporting
details you then will reference in your essay would discuss how addictive tobacco is, the
lung damage it can cause, and how tobacco can cause cancer.
What you will turn in to be graded on for your assignment:
1. 20% -The completed graphic organizer packet you are given that will show your
topic, notes, summaries, thesis, research question, supporting points.
2. 15%- Text format. Handwritten or typed 1-2 pages. If typed, Times New Roman
12 pt. font and double spaced. Five paragraph essay (minimum) which includes an
introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You can add visuals about
your topic into your essay (pictures, charts, etc). An example of typed formatting
will be posted on Schoology.
3. 40%- Essay. Introduction paragraph with a hook or strong introduction sentence.
Clear and strong thesis stating your main idea and 3 supporting details. Clear
topic sentence in each body paragraph referring back to your thesis. Clear
summary and description of information researched supporting your key details in
each body paragraph. A conclusion paragraph that restates your thesis in a
different way, and an interesting closing.
4. 25%-Works Cited page. This will be attached on a separate paper after your essay.
You will need to source and cite a minimum of 3 pieces of text - this can be a
magazine article, a newspaper article, etc. This is your research for your topic.
Properly cite and format them.
The whole packet will be due on February 25, 2022, and you will staple it together in this
order:
On top: Your final draft paper, next your Works Cited page, lastly your Graphic Organizer Packet