PERSUASIVE RESEARCH COMPOSITION (Grade Value = 150 pts.)
DUE DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015
After choosing your topic, explore the various perspectives of your topic through
research. Determine the position that you will take on the topic for your main argument. Gather
and print the research that you gather for your topic, then use an OUTLINE to determine the
main points of your report, which will represent each paragraph of your report, and record the
research sources that you will use for each paragraph.
You will be provided with some library time to gather your research, however, you will also be
expected to invest time outside of school for research if it becomes necessary (i.e., visit your
local library, use personal computers for searching web sources, etc). After gathering your
research, you will write a 1,000 word minimum (approximately 3 ½ typed pages; this does not
include the heading or works cited page in the word count) PERSUASIVE REPORT in which
you will:
 Include a well-developed introduction with a strong thesis statement.
 develop persuasive complex paragraphs that include
o transitional language
o topic sentence
o clarifying, complex sentences (7 or more for each paragraph)
o examples in the form of quotes/paraphrasing from your research resources
o concluding sentence
o **in-text citations of your sources for material quoted or paraphrased
o research material cited in the text must be taken from a minimum of 6 separate
sources; at least 4 sources must be PRINT (i.e., non-fiction/reference books,
magazines, newspapers.)
 Proofread to correct any grammatical, spelling, and/or punctuation errors.
 use accurate and precise vocabulary
o avoid use of “juvenile vocabulary” such as slang phrases, generic vocabulary (i.e.,
“big”, “very”, “things”, “something, etc.
 Include a concluding paragraph that does not simply restate the introduction.
 You must include a “Works Cited” page
**MATERIAL WILL BE DEEMED PLAGIARIZED IF YOU QUOTE, “CUT &
PASTE”, OR PARAPHRASE AND YOU RECORD THE SOURCE IN-TEXT AND/OR
ON THE WORKS CITED PAGE.
(SEE REVERSE SIDE OF PAGE FOR PAGE FORMATTING AND ADDITIONAL
INSTRUCTIONS.)
GENERAL RULES FOR TYPED WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
(FOLLOW THE FORMAT BELOW FOR THE HEADING OF ALL ASSIGNMENTS)
Nicholas Smith
English II
Title of Assignment
Date
Descriptive Title of Paper
 You must use complex or compound sentences only.
 You must have a WELL-DEVELOPED introduction with a clear thesis statement and a welldeveloped concluding paragraph with closing thoughts/comments that do not simply repeat the
introduction.
 Each paragraph (7+ sentences) must have:
o a topic sentence
o 2-3 clarifying sentences
o direct quote(s) to support your main point
o 2-3 sentences that synthesize the main point with your example and argument
o a closing sentence
o transitional words/phrases in your concluding sentence to connect paragraphs
 Only 3RD PERSON PRONOUNS are acceptable in a formal essay.
 Contractions are unacceptable in a formal essay.
 Use ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
 You must have a proper heading beginning on the 1st line of your paper
 Your HEADING must be single-spaced. The body of your composition must be DOUBLE-SPACEd.
DO NOT include additional space after paragraph.
 Font must be Times New Roman or Courier. Font size must be 11 or 12 pt.
 You must proofread for errors in grammar, sentence structure, spelling, etc.
 ALL compositions must include a TITLE (not the title of the assignment).
Insert page number bottom center
Length: Minimum = 1,000 words (approximately 3½ typed pages)
DO NOT INCLUDE:
CONTRACTIONS
JUVENILE VOCABULARY
ABBREVIATIONS
USE ONLY 3RD PERSON PRONOUNS (do not use I, we, us, our, my, me, you, etc.)
Points will be deducted for any of these guidelines that are not followed.
When instructions for writing assignments are given in class, it is advisable for you to take notes
regarding any additional instructions.
Writing assignments that are not focused on developing & supporting factual evidence and
include only opinions will not earn a passing grade.