Comp 2A
The Research Paper
LAP 1: The Writing Process/Introduction
Approximate time: 2 Cycles (14 class meetings)
Rationale:
Welcome to sophomore composition. As a sophomore, students will learn the fundamental skill of research
writing. During this LAP, students will study the foundation of the research paper and implement the stages of
the writing process. Students will be given sample introductions and will be asked to mirror the different types
of research paper introductions. By the end of this LAP, each student will have several introductions to choose
from for their final research paper. A very important part of this LAP is learning how to write a research paper,
a skill that will be extremely important throughout your education.
Essential Question: Why is it important to learn and apply research skills?
Objectives: Upon completion of this LAP, students will be able to:
1. Identify and comprehend the terminology associated with paragraph structure and characteristics of a
well written paragraph.
2. Write an interesting introduction that incorporates the above characteristics and follows proper sentence
and paragraph structure.
3. Demonstrate mastery in the usage of modifiers, both in writing and class exercises, and summative test.
4. Review and pass objective quizzes on the writing process.
5. Write a concise introduction by following each of the steps in the writing process.
6. Use revision exercises to help make their writing stronger and more concise.
7. Work with peers to revise and proofread their writing.
Materials:
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Text: Grammar for Writing: Chapter1
Text: Wordly Wise: Level 10- Units 1 & 2
Outside Source: The Purdue OWL MLA Reference
Notebook
One Inch Binder
Dividers
Sheet Protectors
Different color pens
Highlighters
Post-its
Assessment:
1. Summer Reading Assessment: You must take your summative test over The Lovely Bones by Alice
Sebold in class B-day, 8/18. (25 item, matching format).
a. Summer Reading Assessment Extra Credit: The students who read Lucky by Alice Sebold
will take a quiz in the Testing Center: D-day through H-day, 8/20- 8/26.
2. Independent Vocabulary: Unit 1 in your Wordly Wise 3000 Vocabulary Book should be completed
and checked by C-day, 9/2. When you finish the formative exercises in your book or on loose-leaf,
come to Open Lab to check them against my key (Mr. Villmer and Ms. James also have keys for
sophomores). This is the only way you will know what you need help with for the unit test. You will
take your Unit 1 Vocabulary Test in class E-day, 9/4.
3. Independent Grammar Exercises: There will be several exercises assigned for homework relating to
various grammatical elements in your Grammar for Writing text. Questions based on these exercises (510 items) will be assessed through quizzes in class. You should complete your exercises on loose-leaf
paper and then come to open lab to check your work against the classroom key and show Mrs.
Hackworth your completed and checked exercises by Day 14 of LAP 1: J-day, 9/11. This LAP’s
grammar focus will cover adjectives, adverbs, and modifiers.
 Adjectives: Read p. 103 and complete Exercises 8 and 9 on p.104
 Adverbs: Read p. 105 and complete Exercises 10 and 11on p. 106
 Modifiers: Read p. 223 and complete Exercises 1 and 2 on p. 224; Read p. 225 and complete
Exercise 4 on p. 225
 Misplaced Modifiers: Read p. 229 and complete Exercise 8 on p. 230.
 Dangling Modifiers: Read p. 231 and complete Exercise 10 and Exercise 11 on p. 232.
4. Formative Introduction(s) Final Draft: What is your favorite movie? Based on the movie, is there a
researchable topic that interests you? This will become your focus of your research paper for the
semester. *Topics that may NOT be researched: abortion, death penalty, euthanasia, and Ferguson.
Students will turn in three formative introductions. Students will (eventually) choose her strongest
introduction to use in her research paper. When the students turn in their introductions, identify the
strongest introduction that will be applied to the remainder of the paper. The introduction of choice
should be stabled on top of the other two introductions. Due LAP 2 Day 1: A-day, 9/15
5. LAP 1 Summative Exam: Your LAP 1 Summative will be taken in class J-day, 9/11.
Open Lab: (DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!)
1. Grammar Exercises
2. Unit 1 in your Wordly Wise should be completed, checked and approved by myself for grading by C-day,
9/2.
3. Unit 2 in your Wordly Wise should be completed, checked and approved by myself for grading by C-day,
9/17.
Calendar: These dates are subject to change. If you are absent, please e-mail or see Mrs. Hackworth in Open
Lab to see what you missed.
Day 1: A-day, August 17th
Introduce Syllabus
Introduce LAP
Discuss Summer Reading
The Lovely Bones Activity
Homework: Study for The Lovely Bones Test; read Chapter 1: The Writing Process in Grammar for Writing
text.
Day 2: B-day, August 18th
The Lovely Bones Test
Homework: Read Chapter 1: The Writing Process in Grammar for Writing text.
Day 3: D-day, August 20th
Introduce the Research Paper
Discuss Paper Requirements
Topic Discussion Activity: What is your favorite movie?
The Writing Process: Prewriting
Homework: Have a topic prepared for next class, along with prewriting of choice; bring device next class: if
you do not have a device, please let Mrs. Hackworth know.
Day 4: E-day, August 21st
Research Introduction
Become familiar with Databases
Homework:
Begin your research
Bring a device next class; if you do not have a device, please let Mrs. Hackworth know.
Day 5: F-day, August 24th
MLA 101- Handout MLA Guidlines
Research Day in class
Using Sources
Begin note taking in class
Homework: Continue your research. Have at least two potential sources for next class and be able to defend
why they are reliable. All three sources are due by Day 7. For an internet source, you must have completed an
Internet Evaluation form by Day 7. Bring all of your materials to class.
Day 6: G-day, August 25th
Topic Partner Activity- share and feedback
The Writing Process: Drafting
Introduction to Hooks
Homework: Continue your research. Have at least two potential sources for next class and be able to defend
why they are reliable. All three sources are due by Day 7. For an internet source, you must have completed an
Internet Evaluation form by Day 7. Bring all of your materials to class.
Day 7: J-day, August 27th
Hook Activity
Take notes on your sources to get ideas for your Hook
Work on Hook in class
Homework: Have three Hooks prepared and typed for class
Day 8: A-day, August 31st
Main Idea and Development of Topic
View Sample Introductions
Begin writing the main idea and development of topic
Homework: Begin drafting three development introductions with the main idea and development of topic are
due day 9 – rough drafts are due next class.
Day 9: B-day, September 1st
Three-Pronged Thesis Statement
Identify Strong Thesis Statements
Homework: Draft thesis statements for each introduction
Day 10: D-day, September 3rd
Rough Drafts Due
The Writing Process: Revising
Work day
Conference
Homework: Finish the three development introductions with the main idea and development of topic- due next
class.
Day 11: E-day, September 4th
Unit 1 Vocabulary Test
Work on introductions
Day 12: F-day, September 8th
The Writing Process: Publishing
Complete each introduction
Work Day
Peer Edit Day
Homework: Three introduction final drafts are due next class (LAP 2: Day 1) you will choose one as your
BEST to move forward with your research paper.
Day 13: G-day, September 9th (Wednesday schedule)
Work day
Conference day
Homework: Study for LAP 1 Summative Test
Day 14: J-day, September 11th
LAP 1 Summative Test in class
Homework: Three introduction final drafts are due next class (LAP 2: Day 1) you will choose one as your
BEST to move forward with your research paper.
Research Paper Requirements
1. A minimum of three different sources must be used, including a book, a database, and an internet source
(web evaluation required). Alternative sources could include magazines, newspapers, or an interview). One
source must be from a database, one from an internet source (web evaluation required), and the last source
can be of the student’s choice.
2. Essay must include a thesis statement, and introduction, at least 3 body paragraphs(with at least 2 outside
quote per body paragraph, a concluding paragraph, use of parenthetical notes and a properly formatted
works cited page.
3. A formal typed outline that follows the content of the essay and that follows the model from class as well as
parallel structure.
4. Essay must be turned in the day it is due in class and submitted to Turnitin.com by 11:59 p.m.
Audience: someone who knows very little about your topic.