Huck Finn Research Paper
Loun • English 11  Research paper is worth 100 Points; components worth additional points
“I was a-trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things,
and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then
says to myself: ‘All right, then, I'll GO to hell.’" Huckleberry Finn
Overview:
During this unit, we will be exploring the reality that there are different perceptions of what
constitutes the truth; i.e., what may work for you as the truth may not work for me, and vice versa.
Ever since the book was initially published, many people have had different perceptions of the value
and truth of our anchor text, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. So you must decide whether The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a book of notoriety or importance in our American literature and
should therefore be/not be taught to our schoolchildren. You must support this claim with sufficient
and credible evidence in order to be deemed worthy of an exemplary grade for this project.
Research Question:
 Should Adventures of Huckleberry Finn be taught in FMS? If not,
propose a book to take its place. Support your answer using at least six
other sources.
I. Elements of the Essay:
Element
Introduction/thesis
Description
½-1 page; introduces topic and background; thesis that
encompasses all aspects of the research question listed
above
Approximately 4-5 pages; uses at least 4 sources
Examples of why Huck
Finn should/should not
be taught in MCPS, with
explanations
Rebuttal of other side’s
Approximately 2 pages; uses at least 2-3 sources
argument (if applicable)
Conclusion
½-1 page; puts essay into perspective—refreshes main
points and thesis. Finally, why is what you wrote
important? Why should we believe you?
Works Cited Page
Follows MLA format (see Noodletools)
II. Mini Checkpoints and Deadlines
Activity/Element
Due Date
Point Value
First draft of research paper
12/13
25
In order to write this essay, you are going to have to SAVE all of your work and STORE IN A SAFE
PLACE from this point forward. Do not come to me because you have lost your work from
November and it is now December and you need to write your essay. YOU are responsible for your
own work and you alone must keep track of that work.
DUE DATE for this Research Paper is Wednesday, 8 January!