RESEARCH PAPER
Identify the assignment and mark down all the due dates
You will be writing a research paper on any historical topic (not biographies on people) between the
dates of 1877-1945. Mark down in your agenda pad when each check point is due, including your
research thesis statement!!!
Possible topics to research:
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Native Americans/Native American
Battles
Stereotypes of cowboys
Farmers and Reforms
Mines/Homesteaders
Technology/new inventions
Industrial boom in the 1900s
Monopolies
Railroads
Oil production/Rockefeller
Strikes/IWW/Triangle Shirtwaist
Company
Immigration/immigration stations
Business and government/graft/city
bosses
Assassination of President
Garfield/McKinley
Growth of cities
Public Education
Segregation/Jim Crow Laws
Plessy v. Ferguson
Discrimination (Minorities: Chinese,
African Americans, Women, Mexicans,
Filipinos, Cubans)
American Leisure Activities
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Progressive Movements
Prohibition
19th Amendment
Roosevelt/Spanish-American War
American Imperialism
Yellow Journalism
Acquiring Puerto Rico
Boxer Rebellion
Panama Canal
Wilson and the Mexican Revolution
WWI/ Propaganda/Treaty of Versailles
Nativism/Red Scare
Roaring 1920s
Economy of the 1920s and 1930s
KKK
Car Production/Assembly Line
Segregation and Sports
Fashion
Literature
Harlem Renaissance
Hoover/Stock Market Crash/tariffs/Great
Depression
1930s Projects/New Deal
WWII
Research Questions to Consider…
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How did a certain event affect history?
When did somebody do something that changed society?
What really interests me that made some kind of impact in history?
What factors needed to be put together to explain an event?
Checklist
Step 1: Choose a topic and create a thesis statement
Your research paper will have a thesis statement in order to present information in a clear and
concise manner, while also making a distinctive point about a certain topic. Keep in mind that a
research paper is not like a book report where you simply state facts from one book. In a research
paper, you are trying to prove a point using multiple sources.
Step 2: Find sources that provide reliable and accurate information
In order to present an historical opinion, you will need to use a minimum of 3 sources. The sources
act as a tool to support your thesis statement. Sometimes you will need to adjust your thesis
statement after you begin your research.
Step 3: Create an outline
An outline is a perfect way to setup your paragraphs. Each paragraph will need to support your thesis
statement. By using your index cards, you can review the information you have accumulated and
decide the main ideas of each paragraph.
Step 4: Write the paper
The paper will follow MLA formatting, including parenthetical documentation. (Refer to the media
center website. It has MLA information.) By using your outline, the paragraphs of your paper should
be easily written. Keep in mind that each paragraph should relate to your thesis. Furthermore, you will
always be aware of your academic standards by making sure you are not plagiarizing.
Step 5: Create the Works Cited page
After the paper is complete, use the appropriate MLA information to cite the sources that you have
used to write your paper. Your sources should already be noted on your index cards. Now, you just
need to formally write them down.
Step 6: Reread and Proofread
After you have included all the necessary information and it has a strong introduction, supporting
paragraphs, and an appropriate conclusion, reread your paper! Grammar and spelling will count, so
take the time to make sure there are no errors.
Step 7: Print out your paper.
Print your paper at home or in the library, including the Works Cited page. No cover page is
necessary. After printing, check to one last time for any errors. Reprint if necessary. No papers will be
printed in the classroom.
Step 8: Hand in the final copy of the paper
The research paper should be handed in on the appropriate day that is required by the teacher. A
late paper will result in point deduction. One full letter grade will be taken off for each day late.
Research Paper Requirements and Format
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Length: Minimum of 3 typed pages supporting your thesis. Page 3 must be written to the
bottom of the page; anything less will result in point deduction.
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Spacing: Double-space the text of your paper. Do not double space between paragraphs. Hit
only the enter button once, and continue with your new paragraph.
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Indent: The first line of each paragraph
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Font type: Times New Roman
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Font size: 12 pt
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Margins: 1 inch
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Insert header: Last name, page number in upper right hand corner.
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Sources: Minimum of 3 reliable sources. The AMERICANS TEXT BOOK and WIKIPEDIA are
not allowed to be used as sources. All sources must be included on the Works Cited page,
which will follow the last page of your paper.
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Parenthetical documentation: Must be used in the paper using proper MLA style formatting.
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Cover page: Not needed
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Pictures/graphs: Not needed
Due Dates:
May __6__,2013
Thesis ___/ Homework Grade (10 pts.)
* Must hand in three potential thesis statements you may use for your paper and rank them 1-3.
May__16__,2013
Outline ___/Homework Grade (10 pts.)
May__24__,2013
At least 1 full page of a rough draft with parenthetical
documentation___/Homework Grade (10 pts.)
May__31__,2013
Final Copy
REQUIREMENTS
Possible
Points
Introduction
Thesis is written clearly and supported by
their arguments.
10
Body Paragraphs
The thesis is supported throughout and
demonstrates a strong understanding of the
topic.
15
All paragraphs include factual evidence,
explanation, and developed details
supporting the argument. Each paragraph has
a concluding sentence.
20
Conclusion
Concluding paragraph is well written with
complete and concise summary.
10
Structure
No grammatical, spelling or punctuation
errors. Paper has appropriate margins and
proper heading. Completely fulfills the
requirements of at least three pages.
All sources are accurately documented in MLA
format throughout the paper. Researcher uses
at least 3 reliable sources throughout the
paper.
15
20
Works Cited
A properly formatted MLA style works cited
with at least three credible sources.
Total
10
Earned
Points