English 9B Research Paper
Mrs. Wells –Spring 2015
In preparation for reading Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, we will be researching the history of
racial segregation in the United States. Within the research paper, students will be required to answer the
following essential questions, one in each body paragraph:
1. What efforts were made to free former slaves after the Civil War?
2. How did post-War segregation begin in spite of the aforementioned efforts?
3. What are some specific examples of segregation and inequality experienced by black Americans
between the end of the Civil War and the Civil Rights Act of the 1960s?
4. Who were some of the people who fought to end segregation – and what did they do?
5. What efforts for desegregation and integration happened in the American South during the first half
of the 20th century that might have inspired Harper Lee to write TKaM?
Research Paper Requirements:
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850 – 1000 words (4 – 5 pages): 10% will be deducted if paper does not meet minimum length requirement
Formal Structure: introduction ¶; minimum five body ¶s; conclusion ¶
At least FOUR sources must be used. (Seven will be provided.)
At least TWO pieces of properly-cited evidence must be used in each body paragraph. (Students are encouraged
to use more.)
A complete MLA works cited page. Papers will NOT be graded without a works cited page and in-text citations.
Formal voice should be used, and all rules of formal writing are to be followed: (i.e. no 1st or 2nd person pronouns,
no contractions, at least five sentences per body paragraph, etc.)
Points:
Daily research grade
100 points
(20 per research day/research question)
Daily writing progress grade (outline/drafting) 25 points
(Stay on task; meet deadlines)
Outline
25 points
(turned in with final draft)
Typed 1st draft with revision sheet
20 points
(turned in with final draft)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Final draft with works cited page
300 SUMMATIVE points
Tentative Calendar for Research Paper Unit
30
31
1
2
3
– Make Research Folders
– Annotated Bibliography
(Read and Write)
– Annotated Bibliography
(Read and Write)
– Annotated Bibliography
(Read and Write)
– Annotated Bibliography
(Read and Write)
6
7
8
9
10
– Annotated Bibliography
(Type)
– Annotated Bibliography
(Type and Submit)
13
14
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Research Day 4
EQ →TS
Citations
ORB
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Outline and works
cited page due
today
ORB
20
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Research Day 5
EQ →TS
Citations
ORB
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Lab to type
ORB
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Drafting in class
P. 713 – 718
Organize/Outline
Evidence +
Explanation
ORB
Lab to type
ORB
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Lab to type
ORB
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Lab to type +
submit in print and
to turnitin.com
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Research Day 2
EQ →TS
Citations
ORB
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Drafting in class
Outline
Evidence +
Explanation
ORB
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Lab to type
ORB
16
22
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28
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Research Day 1
EQ →TS
Citations
ORB
15
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21
27
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Research Day 3
EQ →TS
Citations
ORB
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Drafting in class
Outline
Evidence +
Explanation
ORB
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Peer edit/revise
17
23
24