Name_________________________________
Junior Research Paper
The purpose of this paper is to analyze (not summarize) a piece of American literature.
You will do this by using your own knowledge of the novel as well as critical sources you
will find. The topic you choose for this paper is up to you; however, you must concentrate
on two literary devices that prove the theme. We will be focusing on a step-by-step
process to accomplish this assignment.
Student Objectives:
I can analyze an independent novel to create an argument.
I can identify literary devices in the text to formulate a thesis statement.
I can research critical sources to find information that further supports and proves my thesis statement.
I can properly cite quotations, paraphrases, and summaries.
PROMPT: Develop an argument that proves the theme of the novel through the use of two literary devices.
Requirements:
follow MLA format (double spaced, and 12 pt. Times New Roman Font)
complete a graphic organizer that includes all quotes from novel and critical sources
3 critical sources (novel + 3 critical)
o If your research is not from an accredited website, book, or author, it will be discounted as a
source.
works cited page
use at least one quote from the novel and a critical source for each sub point; analyze each
include all rough drafts in research folder
submit the final essay through www.turnitin.com in addition to the final draft in the research folder
provide copies of all critical sources and highlight quotes used (photocopy books used)
type all drafts; handwritten paragraphs will not be accepted
Due Dates and Important Dates to Remember: CALENDAR IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Finish Novel – Due 2/11/14
Organizer with Novel Quotes – Due 2/14/14
Comma Test – 2/14/14
Funnel Introduction – Due 2/26/14
First Body Paragraph – Due 2/27/14
COMPLETED Rough Draft (include works cited) – Due 3/5/14
Available for conferences 3/3/14 – 3/7/14 (highly recommended)
o Make one appointment.
o Bring two copies, and be prepared to read your draft out loud.
o If you miss your appointment, you forfeit your time slot and conference opportunity.
FINAL ESSAY in FOLDER and on TURNITIN.COM – Due 3/11/13
You may prove your THEME using any TWO of the following devices:
literary devices
o imagery
o figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification)
o tone
o mood
o irony
o motif
o characterization
o symbolism
Name________________________________________
Junior Research Paper Rubric
Introduction Paragraph
• general statement that connects to the topic of the essay
• linking sentences to further explain general statement
• author and title of novel included
• relevant background information
• thesis statement includes the title of the text, the author, two literary devices, and theme
o text + author + two literary devices + theme = thesis statement
/ 20 points
Topic / Closing Sentences
/ 20 points
• topic sentences includes literary device and theme
• additional paragraphs include a transitional topic sentence
• closing sentences summarize paragraph (literary device and theme) and do not preview next paragraph
• all sentences relate to thesis
Quote Incorporation
/ 30 points
• appropriate and adequate background information used
• quotes relate to thesis (theme and literary device); only necessary parts of the quote are used
• proper MLA citation used; quote is formatted correctly
o verbs are changed to present tense (if need be)
• lead-in forms complete sentence with quote
o lead-in includes speaker (if one) and context to help set up quote
• each point / sub point has appropriate support (one quote from play and one quote from critical source)
• quotes are from credible sources
Analysis
/ 50 points
• explains HOW the quote supports the thesis statement; does not summarize or restate the quote
o thorough analysis of how the quote exemplifies the literary device
________ / 20 points
o thorough analysis of how the quote and literary device show the development of theme
________ / 20 points
•
shows critical thinking in multiple complex sentences
________ / 10 points
Conclusion Paragraph
• restated thesis
• summarize main points and does not add new information
• closing thought / lasting impression
/ 10 points
Organization
• clear points and sub points related to thesis
• internal transitions link points
• paragraphs in order of thesis and sub points analyzed in chronological order
/ 10 points
Works Cited
• header continues from essay
• original title (centered, 12 point font, Times New Roman)
• alphabetical order
• double spaced with proper hanging indent
• all sources in essay are on works cited
• novel and three critical sources included
/ 10 points
MLA
•
•
•
•
•
/ 5 points
font (12 point, Times New Roman)
double space
one inch margins
heading (left) and header (top right)
title (centered, not bolded, italicized, underline, or quoted)
Grammar / Mechanics
• no spelling and capitalization errors; no contractions
• literary present tense
• third person (no use of “you” or other personal pronouns)
• no comma errors
• no agreement errors
• no run-on sentences or fragments
• no use of forbidden words (thing, stuff, very, a lot, this shows, etc.)
• well-developed sentence structure and variety
/ 20 points
TOTAL ____________ / 175 points