The Great Gatsby Research Paper
Ms. Kucinski
English IV
1. What is a research paper?
A research paper is an entirely new work that YOU create by consulting several sources to
answer a research question. The paper is a combination of your own interpretation and
evaluation of the information you discover, with complete documentation of where these
discoveries came from.
This means you need to CITE where you got your information from!!!! OR else it is considered
plagiarism.
What is plagiarism? Plagiarism is the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and
passing them off as one's own.
Steps to Follow for your Research Paper
1. Read the assignment thoroughly and clarify any questions.
Ask the following questions:
Due dates:
OutlineRough DraftFinal CopyLength of paper: 3-4 pages
Number of sources: 4-5 sources
Required format: MLA
2. Select a topic.
Attached is a list of all possible research paper topics.
3. Conduct research on your chosen topic.
Once you have chosen a topic you must research it in order to gather essential information for
writing your research paper.
How will I research my topic? You will be going to the library and using the library database in
order to find information for your topic. You are only to use the library’s database to conduct
your research—THIS MEANS NO GOOGLE!!!!
4. Create an outline for your research paper to help organize your writing.
After you read through all of your research you will create an outline for your paper to help you
organize what information you believe is essential for the construction of your research paper.
5. Rough Draft
After you get your outline approved by Ms. Kucinski you will begin to write your research paper
rough draft. This must be written in MLA format and must include citations and a work cited
page. Rough draft must be 3-4 pages long.
6. Final Copy
Once you have completed your rough draft and revised it with Ms. Kucinski you will type up
your final copy. Your final copy should be nearly identical to your rough draft, however any
errors that were made during your rough drafting will be fixed and you may have to details
where needed or fix errors that Ms. Kucinski reviewed with you during your rough draft
conference.
Research Paper Topics
Role of the Social Classes in the 1920s
Prohibition
Organized Crime and Its Influences
F. Scott Fitzgerald (biography, what else he wrote, etc.)
Sacco and Vanzetti
Sports of the 20’s, especially the 1919 World Series
The Jazz Age
Women in the 20s and Flappers
New York and Long Island in the 1920s
Money and the American Dream
Technology and Daily Life in the 1920s
Automobiles
Charles Lindbergh and Aviation
Art and literature of the 1920s (famous works, artists, authors)
Famous people of the 1920’s (actors, politicians, sports figures)
Women’s rights, especially Women’s Suffrage
The KKK
The Harlem Renaissance
How to use the DATABASE notes: