American Literature Seminar
First Quarter Paper
Mark Twain (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) and Harriet Beecher Stowe (Uncle Tom’s Cabin) are two authors
who changed America. Each author had a specific reason to write the novels we read in class. Choose either Twain or
Stowe and research the time period surrounding the writing of the novel. Seek out the reason each wrote the work and
compose a 3-4 page paper detailing the information. The paper must be more than three and a half pages, but it may
not exceed four pages. Papers that do not meet the requirements or are short and papers that exceed the requirements
or are long will be penalized.
The use of Cliff Notes, Spark Notes or any similar source may be used only with the permission of the instructor.
This paper is due on September 21st, 2015. Late papers will be severely penalized. Papers submitted on Thursday ,
September 17th, 2015 will receive a five point bonus. This paper will be averaged with the second quarter paper to
make up the semester exam grade.
All papers must be submitted to Turnitin.com . Please have a submission receipt from Turnitin.com in case problems
develop. HARD COPIES OF THIS PAPER WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
In order to succeed in this project, the following steps should be taken:
1. Pick a work by one of the authors. If you have read the novel, all the better.
2. Research the novel, the time period and the author’s life for historical aspects.
3. Prepare a basic outline of the paper--use a topic outline to begin, add details and prepare a final sentence outline.
THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL PAPER IS ORGANIZATION
4.
Write and revise a draft of the paper. Be sure to proofread the draft carefully. The best way to proofread is to
read the paper aloud.
5.
Type the final draft and proofread again.
6.
Check the paper for proper documentation. A plagiarized paper, even in the slightest will receive an F. The
Marian High School English Department subscribes to TURNITIN.com. Keep in mind that the paper is part of
your final exam grade worth 20% of the semester grade.
7.
Be sure to see me for an appointment if you are having any major difficulties.
GOOD LUCK
Remember, this paper is due by 11:59 p.m. on September 21st, 2015 . Late papers will be penalized.