Name:_______________________________________________Date:__________________________
English 11R
Research Paper Assignment
Introduction: "A research paper is an exercise in interpretation and argumentation. Your task is…to
construct a persuasive interpretation, one that uses evidence and analysis to convince readers of a
thesis." (http://history.berkeley.edu/faculty/Carson/fall02/138/research1.html)
Assignment: The students will select ONE topic from the list below. If the student wishes to select a
topic that is not on the list, he or she must receive permission from his or her teacher in advance. The
students will write a 3-5 page research paper, double-spaced (using font size 12), with a Works Cited
Page.
Guidelines: After gathering and reading research materials, the students should write a clear, concise
thesis statement. For example, if the student chooses to write about the movie, Sicko, the thesis
statement may be, "Michael Moore's documentary film, Sicko, argues incorrectly that the American
health care system is inferior to those of other countries." Or, if the student chooses to write about An
Inconvenient Truth, the thesis statement may be, "Al Gore successfully proves the dangers of nations not
acting on climate change." If the student chooses to write about airport security, the thesis statement
may be, "Airport security in the United States is inadequate." If the topic is criminology, the thesis may
be, "The three-strike rule is unfair."
Grade: The research paper is due on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 and will count for a double grade. In
addition, the preliminary component work will be due and graded as follows:
March 12
March 19
March 21
March 28
April 4
April 22
Research Paper Topic
3-5 Valid Research Sources
Thesis Statement
Note Cards/Bibliography Cards
Outline
Paper Due
no points
no points
100 quiz grade
100 quiz grade
100 test grade
100 essay grade (2X)
Students who submit notecards, outline and/or paper early will receive 10 extra credit points for each
component.
Additional Information:
* Students will submit their research papers to turnitin.com, as well as provide teachers with a hard
copy of their paper. Each teacher will provide ID/password information.
* Library visits for research and instruction in using Noodle Tools are scheduled for the week of
March 10.
* Computer writing lab visits are scheduled for April 1-4. In addition, the computer lab is open every
day 0 period and the library is open 10th period every day.
* At least one day per week will be devoted to working on the research paper during class time.
* Students will receive immediate feedback on their work.
* Late papers will be penalized 10 points a day.