Hunger Games Research: Social Inequalities
The Hunger Games explores social inequalities/injustices existing in a futuristic, dystopian society. In nearly every
culture, however, these types of social issues exist.
Prompt: Research a social issue where a group of people have experienced inequality/injustice anytime from the 1970s
to the present. In a 1,500-2,000* word research paper, describe the issue, discuss its background, and share about an
individual who has experienced this inequality/injustice firsthand. Be sure to discuss the issue in detail and cite your
sources using MLA format. You must use at least three sources with at least eight parenthetically documented
citations. List the word count at the end.
How to Start: Create a research question to explore (e.g. What are the laws on child brides?). In some cases you will
need to narrow or broaden your question (e.g. Narrow- “What are Yemen’s laws on child brides?” or Broaden- “What
laws exist in other countries that endanger children?”). Clearly as you research, your question may change.
A good tip is to look for laws, social norms, and cultural values to understand the issue. When you start, you might be
focused on one country’s views, but the research may lead you to another country or another issue. Remember the
prompt asks you to put a face on the social issue by finding an individual who has experienced the inequality firsthand.
In essence, you will want to relate the individual’s story in your paper.
Research Paper Rubric
Effective Introduction
10
___________
Clear Thesis Statement
10
___________
Effective Organization and Transitions
10
___________
Description of Issue
10
___________
Background of Issue
10
___________
Individual Insight/Story
10
___________
Effective Conclusion and Analysis
10
___________
Integration of a Long Quote
5
___________
Integration of a Short Quote
5
___________
Integration of a Paraphrase
5
___________
Depth and Details and 5 additional citations
10
___________
Grammar Usage
20
___________
MLA Formatting
10
___________
Title and Works Cited Pages
20
___________
5
___________
Word Count Listed
-----------------------------------TOTAL:
150
___________
Fri. 22- Students will bring in one source and we will read on Research
Mon. 25- Finish reading on "How to" research
Tues. 26- Write Description of Issue Paragraph for Research Paper and edit; Discuss Hunger Games
Wed. 27- Write Background of Issue Paragraph for Research Paper and edit; Discuss Hunger Games
Fri. 29- "Hunger Games" Timed Writing
Tues. 2- We will talk about dystopias, the future of our world, and view a portion of MR
Wed. 3- Review and/or write Individual Stories Paragraphs for their Research Paper, then while you
are meeting with your mentor we will watch MR Part 2
Fri. 5- We will finish MR and discuss the implications as a transition to "1984"; Discuss introductions
and conclusions of Research Paper
Mon. 8- Rough Draft of Research Papers is due; peer editing in class
Tues. 9- Final Drafts of Research Paper; Start "1984"
Wed. 10- 1984 for the next four weeks... :-)
Name: __________________________
Period: _______
Research Paper: Social Inequalities
Prompt: Research a social issue where a group of people have experienced inequality/injustice anytime from the 1960s
to the present. In a 1,500-2,000* word research paper, describe the issue, discuss its background, and share about an
individual who has experienced this inequality/injustice firsthand. Be sure to discuss the issue in detail and cite your
sources using MLA format. You must use at least three sources with at least eight parenthetically documented
citations. List the word count at the end.
Grading Score Guide
Effective Introduction
10
___________
Clear Thesis Statement
10
___________
Effective Organization and Transitions
10
___________
Description of Issue
10
___________
Background of Issue
10
___________
Individual Insight/Story
10
___________
Effective Conclusion and Analysis
10
___________
Integration of a Long Quote
5
___________
Integration of a Short Quote
5
___________
Integration of a Paraphrase
5
___________
Depth and Details and 5 additional citations
10
___________
Grammar Usage
20
___________
MLA Formatting
10
___________
Title and Works Cited Pages
20
___________
5
___________
Word Count Listed
-----------------------------------TOTAL:
150
___________