overview

“What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.”
-Christopher Hitchens (author, critic, journalist)
 
For this project, you will choose a topic that you are curious or passionate about and dive in deep to learn more. Then, you will complete a 5 page research paper in MLA format on that topic to demonstrate your analysis and learning. 

**If you are on the Career pathway and would like to complete the project instead of the paper, check in with Jen or Christine.

objectives

• Create an original thesis about a topic you want to know more about
• Choose quotes that support an established thesis
• Support quotes with background and connection to a thesis
• Use standard MLA format for a research paper
• Evaluate sources and think critically about information being presented through media and traditional sources
• Utilize time management while working on a large project

project outline

• INTRODUCTION
  • Bird by Bird reminder
  • Review syllabus and expectations - everything is in the Google Classroom!
  • Review work plan and calendar
• EXPOSE
  • Explore sample papers from previous years
  • Finalize your topic
  • Learn about research resources
  • Review note-taking format, citing
  • Review paper writing elements
    • What is context?
    • Support paragraph structure
    • Source integration: direct quote vs. paraphrase, citing
    • Counterargument
• PRACTICE
  • Research chosen topic
  • Develop thesis statement (working draft)
  • Collect sources – at least 10
  • Build paper outline
• CREATE
  • Write first draft in stages based on outline
  • Revise draft
  • Build annotated bibliography
• REFLECT
  • Get feedback from Morgan, other teachers, peers
  • Revise, revise, edit, edit.
  • Read paper out loud. Edit as needed.

tips for success​

• Be realistic in your calendar. Give yourself plenty of time… and then stick to your plan.
• Come to class. I can’t answer questions or check in with you if you aren’t here.
• Choose a topic that interests you. A topic you are content eating, sleeping, and breathing for the next month...
• Work on one piece at a time; don’t try to attack the entire paper at once.
• Understand that this paper is not graded on length; it is graded on content.  You may have 5 pages written, but if your argument isn’t logical with good use of quotes, a strong thesis and supporting ideas, then it isn’t finished.
• Take lots of notes – and always record your source right away.
• Any plagiarized work will be returned and rewritten by the student.  All sources must be cited.  Continued use of blatant plagiarism will result in a meeting to discuss continued enrollment.
• Expect revisions. And listen to feedback! if you don’t, it will double the workload for you and for me. And I already have enough work on my load.
• Stuck? Talk to your peers and other teachers. Or take a break. Or work on another section. Don’t get into a rut over one idea or wait for me to respond before moving on. 

Remember: I will work as hard as you do. If you work hard, I will, too! If you don't work hard... neither will I.

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helpful docs

Research paper overview
Research paper syllabus

Refer to the Research Google Classroom for all the other docs you'll need!