Research Papers�� A good handout for understanding research papers and how they should be written.

Short description:
Analysis/Argument Research Paper
Length: 6-8 pages, typed, double-spaced (6 for Cody, Adam and 8 for Jasper)
Format: Follow current MLA guidelines
Source requirement: 5-7 sources.
Finished Assignment: hand in beginning thesis statement, bibliography and note cards, outline, rough draft, final paper with all sources properly cited.
Thesis and Purpose Statements
Developing a Thesis Statement� This should already be done, I must check it.
Bibliography and Note Cards� You have turned in a sample of this. For each source, make a bibliography card and as many note cards as needed for that site. Edit page, save as Card 1, Card 2, etc. Save each page in your research folder and then send the page to me. [email protected]
Note and Bibliography Card Samples
Research Outline Form go here, edit page, and fill in with your outline. This should be finished by Friday.
Citing Sources MLA style
Plagarism: if any instance of plagarism is found in the paper, student will choose new topic, find new sources, and write completely new paper.

Expanded Description

Your research paper for this course will be an argument on some aspect of popular culture. It should do more than inform readers about a topic. It should state and prove your side of the argument.

Your paper must have an argumentative thesis. Make sure that your thesis satisfies the following criteria:
1) does it pose an arguable issue? (In other words, could reasonable people disagree with your statement?)
2) can you prove it? (Matters of religion, moral issues, and highly emotional issues generally cannot be argued and proven on logical grounds and would therefore be inappropriate.)

Support your argument with logical reasoning.
Avoid blatant appeals to the emotions of your readers.
To establish your own credibility, carefully acknowledge and address opposing arguments.
Research your topic thoroughly, and use secondary sources to support your credibility.
The first part of the paper will consist of research, the last page will state and support your side of the argument.

Obtain information from web sites, books, magazines, newspapers, interviews. Seek sources that are current; remember that society's knowledge on and attitude toward a given topic may change rapidly.

Use MLA guidelines for citing your sources. Citing Sources MLA style
You must have a works cited page and parenthetical documentation for all borrowed material.
Your paper will not be accepted until all material is appropriately documented (with both parenthetical documentation and a complete citation) with all of your sources.

Seek out a topic that interests you and that you wish to know more about, since you will undoubtedly write a stronger, more interesting paper. You are free to choose your own topic, but I must approve your topic before you begin to write.

Here are 3 sources to help you understand the steps to follow in writing your paper:
Steps To Writing A Research Paper includes checksheet
Steps in Writing a Research Paper
STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER
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