research paper
I need help with a English question. All explanations and answers will be used to help me learn.
One of the most essential collegiate writing skills is the ability to coherently express a stance on a given topic. It is a given that one’s viewpoint will require substantiation via research in order to advance and/or prove said assertion(s). It is important that students understand that the essay is not a report, but a research paper. In a report, one simply “reports” findings. In a research paper, one has his/her own opinions and uses outside sources to support those ideas.During the course of the semester, students have been writing both expository and source-based essays expressing their beliefs on assigned topics. As the culmination of this process, students will be allowed to choose a controversial topic to research. Students have the opportunity to select the topic, which is a rather large responsibility. The topic needs to be broad enough to meet the requirements of the paper, yet narrow enough to avoid generalizations. Students should stay away from “tired” topics, such as abortion. Likewise, students should concentrate on a subject of an academic nature—no Brittany Spears’ biographies. An option from the students’ major areas of interest or an assigned topic from another class is a solid idea.Once a topic has been decided upon, students are free to begin the research process. NOTE: It is my assumption, perhaps erroneously, that students at this level will be conversant and comfortable with the process of researching a topic. If a student does not feel adequately prepared to undertake this task, then he she should see me as soon as possible. I have a supplemental “Research Step Checklist,” which I use in my Freshman Composition level classes. This checklist is designed as a process analysis. It will take students through the steps of research: from the origins of research, finding a topic, to the final piece, the Works Cited page. In addition, students need to be aware that Chapters 41-48 in the LBH offer exhaustive coverage of the research paper process, as well. In fact, Ch. 48 shows a sample MLA research paper accompanied by commentary about the required features. Prior to the paper’s submission, the class will spend a week reviewing MLA conventions regarding researched writing, but if a student has no applicable background, then perusing the materials listed above will be very beneficial.Students will be expected to follow MLA guidelines and conventions regarding researched writing. MLA uses a simple parenthetical citation method wherein sources are referenced in the essay and then cross-referenced to an alphabetically-arranged Works Cited page found at the paper’s end. There are no footnotes, except for special
circumstances, and only the sources actually cited, quoted, summarized, or paraphrased, are listed on the Works Cited page. Chapter 47 in LBH covers MLA citation rules, and there is a sample Works Cited page on pages 706-09. Students are also free to explore online citation tools, such as citationmachine.net. Another key component of a MLA research paper is a full-sentence outline. The outline follows the title page and precedes the body of the paper. Outlines are explained on pages 34-40 of the LBH, and there is a sample full-sentence outline on pages 684-85 of the LBH.Students will be accountable for proper source incorporation, utilizing quotes, paraphrases, and summaries, as appropriate. Students will also be expected to avoid plagiarism since such an act will result in a failed grade on the paper. As is the case with the MLA conventions, we will spend time in class ensuring that all have a thorough understanding of what, exactly, constitutes plagiarism so that students may accurately incorporate sources.The parts of the research paper include the following elements:Title PageFull-Sentence OutlineBody of the Paper (2000-2,500 words)Works Cited Page (9 sources)There is a sample research paper on 683-709
