ENGL 1301
Assignment 3: Research Paper
Review Syllabus for due dates and point values
At least 6 pages (of pure content. The required Reference List does not count toward this page count)
At least eight credible sources, APA formatting (1 inch margins, 12 point font, double spaced)
Meets all course and international objectives
Assignment 3, the Research Paper, is a fully developed essay of at least six (6) pages in which you find a research question (assignment 1) and draw conclusions from your research, keeping an international or global perspective in mind in your approach. Your purpose is to "dig" into a very limited topic and deeply and thoroughly as possible, for an audience that has only the most basic knowledge of your topic. The following steps should guide you:
1. Based on your hypothesis (a statement of the proposed thesis that answers your research question) and your research, critically read sufficient authoritative sources to gain a clear understanding of the issue (this is your Assignment 3: Annotated Bibliography).
3. Based on your critical reading and research, determine whether you will adopt, modify, or completely change your hypothesis, then state your final thesis. Note that the purpose of your research is to formulate your final thesis, not to support a position you already held.
4. Follow your timetable for researching, drafting, getting feedback, revising (writing a longer research paper is no different from writing a shorter paper; each is successful when you take one step at a time, and do each step in the process well).
5. Prepare a working outline of the points you expect to use to support your thesis; use these points to guide further research. (See syllabus for due date)
6. Critically read and annotate all sources; develop a workable strategy for integrating them into your paper (keeping in mind that you will need to manage and integrate a considerable amount of material from numerous sources).
7. Review and revise your outline to create a workable structure for your paper.
8. Draft according to your outline, using your source materials to support each point in your paper; strive to corroborate important points with evidence from more than one source. Synthesize information from multiple sources; avoid sections or arguments based on only one source.
9. Revise your working bibliography to include those sources actually used in the paper; use APA documentation format. You must use a minimum of 8 credible sources
10. Bring draft to class for feedback.
11. Revise and submit final paper to the dropbox by the due date and time.
Grading Criteria:
- Clearly states an informative thesis.
- Uses source materials well and places them in a logical relation to other sources and the thesis, utilizing summary and paraphrase, saving direct quotes for uniquely-worded or necessary instances.
- Provides information necessary for the audience to understand.
- Guides the reader through the paper (using good transitions, sign posts, forecasting, etc.).
- The paper is formatted and all sources are cited correctly in APA format.
- The paper meets the page and source requirements.
- The paper is clear and has mostly error-free writing.
