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Research Paper Your paper should be 5-7 double-spaced pages in length (Times New Roman, size 12 font). Your research paper should include: |
1) A thesis
➢ A thesis focuses your ideas for your readers. It is an argument that furthers readers understanding of your subject. A thesis should not be a statement of fact-
if a thesis states the obvious, or if nobody would rationally disagree with the statement, it is not a thesis.
- 2) Supporting body paragraphs
- 3) A conclusion
- 4) A works cited page
➢ Your thesis is supported by your body paragraphs. In these paragraphs, draw on evidence to support your argument.
➢ A conclusion reiterates your ideas, discusses the significance of your points or argument, and potentially addresses the future of your subject.
➢ Be sure to cite ALL sources, including online sources. If you choose to use internet sites as sources, please check with me ahead of time. For the latter, simply provide a subject line, the URL, and the date you visited the website. Do not cut & paste from the sources you consult; instead, be sure to quote and/or paraphrase key sources appropriately. Do not succumb to the cardinal sin of plagiarism! Failure to cite information will result in a failing grade.
I’ve provided an example of an A research paper from a different course. See the “Research Paper Example” in the “Discussion Boards, Weekly Exams, and Research Papers” module. Although the subject is not related to A Geek in Japan, you can see what this kind of research paper should look like.
Evaluation of Research Paper:
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Thesis/Argument 15% |
Does the paper have a clear, well-formulated thesis statement? (Think of the answer to your research question and that is your thesis) Does the evidence match and support this thesis? |
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Evidence and Analysis 40% |
The paper should support your thesis with appropriate and accurate evidence drawn from primary and secondary sources (also lectures and course readings). Analysis should bring the reader to a deeper appreciation of the evidence, revealing connections that go beyond superficial understanding. |
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Organization 25% |
How well organized is the paper? Do ideas build and develop in a logical, comprehensible way? Do paragraphs break thoughts into manageable portions for the reader? Do topic sentences help guide the reader? Imagine you are writing for someone who is not an expert – Will they be able to follow the argument? |
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Conventions 10% |
Is the paper free of grammar/spelling issues? Does the paper use academic language instead of colloquial/casual language? Are sentences well-written in the appropriate tense and of appropriate length? |
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Citations 5% |
Do the citations fulfill the basic requirements of giving credit to the sources? Are the citations in Chicago or MLA style? |
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Development 5% |
Does the development go beyond just repeating information from lectures and readings? Does the paper contain innovative connections and/or analysis? |
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