English 2 Research Paper

Description

Research Paper You must compose a 7 page argumentative paper researching an issue of your choice thoroughly, finding data and providing evidence to support your claim. You may take a persuasive or argumentative route, either proposing a course of action your audience should take or explaining the truth behind an issue that necessitates an argument. A position must be taken, but sometimes the evidence determines no clearly preferable course of action. Indecision is not permitted in the essay, but a complete grasp of the research may still allow for uncertainty. At least five sources are required for this research paper. This must have sources and those sources must be documented correctly in MLA. It must be more in depth than previous assignments, hence the extra length. Rather than submit a draft, an Annotated Bibliography will be required to earn this credit, to ensure that citation is correct before the final draft is submitted. You will want to consider which form of organization will be appropriate for your argument. Your reasons must be arranged in some logical order. They must also be fairly well constructed. A Rogerian or Toulmin structure is required. If they are easily dismissed or do not address any questions that may result from their mention, you will have to strengthen or support such claims. Your paragraphs must also have good flow between them, which is facilitated by transitions. Finally, be sure that the mechanics of your paper are correct. Punctuation, spelling, and grammar will count. The formatting is the standard expected for this class’ assignments. This must be uploaded on Blackboard, not emailed or turned into the instructor. Unacceptable Topics (Same As Before): Generalized Discussions and Opinion Pieces On: Abortion, Bullying, Legalization of Marijuana, Obesity, School Uniforms, Global Warming, Media Violence, Social Media, The Environment, Fast Food, Gun Control, Nonspecific Technology, Texting While Driving, Sex Education, OneSided Topics. Research Paper Rubric Sources ___/ 2 2.5: Exceeds expectations – All sources are documented correctly. The paper substantiates its ideas with facts, data, and evidence effectively. 3: Acceptable – Sources are documented, although there may be some errors present. Most of the inferences of the essay are based on the text. The paper backs up its claims with evidence to varying degrees of success. 0: Below expectations – Sources are not documented or absent. The essay’s ideas are not based on what is in the text. There are little or no facts expanded upon by the paper Content ___/ 2.5 2.5: Exceeds expectations – The essay shows a complete awareness of the topic on the part of its author. The expertise of the researcher is evident and the paper covers the subject completely in the time given. 1.25: Acceptable – The paper is informative. It covers the topic appropriately through the course of the essay. 0: Below expectations – The analysis is hardly rooted in the literary work. The conclusions made by the writer are difficult to accept. Style___/ 2 2.5: Exceeds expectations – The student’s insight into their research is clear. Their perspective is unbiased, well reasoned and fair. Their approach to the subject is novel and interesting. Their judgments are rational and well established or defended. 3: Acceptable – The student shows some awareness of their topic and a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding it. Their judgments are reasonable and fair. They are clearly presenting their own point of view of their subject rather than simply repeating facts. 0: Below expectations – The student’s own point of view and perspective are not present in the essay. Organization and Structure ___/ 2 3: Exceeds expectations – The essay’s thesis is clear and supported by the rest of the composition. There is a strong introduction and conclusion as well as an appropriately lengthy body. Each paragraph has an appropriate flow. The chosen form of organization is followed consistently through the essay and is appropriate for the assignment, as well as easily identifiable. There is understandable transition throughout the essay. 1.5: Acceptable – The thesis is discernible from the essay. The introduction, body, and conclusion are in order and there is some flow between paragraphs. There is a discernible order to the essay. The chosen form of organization is present and for the most part followed throughout the essay. It is also identifiable to the reader. 0: Below expectations – The essay lacks structure. The reader has a difficult time progressing as a result of being unable to follow the composition. There is no form in the essay or it is not followed consistently. There is little transition between paragraphs. Mechanics ___/ 1.5 1: Exceeds expectations – There are very few spelling and grammatical errors. The paper is between 3-5 pages. .75: Acceptable – There are several spelling and grammatical errors which do not detract too significantly from the reader’s understanding. The paper is 3 pages. 0: Below expectations – Poor spelling and grammar considerably inhibit the reader’s understanding. The paper is less than 3 pages. Note: Each aspect of this assignment is required. As this assignment is the culmination of our course work, expectations are high. Failure to be more than acceptable in much of the paper will result in a failing grade.