Writing the Sophomore Research Paper
Details to remember
Length 4-6 pgs means minimum = 4 FULL PAGES Word count: MINIMUM 1400
Font Times New Roman
Margins 1-inch
Heading, page numbers, etc.: MLA format
Sources, Citations, Works Cited CITE EVERYTHING THAT’S NOT YOUR
OWN If you just cite the last sentence of a
sequence of facts, we cannot assume which sentences/facts go with which citations
Make sure Works Cited is properly formatted
Sources must be academic and reliable
Direct Quotes vs. Paraphrase
If you are using the source’s words, you need:QUOTATION MARKSCITATION
If you are paraphrasing a source’s idea, you need:CITATION
Paraphrasing IS
Expressing another’s ideas using your own words
Paraphrasing IS NOT
Using “mostly” your own words but keeping the source’s phrasing
See example:
Any plagiarism = 0 points
In-Text Citations From book or journal:
(Author #) no comma From an electronic work without an
author:(First part of title)
Essentially, citation needs to contain sufficient info for reader to find the source on Works Cited pg
Analysis
Problem: Using hypothetical situations or speculation as analysis“Germany would never have unified if
Bismarck hadn’t used his Machiavellian strategies.”
“Mussolini was the schoolyard bully who pushed everyone around and demanded lunch money. Schoolyard bullies never succeed, but Mussolini did.”
Organization
Problem:BTS 1: Superman is the greatest of
all superheroes.BTS 2: In addition, Godzilla is a
famous villain.
Organization
Body paragraphs need to relate TO EACH OTHER in addition to relating to the thesis
Transition words not enough to connect body paragraphs of very different topics
Organization
Problem:3 body paragraphs for a 4-6 pg
research paper Related problem:
List as thesis
Organization
A research paper ≠ 5-paragr. essay Paragraphs must build on each other
to create a complete argument. Paragraphs must develop an idea
cramming several ideas into 1 paragraph is not effective
3 separate “main points” not helpful
Analogy: Art
You are a young student. Your teacher asks you to draw a house.
You create this:
Analogy: Art, continued
You are now a high school art student. Your teacher asks you to draw a house. Do you create the same drawing? Or do you create something like this?
Analogy to Writing
Similar basic structure (house, essay) More advanced students expected to
build on basic structure and move toward more sophisticated work:add detailadd perspectivedevelop interpretation
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