Monday, May 19, 2008

Mr. Brian McAuliff-----English-----A.P. Research Paper



A. P. RESEARCH PAPER.
Do one of the following:
A. Choose a work we have studied this year, a novel, play, or short story, something you would like to learn more about. Write a five-page research paper that explores some aspect of this work. Use at least three separate sources. (Wikipedia, Spark Notes, and the like are not acceptable as sources.*)
Here are some examples:
· Examine a work from a particular critical perspective, or from several.
· Determine the biographical or historical influences that affected a work (or writer).
· Explore how a particular work or writer influenced his or her culture.
· Examine a writer’s style or technique. Consider how it changed over time.
· Explore how different critics have received a writer or work over time.
B. Research a poet or type of poetry we have studied in class. Write a five-page paper which presents a thesis about the poet or work. How you organize the paper is up to you, but it must include the following:
· a thesis (focus or controlling idea)
· a sampling of his her work
· critical commentary (including your own)
FORMAT. We will use the MLA Style Guide format. See Writing Research Papers or MLA Style Guide (available through WMHS Information Center).
SOURCES. In order to present a well-balanced evaluation of your subject you must cite a minimum of three sources. (*See above note.)
AUDIENCE AND STYLE. Write your paper for the general reader who may have some familiarity with the subject but is no expert. Your style should be formal but not stilted.
SCHEDULE:
Introduction ___________
Choose a topic; establish a statement of controlling purpose _____________
Note taking _____________
Drafting ____________
Rough draft due _Wed. 5/28_____________
Finished draft due __Mon.6/2____________

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Student Resource Center Literature Resource Center
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Academic Integrity
Noodletools Citation System
Citation Machine
Citation Style For Research Papers
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