Research Paper Requirements
  • Last quarter, you completed a persuasive researched speech. For the beginning of this quarter, you will write a 3-5 page argumentative research paper.  We will be expanding on the research skills we started last quarter. The research process can be a lengthy one, so it is imperative that you do not procrastinate on this assignment (I know that's hard, but I'm here to help!).  We will work through the steps slowly and if you follow, I promise you will do well on this assignment.  Please let me know if you have any questions along the way.
  • You will have several topics to choose from for your research paper.  In addition to choosing a topic, you need to think about a decade in the 20th century that will be the focus of your research.  For example, if I were interested in researching fashion, I would need to focus on a decade of fashion, so I might research fashion from the 1970s. In addition, you need to make sure you are writing argumentatively. This means that you will need to set up an argument for whatever topic you choose. If I stick with the above example, then I could say fashion in the 1970s set the foundation for a lot of popular fashion today.

 

You may choose from the following decades in American history:

  • 1910s                                                                  
  • 1920s
  • 1930s
  • 1940s
  • 1950s
  • 1960s
  • 1970s
  • 1980s
  • 1990s

Some research topics to consider are:  

  • Politics
  • Wars or Conflicts
  • Religion
  • Social Movements
  • Science & Technology
  • Arts & Literature
  • Entertainment
  • Fashion

Prompt for your research paper

Carefully read a variety of sources (four). Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-developed Claim-Data-Warrant (CDW) essay that argues a clear position. Make sure your argument is central; use the sources to support your thinking. Be sure to clearly cite each source within the text and include an annotated bibliography. Resources need to be all related to one controversial topic, to include:
  • One graph 
  • One photograph/picture/cartoon
  • One editorial
  • One excerpt from a scholarly publication

You will note that you only need to have claim, data, and warrant. This paper does not call for an arrangement like last quarter. Also, you will have to have in text citations and an annotated bibliography. We will review citations in lessons to follow and cover what annotations are. We will be graded according to our class rubric.