What is a Research Paper?
"Research paper." What image comes into mind as you hear those words: working with stacks of articles and books, hunting the "treasure" of others' thoughts? Whatever image you create, it's a sure bet that you're envisioning sources of information--articles, books, people, artworks. Yet a research paper is more than the sum of your sources, more than a collection of different pieces of information about a topic, and more than a review of the literature in a field. A research paper analyzes a perspective  or argues a point. Regardless of the type of research paper you are writing, your finished research paper should present your own thinking backed up by others' ideas and information. 

To draw a parallel, a lawyer researches and reads about many cases and uses them to support his/her own case. A scientist reads many case studies to support an idea about a scientific principle. In the same way, a history student writing about the Vietnam War might read newspaper articles and books and interview veterans to develop and/or confirm a viewpoint and support it with evidence. 
Rules and Requirements for Completing the Research Paper
The minimum requirements for the critical analysis research paper are as follows: 
  1. The novel,  play, or short story  selected MUST be used as the basis for proving the thesis.  You should prove your thesis from the primary source and only use secondary sources to support your own argument/thoughts
  2. A minimum of 5 and no more than 8 quality secondary  sources must be used in the paper. 
  3. Given the current online class situation, I will be more lenient in your selection of secondary sources.  I have created a list of reasonable online search sites and other helpful sites. (You can find it in the 2020 Research folder.  I will continue to add to the list. You may use any sites which are run by reputable institutions, companies, or experts. You may not use Wikipedia or any other publicly-editable source.  Just be aware that in college the acceptable sources will be far more strict.   
  4. You must maintain a file for your notes as you conduct your research.  Please paraphrase when taking notes and again when writing the paper. This will ensure that you do not inadvertently plagiarize.
  5. You must have at least one exact quote from each secondary source in your paper.
  6. You must have at least five exact quotes from the primary source(s) being discussed.  
  7. To receive full credit, the paper must adequately and effectively use both the research and the primary source(s).
  8. Every quote or paraphrased idea must be parenthetically documented.  You should average one or more citations per paragraph of your paper.  
  9. Failure to incorporate either source adequately will result in a failing grade. The primary source and all secondary sources cited in the paper must appear on the Works Cited page.
  10. The typed, double spaced paper must adhere to the ELEVEN PARAGRAPH (or more) format (12 point font, Times New Roman or Arial. 1-inch margins, page numbering, etc.) A file will be uploaded which will have the correct formatting.  You will be able to copy that file and put your own information over the dummy information.  
  11. The paper will include a Title Page, Sentence Outline, Actual Paper, and Works Cited. The paper will show a balanced use of textual evidence and analysis.
  12. Essays that are not AT LEAST 11 paragraphs in length will fail.
  13. MLA FORMAT MUST BE FOLLOWED. Several sites which will help you with MLA formatting will be located on the research tab of the website.
  14. The final paper will be uploaded to TURNITIN.COM, but all checkpoints must be completed before final submission.  Papers which have high percentages on TURNITIN will be considered plagiarized and will face the consequences for plagiarizing. 
  15. A computer or printer problem will NOT extend the due date. Please make sure that you have these issues worked out in advance.
Watch the YouTube video below.  Please follow the steps outlined for completing your research notes.  I have made an example notes page in the research folder.  Please copy it to your drive and make notes on those pages.  This way I can see your note-taking process. 
Example for your use:  MY NOTES  You will need to delete out my example and put your own information into the spaces as you do your research.
Below is a list of websites that might be useful for your research.  You can also use tools on the CMHS library site, but I am not sure of the passwords involved.  You may know more than I do about that or can find that info on the website. 
websites_that_are_sorta_academic_and_can_be_used.pdf
File Size: 21 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
https://papersowl.com/blog/how-to-find-sources-for-a-research-paper
https://www.citationmachine.net/mla/cite-a-website
https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/researching/notes-from-research/
​libguides.gatech.edu/c.php?g=54271&p=350393
https://researchpaperwriter.net/literary_research_paper/
Miss McCalister's Templates and Examples:

OPTION 1:  In the (genre) (title), (author) presents (literary element or wording from prompt) in order to (give the why), ultimately illustrating that (universal idea)

In the play The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde presents a conclusive, full-circle ending in order to drive home the work’s main theme of being true to one’s authentic self , ultimately illustrating that man must learn to embrace his true identity to achieve his heart’s desire.  

In three of his most notable works Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, and Cannery Row, John Steinbeck presents characters who embrace Utopian, idealistic world views in order to develop the characters’ personal growth or stagnation, ultimately illustrating that all people shape their internal and external environments and chart their own personal growth.

In the novel Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte presents the tragic figure of Healthcliff as an instrument in the suffering of Edgar and Catherine, Linton and Cathy, and Hindley and Hareton in order to explore the pain people do unto one another, ultimately illustrating how each generation impacts the lives of the next.  

OPTION 2:  In the (genre) (title), (author) presents (wording from the prompt) through (direct answer to the question point 1, point 2, and point 3), suggesting that (universal idea).
In the play The Tragedy of Hamlet, William Shakespeare presents unsettling scenes of violence through the initial murder of King Hamlet, the tragic deaths of Polonius and Ophelia, and the culminating killing of Claudius, suggesting that incidents of violence and tragedy shape the human experience.
In the novel Silas Marner, George Eliot presents a character’s experience of exile and isolation in the form of Silas through his exodus from Lantern Yard, his self-isolation during the early years in Raveloe, and his eventual assimilation into the life of his adopted home, suggesting that man’s journey from isolation to involvement can shape his inner landscape. ​

Formatting and Examples

As you finish your paper, use the examples and resources below to help with formatting and wrapping it up.  
Creating the Title Page:  The title page that I require is not the traditional MLA title page.  However, it includes information that I need.  Follow the format below, but understand that it is not the traditional MLA title page.
Creating the Sentence Outline:  The Sentence Outline should be the next section after the title page.  
Formatting the Paper:  Follow the example below when you create the actual pages of your paper.
Creating the Works Cited:  Follow the example below for your Works Cited page.  You will also find links with resources about documentation/citation, etc.