Senior Research Guidelines

Senior Research Guidelines

Objective: Seniors will write a research paper of about 8 – 10 pages (2000 – 2500 words) about an author and his/her works.

Research Paper: This is sometimes called a term or seminar paper or a critical analysis paper. It is an extended formal composition based on information gathered from independent investigation of several sources about one specific topic. It is NOT your opinion about the subject matter.

Supplies Needed: (due January 7)
• 3” x 5” lined index cards (for source or bibliography cards)
• 4” x 6” lined index cards (for note cards)
• Folder for final paper (clear)
• Clasp envelope to hold all papers and cards when turned in. Include your name and class period on the outside of the envelope).

Seven Steps for Writing a Research Paper:
1. Select an author from list provided by teacher.
2. Prepare a preliminary outline. Prepare a potential argument for your paper.
3. Prepare a working bibliography (12-14 sources).
4. Read and take notes. Paraphrase the majority of your note cards as you take notes.
5. Be sure to get 5 short quotes and one or two long quotes during library time.
6. Assemble notes and write a final outline with the thesis statement at the top.
7. Write the first draft (must be handwritten, front side of paper only).
8. Revise drafts, type final draft including proper parenthetical documentation and works cited page.
9. Source and note cards MUST be in ink. Minimal scratch outs are fine on note cards.

Topics To Be Researched:
1. Author’s Background (interesting information, not just boring facts and dates – should include any literary awards or special recognition. This represents the smallest portion of your paper – 1 – 2 paragraphs max).
2. Major Works (Write about the most important works, with a brief summary of each. You are not expected to read the actual works. The summary information is a part of the criticism. ( It is in the library’s reference sources).
3. Author’s Writing Style (What is unique about the way your author writes) Include information about: symbolism, sentence structure, diction (word choice), surprise endings, satire, humor, as well as any strengths and weaknesses, according to literary critics).
4. Themes – Look for repeated themes in several works. (Example: appearance vs. reality).
5. Characters – Types, conflicts, realistic/unrealistic, treatment of men/women, those patterned after real people, those similar to author’s own life.
6. Critic’s remarks – This is the major portion of your paper. Find various critiques about your author’s life, style, impact on the literary world, or works. Lots of this can be located in books in the reference area of the library.
7. Personal comments made by the author about himself and/or his work. These may be used throughout your paper. Some of these comments are found in prefaces to the actual literary works. Occasionally, some authors will not have published comments. This is typical of some of the 19th century women authors.

Places to find information about your author:
• Reference section in library – Books such as British Authors.
• Biographical reference books in the 900 section.
• Literary criticism books in the 800 section. Some will be entire books on your author, some will contain sections on your author.
• Prefaces or introductions of fiction books by your author.
• Encyclopedia – use only one general encyclopedia.
• NO WEB SITES WILL BE ALLOWED!

SOURCE REQUIREMENTS
• You must use a minimum of 8 sources in your paper. A good paper uses more. At least 6 of these should be books from our library.
• Use at least one magazine or newspaper article. (The literary criticism books contain many reprints of articles).
• Reference books are the best sources to use for this paper.

Additional Rules to Follow:
1. Do not use the 1st or 2nd pronoun (I, me, mine, you, your) unless it falls in a direct quote.
2. Do not use slang, abbreviations, or contractions.
3. Use transition words and link ideas so there are no literary leaps in the paper.
4. Number each page of your paper (except the title page, outline and first body page) with your last name and page number (Smith 2).
5. A PORTION OF YOUR FINAL GRADE WILL BE DETERMINED BY HOW YOU SPENT YOUR TIME EACH DAY IN THE LIBRARY.
6. USE OF PLAGIARISM AND/OR FAILURE TO CITE SOURCES PROPERLY WILL RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE.
7. Use active, vivid verbs as much as possible.