Research Paper Schedule

Research Paper

Knowing how to write research papers is one of the most valuable skills you can take with you to college.  No matter what your major, you will undoubtedly be asked to write at least one research paper in most of your classes.  They may not always be quite as involved as this one will be, but this assignment will lay the groundwork for those future papers. 

There are several steps to writing a good research paper.  You must complete each of these steps.  This is a long-term assignment, and further information about each step will be forthcoming.

Assignment	Points Possible	Due Date
Choose a general topic	100	12/2
Create a working thesis	100	12/6
Working outline	200	12/7
Source cards (5)	200	12/8
Note cards (25)	500	By Topic
Final thesis statement	100	12/14
Formal outline	200	12/14
First draft	200	12/15
Final draft/paper package	TBA	TBA

As you can see, this paper is a considerable portion of your grade this semester.  Use this handout to keep track of due dates for each of these assignments.  More handouts will be forthcoming detailing instructions for these assignments as we work on the paper.  Put each of these handouts in your Composition section of your notebook.

It is imperative that you do each assignment for the Research Paper.  Skipping an assignment will leave your paper with gaping holes.  In addition, each assignment is due when noted.  My advice: simply do the work on time, no excuses.

You will need to procure the following items in order to complete this project:

                      •         Lined 3x5 note cards – you need at least 30, but be prepared for “mess ups” and make sure you have more cards; you may also find you need to create more than 30 cards.

                      •         A large envelope, at least 9x12.

                      •         A rubber band for your note cards.

                       

You may find the following websites helpful, too.

                       •         Basic Steps to Creating a Research Project: http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/

                       •         A+ Research Writing for High School and College Students: http://www.ipl.org/div/aplus/

                       •         Writing About Literature: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_lit.html