Research Paper Guidelines

Research Paper Guidelines Overview

  • The research paper contributes 10% to overall course grade if attempted properly.
  • All cited materials in the paper must be included on the Worksite page.
  • Ensure that:
    • All links work
    • Sources are appropriate

Importance of Checklist

  • A checklist will be provided to ensure adherence to guidelines.
  • This serves as a tool to ensure that the components of the research paper come together cohesively.

Structure of the Research Paper

  • The research paper consists of nine paragraphs:

    • One introductory paragraph
    • Three intra paragraphs
    • Five body paragraphs
    • One conclusion

  • For the partial rough draft, students are required to submit the first two paragraphs.

    • Body structure will be the focus for the next week's session.

Breakdown of Paper's Components

  • Paragraph Structures:
    1. Paragraph 1: Introductory paragraph, should introduce the issue clearly and end with the research question.
    2. Paragraph 2: A paraphrase of three different points of view.
    3. Paragraph 3: Traditional introductory paragraph concluding with the thesis statement.

Research Paper Submission and Grading Components

  • Even if the rough draft is not excellent, attempting it correctly yields a grade of 100%, counted as a complete paper grade.
  • Must include:
    • Correctly structured paragraphs, specifically for paragraphs one, two, and three.
    • Ensure summaries and unrelated material are excluded from these paragraphs.
  • Titles of articles must not appear within the paper except in the Worksite page.

Focus of the Research Paper

  • The paper is fundamentally about the problem and proposing a solution, not the articles cited.
  • The audience consists of those who may disagree with the presented argument.

Peer Review Process

  • Engaging in peer review is crucial; students should take the questions seriously for revisions.
  • Review questions will overlap with those the instructor uses when evaluating papers.
  • The first three paragraphs are crucial for introducing the topic and setting the stage for the argument.

Class Resources and Activities

  • Students are provided with aids such as color-coded outlines and examples of effective paragraphs.
  • Paragraph One Example: Demonstrates successful integration of sources when discussing California droughts.
  • Paragraph Two Example: Should consist of paraphrased content from three articles (i.e., two differing perspectives, one agreement).
    • Each article should be summarized within two sentences: one for the argument and the second for clarification. No quotes are allowed.
  • Paragraph Three: Variations of thesis statements are explored in class. Encourage the use of AI tools for developing thesis statements.

Thesis Statement Development

  • Students should verify if the generated thesis statements resonate with their own ideas.
  • During defense of arguments, students will articulate reasons to support their thesis and dismiss opposing views effectively.

Common Mistakes and Guidance

  • Paragraphs should clearly articulate the problem and incorporate relevant statistics.
  • Clarification Needed: Distinguish between stating a topic and a problem (e.g., saying "the rise of childhood obesity in the United States" defines a problem).
  • Encouragement is given to students to help each other identify and clarify gaps in content while peer-reviewing.
  • Suggestions to use general labels in writing, avoiding potentially offensive assumptions about readers.

Conclusion on Peer Review and Revising

  • Taking the time with peer reviews aids in self-assessment and improvement of one's own writing.
  • Critical reading of a peer's work can reveal structural and content gaps that might be missed in one's own writing.