This next assignment is a research paper of based on your annotated bibliography.
Since you’ve already done the research, this assignment shouldn’t be too time consuming, though
it will be challenging because you are using another set of skills. The annotated bibliography
focuses on the process of research: finding sources (using the library databases), evaluating their
credibility, assembling a balanced bibliography that includes sources providing background
information on your topic, sources that support and provide evidence for your argument, and
sources that counter your argument.
The research paper, however, focuses on the following skills: organizing your argument,
arranging the most persuasive and solid evidence for your position, and integrating opposing
views into your argument (thus showing that your position is informed because you have
considered all sides of the issue). It also focuses on paraphrasing material from sources and
integrating quotations into your own writing. You have to be in control of the argument and the
material from sources; otherwise, you have a data dump.
Instructions: In a 3-5 page essay, take a position on the topic you chose for your annotated
bibliography. I, along with the other students in this class, will be your audience. We may not
know much about your topic, so provide clear background information. Your goal will be to
persuade us to agree with your opinion of your issue, so we need to have a clear idea of what
your opinion is and the evidence that convinced you. We also want to be assured that you have
considered other points of view on your issue, which you can do by representing opposing views
in your paper. Remember, you are both teaching us about your topic and attempting to persuade
us to agree with your opinion on it.
A successful research paper will have a clear thesis statement and an easy-to-grasp structure. It
will include credible evidence to support each point, and it will acknowledge opposing or
divergent views.
Formatting: You must follow MLA format, and your ability to use this format will be a
component of your grade. Your paper must be double-spaced with one-inch margins on all four
sides. Do not skip a line between paragraphs. Use 12-point Times New Roman font and include a
heading and page numbers. Your paper must include a Works Cited page at the end. In addition
to a Works Cited page, you must use MLA in-text citations for any information that you directly
quote, paraphrase or summarize. For example, if you directly quote from a source, then you must
put the author’s name and page number after the quotation. The same goes for information that is
summarized or paraphrased.
Sample In-Text Citations:
Direct quote: Romantic poetry is characterized by the “spontaneous overflow of powerful
feelings” (Wordsworth 263).
Paraphrase or Summary: Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative
process (263).
Remember the templates in TSIS; there are many throughout the first ten chapters. They will
help you to integrate your source material into your argument.