Final Mini-Research paper Project
*READ ALL DIRECTIONS VERY CAREFULLY
For the final demonstration of what you’ve learned about written communication, you will be developing a cohesive, original essay in 2-3 MLA typed pages plus a Works Cited page with 1-2 database sources and any relevant course material. Only 4 paragraphs – 1 Intro, 2 body, and 1 Outro
Prompt: Choose any specific stereotype you would like to study. Then answer the question: In what way(s) is that stereotype spread and how is it being challenged?
1.) Just include a clear thesis statement that addresses the prompt.
2.) Why should anyone care?
3.) In what ways is it being challenged?
Reminders:
Content (25 points)
1.) The essay should have an introduction that begins with an attention getter (hook) and ends with a thesis statement that clearly addresses the prompt (“specific” stereotype, so not agism, but something more focused like teenagers or the elderly… not racism, but something more focused like muslim college students or professionals of color, etc.).
2.) Do not announce what you or the essay will do- that’s the thesis statement’s job.
3.) The body paragraphs should each begin with a topic sentence and include several concrete examples to support the thesis
4.) The conclusion should wrap it up without unnecessary repetition. Also, do not use “In conclusion” or a similar transition in college writing. Your writing should indicate coming to a close on its own without middle-school patterns.
5.) Focus, focus, focus. Make sure to address the prompt as thoroughly as possible within the parameters of the assignment. In other words, under-developed (general and/or repeated points) or non-substantive (fluffy extra words/sentences) will not count and be subject to deduction
Research (25 points)
1.) Research is to be from the database sources only: use Gale College Collection or the PBSC Library Resources
2.) Required academic database info must be included in the citation on the Works Cited page
3.) Sources should be credible and appropriately supporting your thesis
MLA format and Works Cited (25 points)
1.) 1-2 sources should be properly cited in MLA format, whether paraphrased or quoted. No more than 20% of the paper should be from sources; it’s primarily your voice and ideas that matter
2.) Plagiarism/AI = zero.
3.) Make sure you have a thesis and/or paragraph development, research, MLA citations. Also revising/editing, proofreading, etc.
4.) Work Cited at the end
Grammar, Punctuation, and Point of View (25 points)
1.) Use the 3rd person point-of-view consistently
2.) Proofread carefully for college level grammar and punctuation