- Tell us your personal story that brought you to this topic (for some of you this will be very brief–for others, your story will be longer)
- Tell us the problem or issue that brings people to the discussion of this topic (why it is significant)
- Tell us what your paper will cover and your research question (even if you have already given it in your title).
- Give us background information (introduce your source and use signal phrases) and explain any new vocabulary.
- Your research (if your paragraphs get longer than 1/2 page then divide them for easier reading)
- Conclusion—your answer to your research question
Final Paper Checklist:
- Meet the word count requirement.
- Use topic sentences and transitions.
- Evaluate evidence critically.
- Introduce sources properly.
- No more than 3 direct quotes (one can be a block quote).
- Clarify unusual terms or vocabulary.
- Use specific details to support arguments.
- Include captions for illustrations. (You need at least one illustration.)
- Format the paper correctly in MLA style.
- Check for grammar and punctuation errors.
- Include a works cited page in MLA format.
Minimum Requirements:
- Demonstrate research ability.
- Integrate sources effectively.
- Format works cited page correctly.
- Ensure paper meets the minimum word count.