{ The Research Paper Guidelines

 Remember ANT!  A – attention-getter  N – necessary information  T – thesis statement Introduction Paragraph

 This is your hook – a way to grab the readers’ attention.  Common attention-getters:  Asking a question  Sharing a personal incident  Giving a quote  Creating an image by using description  Share an interesting fact  Describe a problem or dilemma Attention-Getter

 Begin with a general statement or question about your topic.  Summarize the topic in one or two sentences. Necessary Information

 Your research paper must contain a thesis statement. This is a one sentence statement that gives your reader an idea of the main points you will be discussing in your paper.  Your thesis statement must contain 3 subtopics for this research paper. Thesis Statement

 The thesis statement should reflect the size of the paper. If you have listed 3 subtopics, your paper should reflect all 3 subtopics.  Create a thesis statement that will state the main idea of your paper, as well as, the 3 subtopics you will be addressing in your paper.  The thesis statement can change. As you revise your paper, you should revise your thesis. Thesis Statement DOs

 Don’t:  Focus solely on the topic of your paper.  Ask a question.  Make an announcement. For instance, “In this paper I will... “  Use quotations from a source. Thesis Statement DON’Ts

1. Use 5-6 good sources in your paper. You must have 1 book source and 1 database source. The rest can be RELIABLE Internet sources. 2. Your paper must be 2-3 pages in length. Research Guidelines

3. You need at least 1 summary, 3 quotations and 3 paraphrases. 4. All quotations, summaries and paraphrases MUST contain parenthetical citations. Research Guidelines

5. All papers that do not contain parenthetical citations will receive a “0”. 6. The Works Cited will be the last page of the research paper. Research Guidelines

7. The rough draft must be hand-written and the final draft must be typed. 8. The paper must follow the MLA Format. 9. On final due date, all source cards, rough and final draft, outline and any notes, must be turned in using a manila envelope or folder with pockets. Research Guidelines

  Strong thesis statement with powerful word choice. This should be the last sentence of your introduction paragraph.   Support your comments with evidence from your research.   Integration of sources throughout the paper body.   All sources are cited with parenthetical citations.   Smooth transitions between paragraphs. Attributes of a Strong Research Paper

  No contractions (don’t, shouldn’t, couldn’t, etc.) and no slang (thing, guy, stuff, etc.) except if used in a direct quotation.   No first person or second person, unless used in a direct quotation.   Proper use of mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.)   Varied sentence structures. Attributes of a Strong Research Paper