FORMAT AND TIPS Research Project Paper

Timeline of Research Project Decide on research question (10/11 and 10/12) Assign tasks (10/11 and 10/12) Create ‘original research’ component (10/12) Research in media center (10/15 and 10/16) *Conduct ‘original research’ (10/15-10/19) Final paper due (10/24) *pending administrative approval - Rough drafts may be turned in any day prior to 10/23.

Research Paper Components Title page 3-5 page research paper (with in-text citations) Works cited page (at least 3 sources) A copy of your ‘own research’- not included in page limit.

Format MLA format 1” margins (top, bottom, and both sides) Times New Roman or Arial font, size 12 Double-spaced throughout Page numbers in the header at upper right hand corner of the paper – Last name # (ex. Manning 3) A rough draft is not required, but you may bring one in and I will be more than happy to check over it and provide feedback.

Tips and Advice Be specific, not vague. The more focused your research question, the easier it will be to research and write your paper. Written language is more formal than spoken language; therefore, do not write like you speak. The paper should be organized so that ideas flow logically from one thought to the next. Use transitions within and between paragraphs. Paraphrase your notes unless it is something that cannot be stated better. On average, no more than two quotes per page.

More tips and Advice Introduce your sources. Never abbreviate a source without first having written it out somewhere prior in the text. Use spell-check but realize that it is not always correct. Read the paper out loud at a moderate pace. Proofread! When in doubt, ask someone for help!

Remember that quality is more important than quantity; content is more important than conventions!

Caution! Beware! No contractions (ex. don’t, can’t, won’t). No slang or informal English (ex. you know what I mean) No first or second person pronouns (ex. I, me, my, you, your, we, ours). No rambling. No mention of the project or product. Don’t quote back-to-back. Don’t begin or end a body paragraph with a quotation.