1. Writing the Sophomore Research Paper

2. Details to remember Length Font Margins
4-6 pgs means minimum = 4 FULL PAGES
Word count: MINIMUM 1400
Font
Times New Roman
Margins
1-inch
Heading, page numbers, etc.: MLA format

3. Sources, Citations, Works Cited
CITE EVERYTHING THAT’S NOT YOUR OWN
If you just cite the last sentence of a sequence of facts, we cannot assume which sentences/facts go with which citations
Make sure Works Cited is properly formatted
Sources must be academic and reliable

4. Direct Quotes vs. Paraphrase
If you are using the source’s words, you need:
QUOTATION MARKS
CITATION
If you are paraphrasing a source’s idea, you need:

5. Paraphrasing IS
Expressing another’s ideas using your own words

6. Paraphrasing IS NOT
Using “mostly” your own words but keeping the source’s phrasing
See example:

7. Any plagiarism = 0 points

8. In-Text Citations From book or journal:
(Author #) no comma
From an electronic work without an author:
(First part of title)
Essentially, citation needs to contain sufficient info for reader to find the source on Works Cited pg

9. Analysis
Problem: Using hypothetical situations or speculation as analysis
“Germany would never have unified if Bismarck hadn’t used his Machiavellian strategies.”
“Mussolini was the schoolyard bully who pushed everyone around and demanded lunch money. Schoolyard bullies never succeed, but Mussolini did.”

10. Organization Problem:
BTS 1: Superman is the greatest of all superheroes.
BTS 2: In addition, Godzilla is a famous villain.

11. Organization
Body paragraphs need to relate TO EACH OTHER in addition to relating to the thesis
Transition words not enough to connect body paragraphs of very different topics

12. Organization Problem: Related problem:
3 body paragraphs for a 4-6 pg research paper
Related problem:
List as thesis

13. Organization A research paper ≠ 5-paragr. essay
Paragraphs must build on each other to create a complete argument.
Paragraphs must develop an idea
cramming several ideas into 1 paragraph is not effective
3 separate “main points” not helpful

14. Analogy: Art
You are a young student. Your teacher asks you to draw a house.
You create this:

16. Analogy: Art, continued
You are now a high school art student. Your teacher asks you to draw a house. Do you create the same drawing? Or do you create something like this?

19. Analogy to Writing Similar basic structure (house, essay)
More advanced students expected to build on basic structure and move toward more sophisticated work:
add detail
add perspective
develop interpretation