1. Interpreting the Rubric
Research Paper
Spring Semester 2015
Mrs. Helton’s English I CP

2. “In-text citations match the Works Cited page”
If you have an in-text citation, does it have a corresponding Works Cited entry and vice versa?
If you have an in-text citation with an author’s last name, for example, will I be able to scan your Works Cited page and find that same name at the start of an entry?
If you have no author, did you use the first couple of key words from the article title in your in-text citation? Does the Works Cited entry start with the same words?

3. “Quotations were done correctly”
Did you use quotation marks? (Seriously!)
Did you use other punctuation properly with those quotation marks?
Do your quotations have corresponding in-text citations?

4. “In-text citations formatted correctly according to MLA guidelines”
Are they in parentheses?
Did you avoid unnecessary punctuation?
Did you place them before the period at the end of the sentence?
If you know the author, did you write the author’s last name and page number (Poe 354)?
If you know the title only, did you include that in your parentheses with the page number instead? So: (“The Cask” 333).
Rule of thumb: If you have an online source with no page number, just cite as you would ordinarily, just without the page number. So: (“About Poe”) if it has no author or (Poe) if it does.

5. All references to MLA format
Is EVERYTHING (and I do mean everything) in size 12 Times New Roman font?
Is EVERYTHING double spaced?
Did you do the proper heading on the front page?
Do you have your last name and page number (with a space in between) IN THE HEADER at the top right of every page? Does it number up with every page?
Do you have a title centered on the front page in PLAIN TEXT?
Do you have Works Cited centered at the top of the body of the Works Cited page in PLAIN TEXT?

6. All References to MLA Format
Did you double check with me that everything is correct?!
I can help you troubleshoot MLA.

7. “7-10 In Text Citations” “3-5 sources…”
The first quote implies that 7-10 times you will have a need to use an in-text citation in your writing. This applies to direct quotes, partial quotes, and paraphrasing.
The second notes that you need your novel plus at least two articles from which to cite.
I am not accepting sources that are not reputable.
MORE entries will not be penalized. FEWER will!

8. Thesis, Sentences, and Quotations
Thesis: Is it strong? Is it debatable? Does it provide a road map for the rest of your paper (i.e. what you will be proving or showing me with your research)?
If you state common knowledge or you are vague, it will not earn you points. If your paper doesn’t line up with your thesis it will be the same thing.
Your sentences must be complete and smooth. Your quotes must be embedded and blended with your own writing, not just carelessly thrown in there.
They must also be ANALYZED: You should explain the context of the quote, and its significance toward proving your point/thesis.

9. “Content reflects adequate research of the topic”
Can I tell that you have tried to fill your writing with knowledgeable insight, or does it seem like you hastily found something on Wikipedia (hint: bad idea) and sort of tossed it in there?
One major point of research is to learn about something and be able to explain it better being thusly informed. If that isn’t being shown in your paper, you will lose points.

10.   “For each main point, you quote either from your text or findings from your research…”
Do not make a point without backing it up. If you try to tell me that your book contains a certain message/theme about violence, you will have to show me proof to make me a believer and earn yourself adequate points.
If you give me a quote to back up a point you make but it has nothing to do with your point, how is that proof? Your quotes actually need to be relevant (related) and supportive.

11. “Your paragraphs thoroughly discuss the point made by the quotes and do not leave the reader wondering …”
If you have the world’s greatest quote but you take it out of context (its source, the book or article you are using) and give no explanations, how am I to know what is so great about it? It is just a random quote if you don’t inform me of what you believe to be its greater meaning and purpose.
Let me know through your writing the situation surrounding this quote. Let me know through your writing how it supports your thesis, and how it shows your theme.

12. “Paragraphs are well written and flow well.”
If you have a topic sentence, introduce your evidence, blend your evidence/quotations, analyze them, and then write a concluding sentence for each paragraph, you should achieve this.
If you have complete sentences, you should achieve this.
If your thoughts are well-organized and sequenced in a way that makes sense, you should achieve this.

13. “Spelling and grammar”
Avoid personal pronouns (I, we, you, etc.).
Keep your writing in the present tense.
Do not use contractions unless your direct quotes include them (don’t is a contraction; do not is how it should be written).
Please take advantage of spell check.
Please double check your punctuation (I can help you with this).

14. Page Requirement and Turnitin.com
4-6 pages includes one of those pages being your Works Cited page; half or partial pages do not count.
If you know computer access is going to be an issue, you MUST come talk to me well in advance of the due date. Though there are few points allotted on the rubric for Turnitin.com, I will not give you credit for the paper until you have submitted it that way. Thus, unless we discuss potential issues in advance, you will have a 0/200 points in the gradebook if you do not attempt to use Turnitin.
I am pretty lax about other deadlines, I know—but that is not the case with this assignment. Take this warning seriously and know that I am here to help you if you cannot get access. Just don’t wait until the last day!