Academic Research Paper
English 1102
What: For this assignment, you will be tying together all that you have learned thus far in the semester by writing a 4-6 page research paper based on the secondary sources you gathered for the annotated bibliography. Your goal is to compose an argument that synthesizes these sources in support of a compelling thesis.
Why: As scholars, it’s imperative that we learn both how to respond to and build on the work of our peers; that’s the goal of the academic research paper. As writers, we are also challenged to learn how to present important, complex, and provocative arguments in a way that’s effective and engaging to the intended reader. Thus, this project draws heavily on your analytical and writing skills. Not only will you contribute to a body of knowledge on your topic, you will also inform, persuade, and influence your audience.
How:
1) Having completed an annotated bibliography of secondary sources, you are already well prepared to write this paper. The first major step toward synthesizing the information you’ve collected is to read over what you’ve highlighted or captured from your secondary sources. Consider all the sources and evidence you’ve gathered fairly and carefully. Think about what data or quotes are most relevant or interesting [but don’t cherry pick], and make note of them. If your notes are handwritten/highlighted, now would be a good time to type this info in a word document (be sure to note the author and page number for later). These notes and quotes are the evidence you will cite to support your argument.
2) Develop a thesis statement. Consider your own interest in and existing views on the topic, as well as all you’ve learned from your secondary sources. Your research paper thesis should reflect what you’ve found in the secondary research, since these sources will be one of the main sources of support for your argument. The thesis should also demonstrate your own point of view and original contribution to the conversation surrounding your topic. Don’t merely rehash arguments that already exist about your topic or inform the audience on the issue. Make sure you are saying something new and debatable. Your research will help you do that.
3) Draft an outline for your paper. We will be looking at several paper models in class, but since every topic is different, you also want to think about how to present your information logically and rhetorically. In other words, order your paper in a way that will help your audience to understand and be convinced by your argument. Keep in mind that the addition of your research may change the structure of your argument.
4) Start drafting! The sooner you get to this stage of the assignment, the better off you’ll be. Include in-text citations of your sources and to balance direct quoting and paraphrasing. Remember that citing sources not only helps you support your argument, it also contributes to your ethos. Be sure to introduce all quotations [no dropped quotes!] and to limit yourself to no more than one block quotation. Also, remember to keep it interesting by writing with your intended audience and purpose in mind. Academic research can be dry at times, but you chose this topic because you are passionate about it. Look for ways to blend that passion with your research.
5) Complete your works cited list page. You may copy and paste the citations from your annotated bibliography (annotations are not necessary). If you’ve added new sources, remember to create citations for them as well.
6) Leave time to revise. A research paper is not the type of essay that can be written successfully in a single evening or in a first draft. Take your peers’ comments seriously, have something prepared for our scheduled conference, come to my office hours, or make an appointment with the writing studio.
7) Be proud of your hard work!

Requirements:
• A well-researched, academic argument that adds a new perspective to the existing conversation about your topic
• A clear thesis statement that advances a specific, substantial, arguable point
• Strong supporting evidence from your secondary research
• In-text citation of at least FIVE different secondary sources
• A careful evaluation of relevant counterpoints
• A coherent organizational structure that enhances the argument and effectively portrays the research
• An identifiable audience
• A clear ethos
• 4-6 double-spaced pages
• Works Cited (MLA)
• Meticulous proofreading and proper formatting
NO:
• Dropped quotes (always provide the author’s name)
• No more than one block quote
• Changing topics at the last minute. I will only accept papers on proposed topics.

Sample Solution