1. Sophomore English T HE R ESEARCH P APER

2. S O, WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS PROJECT ?  You will either EXPLORE or COMMUNICATE ideas about a topic of your choice in great detail.  You will study MLA format and apply it to written work.  You will learn how to conduct research.  You will practice managing your time and resources according to a set schedule.

3. R EQUIREMENTS F OR Y OUR P APER  6-8 pages minimum  Entirely double spaced  Front side of paper only  12 point font  Arial or Times New Roman  Title page  Outline  Works Cited  Punched in a 3-prong folder  Every day you must bring these supplies to class: -Flash drive -Notecards -Paper -Writing utensils -All drafting materials -All source materials -MLA Guide -Writer’s Inc. -All handouts from me -Calendar

4. I MPORTANT D ATES Please remember to always have your calendar handy and make sure that you are aware of all of the important due dates for this project. Writing a research paper is not an assignment that you can successfully complete in one night. This research paper is designed not only to allow you to learn more about a topic of your choice, but most of all to learn a PROCESS. Each step must be completed and completed well in order to successfully move on to the next step. If you get even one step behind, you will immediately put yourself in a bad position.

5. H AND - OUTS FOR T ODAY The Calendar  This calendar MUST be with you at all times. It is your primary guide.  Important due dates are bolded and on the side.  My contact info is available; use it!  Stay on schedule; check your calendar daily.  Use this to be prepared for class.  DO NOT LOSE YOUR CALENDAR!!! The Contractual Rubric  You MUST take this contract/ rubric home, have it signed by a parent, and return it to me.  Your parents should be aware of this project; I will be in contact with them if anything bad starts happening.  Points and deductions are not negotiable. This is how I will grade your paper.  Notice the deductions for not meeting requirements: do not make me have to use them!

6. ANY PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ASSIGNMENT?