Research Paper Reference Guide

How to use this powerpoint This PowerPoint goes through the first 11 aspects of the rubric. If you follow the directions on here you will receive an A on the paper. First- Read through the prompt again. Make sure your paper addresses what the prompt is asking for (research on widespread prejudice, racism, or persecution).

#1- Heading 12 pt Times New Roman font 1” margins Entire paper is ONLY double spaced (including title, header, and works cited) Heading: Top right has last name and page #

Starting Your Paper On the first lines of your paper write Your Name Teacher Name Class (Junior English) Date Title should be centered, 12 pt font, and double spaced. Do not bold, quote, or italicize the title.

#2- Introduction The purpose of the introduction is to get the reader’s attention. You want them to be interested in your subject. You could use any of the following to get your reader’s attention. Statistic about your topic (e.g. how many people were killed in the concentration camp you are studying) A very short story about a person who experienced the situation you are studying. An unusual fact about your area of study.

#3- Thesis 3 point thesis Last sentence of the introduction Your thesis should have the 3 main points you are studying in your paper. All paragraphs in your paper should link back to your thesis in their topic sentences.

#4- Fulfilling the Prompt At some point in your paper you need to address the following things 1- Who, what, when, where 2- Laws and decrees 3- Social practices 4- connection to social norms or experiences today Make sure all of these are clear in your paper.

#5- Body Paragraphs 1- Write a topic sentence for each paragraph. It should basically tell your reader about the main idea of the paragraph and how it links to your thesis. (e.g. One social practice that contributed to the persecution of Jews was… Melgele also dehumanized the people he experimented on by…) NOTE: Each paragraph should have at least one quote from your research. You will probably need more than 5 total sources by the time you are done with your rough draft. Make sure there is a logical progression of ideas. Usually it is best to start with your most general point and to work to your most specific point.

#6- Transitions Make sure that there is a transition between ideas in the paragraphs. The last sentence of the paragraph should act as a transition to the new paragraph. Some transition words are included at this link

#7- Quotations After each citation needed (direct quote, summary, or idea from another writer) you will need to put a parenthetical citation. It should look like this (Author last name and page number) Example: 85% of Americans thought that an admitted communist should be stripped of their rights to citizenship (Peffley 100). We’ll edit these later, just put them in for now.

#7 Quotations continued Never put in a quote without explaining why it matters to your argument and how it proves the point you are trying to make. We will work on imbedding quotes later. Check DGP for how to punctuate quotes.

#8 Sources You need a MINIMUM of 5 sources for this paper. You will probably need more. Check and make sure that you have 3 database articles 1 print source 1 reliable internet source Create a proper MLA citation for each source.

#9- Conclusion Your conclusion should tie back to the thesis. It should answer the question “why does this matter?’ Offer solutions to the modern connection or attitudes that you pointed out in your paper. Make sure you don’t add any new quotes or research here.

#10- Works Cited Page Works Cited- You already made some of the citations. Now use them in the Works Cited. 1- Copy and paste them into your rough draft. The works cited starts on a new page. 2- Put them in alphabetical order based on the first letter of the first word in your citation 3- At the top of the page write “Works Cited.” It should be 12 pt. font, centered, and ONLY double spaced.

#11- Mechanics Proofread for punctuation, grammar, and spelling. Make sure your paper is at least 5 FULL pages (not including the works cited) Check your formatting 1” margins 12 pt Times New Roman font Entire paper is ONLY double spaced Read through your paper and look for any use of “you” or “I.” Delete it unless it is in a direct quote.