• English 12 - Argumentative Research Paper Assignment
     
     

    Assignment:  Write a 2.5-page minimum argumentative essay based on researching one of the following topics: two possible career paths, two colleges, schools or further education you could pursue, or two places you would like to live. If you absolutely must do a different topic, please check with Ms. Williams that she will allow you to write on your individualized topic before you get too far in the research process.

     Standards: 12.W.3.1 (Write arguments), 12.W.4 (writing process), 12.W.5 (research process), 12.W6.1 (demonstrate command of English grammar and usage), 12.W.6.2 (demonstrate command of conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation and spelling)
     
    Requirements:
    2.5 to 3 pages, double-spaced, typed in size 12 Times New Roman, 1" margins
    4 sources cited and listed on a works cited page using MLA format 
     
    Deadlines: (you will receive a grade for completing each of these on time)
     
    You should have added questions on the Google slide to guide your research (the following websites have lists of questions that might help you: careers, colleges, trade schools, places to live)
     
    By Monday, January 29 you will need to have your topic fully figured out and show Ms. Williams proof that you have been doing research during the week.
     
    By Monday, February 5 you will have to have a good thesis statement and be able to show Ms. Williams that you have started writing your paper, including using parenthetical citations
     
    By Tuesday, February 13 you will turn in your completed paper with a works cited page into Google Classroom.
     
     
    Useful Information:
     
    Heading
    ****Your paper should begin with each of the following on the LEFT side of your paper each listed on a separate line, double-spaced: your name, your teacher's name, the name of the class, and the date written in the European format (day month year = no punctuation)            
     
    Example:                               
     
    Sally Student
     
    Ms. Teacher 
     
    English 12 
     
    13 February 2024
     
     
    An example of a complete paper can be found here: 
     
     
    Introduction and Thesis Statement
     
           ****Your thesis statement is one sentence that explains what your entire paper is arguing. It is generally placed as the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.
    Example of an introduction with a thesis statement (underlined and in bold): 
                It has anonymously been said that "A bad day in London is still better than a good day anywhere else;" however, the musical theater writer Jonathan Larson wrote, "New York, center of the universe." So how could a person possibly choose between two of the most impressive and multicultural cities in the world? Great consideration has to be paid to every single detail including the weather, historical significance, available public transportation, green spaces, and entertainment opportunities. Based on researching and comparing the many differences, some very minor, between London and New York City, I have determined that London is all-in-all a better place for me to live.
     
     Using MLA Format
     
           *****MLA format is used in English classes. It requires that after any sentence where you use a piece of information that you have researched (whether you put it in your own words or you directly quote) you, in parentheses, note that you have used a source. This note will refer to the Works Cited page which will be stapled to the end of your paper. 
     
              Works Cited Page
     
       Notice that it is in alphabetical order by the first word, notice that it is double-spaced, and notice how it is indented.
     
    There is a format to copy when writing each entry. The Purdue Owl shows you clearly how to write out a citation for a source here: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html 
        
     I have simplified the format below. In bold are the pieces of information that you should have for every internet source. The other pieces of information may or may not be available
       
     
     
     Editor or author (if available - Last Name, First Name). "Name of the Page." Name of Site. Version number, Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site (sponsor or publisher), date of resource creation (if available), URL. Date of access (if applicable).
     
    Specifics for creating a citation for a database can be found here:  Purdue Owl Electronic Resources
     
    You can use a citation generator/machine, but be sure that all the information is correct.
     
     
                 Parenthetical Citations
     
    Parenthetical citations are based on your Works Cited page. A complete explanation is found on the Purdue OWL here: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_in_text_citations_the_basics.html
     
    The basics of parenthetical (in-text) citing for electronic sources is the following: 
    • Include in parentheses after the sentence where you used information from a source the first item that appears in the Work Cited entry that corresponds to the citation (e.g. author name, article name, website name, film name).
    • You do not need to give page numbers when citing a website.
    If your Works Cited entry looked like this:
     
     VisitLondon.com. London & Partners, www.visitlondon.com/#ImIuZcCAXrLFpuzM.97. 11 October 2016.
     
     
     And then you used information from that source in a sentence like this, do the following:
     
     "London offers some of the world's best theatre, from world-famous musicals to West End shows and cutting-edge plays" (VisitLondon.com).
     
    or like this:
     
    One of London's most famous sites and definitely a draw to living in London is the very famous Big Ben. Interestingly Big Ben is the name of the bell that can be heard ringing, while the tower itself is called Elizabeth Tower (VisitLondon.com). 
     
    You can also mention the source in your actual sentence like this:
    The website VisitLondon.com offers some interesting facts about London including that the name Big Ben refers to the bell that rings in the tower which is actually called Elizabeth tower.
     
     

    Grading:

     
     Click here to open the rubric for this assignment