Research Paper (Due on Friday 6/8 by email rroblesmejias@lagcc.cuny.edu )
Steps
- Start by choosing a topic.
- Then narrow your topic in the form of a question.
- Draft a central claim or thesis statement.
- Do the research: at least two sources, one academic -books, journals, peer review publication- and one from the internet (For more information, see guides on how to evaluate websites and other sources; and paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting sources.)
- Organize the research. (Introduction: question and thesis statements; Body Paragraphs: present evidence from primary and secondary sources; and Conclusion: summarize your arguments, and add a personal comment)
- Draft. See The Writing Process for drafting ideas, tips, and suggestions.
- Create your MLA bibliography, or works cited page. http://www.easybib.com/guides/citation-guides/mla-format/
- Revise your draft for content and organization.
- Edit and proofread your final draft.
Source:http://writing.ku.edu/research-papers
Example:
Topic: Spanish and Spanglish in Denise Frohman “Accents” and Elizabeth Acevedo’s “Afro-latina”
Research Question: Is Spanish language and Spanglish a significant element of these poet’s identity and work?
Thesis: For both poets, it is but with different connotations. While for Frohman Spanish language and accent give her a sense of connection with her mother, her Puerto Rican heritage and represent a source of empowerment, for Acevedo it involved a process of rejection due to the need to assimilate, eventual acceptance, historical awareness and ultimately found pride.
Be attentive to:
.Understanding the goals of a LITERARY argumentative essay: to analyze a literary piece (the essay is not an opinion piece or a sociological exposition)
*Always ask yourself: Am I analyzing the poems? If yes, keep going. If not, go back to them.
.The extension (4 pages + work cited page)
.Excessive spaces
.Integrating secondary sources
.MLA Style Citation and Work Cited Page