The Research Paper

Click on the appropriate links below to access the handouts.

The AP 11 Research Paper

The Rationale:  Many college courses require you to submit a major research project, a term paper.  Therefore, the knowledge of the research process and paper development can be an invaluable tool for success after high school.  Furthermore research and citation processes may be addressed on the AP exam.  In other words, even though you may be grumbling now, you will thank me for this one day!

The Assignment:  You will demonstrate your understanding of the research process by submitting a 4 – 6 page research paper written in MLA format on a topic of your choice. You will adhere to the MLA style with proper citations and a "Works Cited" page.  You will use at least 6 sources: 2 books, 2 Internet, and 2 "other" – software, periodicals, etc.  You will process your final draft through Turnitin before submission.

The Method:  We will approach the research process in stages and you will be required to submit, subject to assessment and grading, evidence of the successful completion of certain stages.   Due dates for certain stages will be announced on my web page and in class.  We will devote a portion of each class period to the discussion of research methods and techniques, citation, plagiarism, and paper formulation and organization.  

AP 11 Research Paper Assignment (pdf file)
Includes the research process checklist
Sample Topics (pdf file)
A list of subjects to help lead you to a research question
The Research Topic Proposal (pdf file)
Here are the five questions you should address in your two proposals.
Complete Sentence Outline Sample (pdf file)
This sample should help you organize yours.
2009 MLA Template (pdf file)
This template from the Collin College Writing Center will help you format your paper.
2009 MLA Citation Guide Update (pdf file)
MLA citation formats have changed significantly. Click here to view the changes.
Works Cited Documentation Handout (pdf file)
This handout from the Collin College Writing Center shows you how to cite specific source types.
New Documentation Rules, Including Internal Citations and Works Cited (pdf file)
Here are the new rules in a handout created by the Collin College Writing Center
MLA 2009 Sample Paper (pdf file)
Here is a sample paper provided by the Purdue OWL illustrating the new 2009 MLA citation requirements

pdf file: You need Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 7 or higher) to view this file. Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader for PC or Macintosh.