Identify a Research Question To write a strong research paper, you need to identify a question that interests you and use your research to provide an answer.

-Students in English 201are required to write a 800-1,000 word (about four double spaced pages) research paper.
-This paper must draw from at least three sources. At least one source must be taken from a BMCC library database. Sources may be academic articles or reputable journalistic sources like the New York Times. Our class readings may not be used as sources.
-Sources must be cited using MLA style parenthetical citation. An MLA-style Works Cited page must be provided. See my folder, “Citation.”
-Please note that Wikipedia, Sparknotes and other open source or homework sites are not acceptable sources.

HOW TO PROCEED:
Identify a Research Question
To write a strong research paper, you need to identify a question that interests you and use your research to provide an answer.
The research paper topic must have some connection to our course readings. If it isn’t obvious, be prepared to tell me what connection you see. The research paper howevver is not about our readings. You will write an essay about readings in the Reflection Paper.
You should answer the research question you have chosen using your own understanding of the readings and with help from the sources.
As you write: Remember that you are in the drivers seat. Set up the question and explain what you are taking from sources in your own words. Then use relatively brief sources from quotes to illustrate what you are saying. Use your own words to show conclusions you are drawing and to sum up your findings. The paper should be a mix of your own discussion and cited sources.
Remember that any quoted material or ideas that come from sources must be parenthetically cited, and the citation must appear on the Works Cited Page. See Citation, on Course Information.

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