Research Essay

Semester 2 Unit 5 FINAL Portfolio Assessment:
Research Essay

Through a presentation and analysis of information drawn from various sources, research writing is used by writers to communicate facts in an unbiased form. Though it can be difficult to keep your own point of view on a subject out of the picture, the goal of a research report is to share information about a subject. More than duplicating what others have reported about a topic, your research paper is an opportunity to interpret the thoughts of others writers.

The Prompt: In a 5 paragraph research essay, you will write a research paper in which you compose an analysis of a historical event of your choosing that had an effect on American literature.

Requirements for Unit 5 Research Essay:
MLA format
At least 5 citations from 3 separate sources
5 paragraphs long
You MUST have in text citations and a Works Cited page

Research Essay Steps:
Step 1: Choose A Subject
Your research project will analyze an historical event that has had a monumental effect on American literature.
Think back to all the historical events we have studied this semester, you can always choose one of those!
Click on the link below to watch the “The Research Paper: Getting Started” Teachlet tutorial. Actively participate in this tutorial by following directions and answering questions.

Step 2: Answer the prompt through the creation of a Thesis Statement:
The thesis statement includes the main points that you will cover in your essay. The ideas you include in your thesis statement will be further explained in the body paragraphs of your essay. It should be specific and is often written with the key supporting points in a list.
Thesis Statement Template: The (historical event) had a monumental effect on American Literature through (reason 1), (reason 2), and (reason 3).

Step 3: Gather Evidence:
Once you have your 3 main points, you will need evidence from outside sources to support each one.
The Internet is a valuable tool for research, but it is one that must be used carefully. For each reliable source you find, there are countless others that lack the credibility you need for your research report.
Gather a list of CREDIBLE internet sites that you will use to help guide your research

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