Senior Research Project – Handout 6 – English 12
Research Paper – Revised Dates
In the past weeks, you completed your annotated works cited with four sources. The next step in your research project is to write your research paper.
Overview:
1.	Write a research paper about the topic you have chosen and researched this semester. 

This assignment will be worth approximately 1/5th of your second quarter grade.

Details

1.	Write an introductory paragraph indicating the topic your paper will discuss and including a clearly stated thesis (main argument).
2.	Outline the major ideas, points, or arguments the paper will make.
3.	Write the body paragraphs that state your major ideas, points, or arguments.
4.	Conclude your paper with a statement regarding the significance of your topic. 

Your paper should be 4+ pages, typed in MLA format, double spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman font with1 inch margins. 

Schedule – here is what you are expected to accomplish and deadlines to meet to earn full credit: 

•	Tuesday, 10/23/2012: Use bullet points to outline the major points of your paper. 
Print and turn this in for credit. (If you finish early, type a potential thesis for your paper).
•	Tuesday 11/6/2012: Begin writing the body paragraphs of your paper. Revise your thesis and outline as needed; find additional sources as needed.
•	Friday 11/9/2012: Continue writing the body paragraphs. As needed, find additional sources and revise your thesis. Print and turn in what you have written. This should be about 2 pages of first draft work (ie. points will not be deducted for grammar or spelling, but you should have about half of a somewhat cohesive and organized paper).
•	Wednesday 11/14/2012: Continue the body paragraphs.
•	Monday and Tuesday 11/19 and 11/20/2012: Finish the body paragraphs; write conclusion; revise introduction; begin editing for spelling, grammar, MLA format, smoother transitions, etc. 
•	Tuesday 11/28: Complete final revisions and editing. Print and turn in your research paper.

Absences, snow days, technical difficulties, etc.: Because this project is being completed over the course of seven visits to the computer lab, there is plenty of time to complete make-up work due to days missed because of absences, weather cancellations, or other interruptions. You are expected to complete this assignment outside of class if necessary. Late papers turned in by Wednesday, 12/5 will be penalized one letter grade. Papers turned in after 12/5 will be penalized one additional letter grade per day.