10 Honors Research Paper

Objectives: The first objective of this project is to learn research methodology and

proper format for an academic paper. The second objective is to utilize logic-based

arguments (in conjunction with your research) and persuasive writing to create an

academic paper promoting your position on a selected novel.

Your Task: Your task is to select an age-appropriate novel (check www.lexile.com)

From the provided ALA lists of “The Most Frequently Challenged & Banned Books”

found at the back of this packet (or updated lists found under Library Subject links

http://www.lancasterschools.org/page/2710). The selection should be of personal interest

to you (see instructor after class if you want to select something off the provided lists).

Upon completion of the novel you will need to write a paper that focuses on

convincing the reader to support your position on whether or not the book should

be taught in a tenth grade classroom or challenged and/or banned. Both your parent

and teacher must approve of your novel selection.

Length: Your paper needs to be 6-8 pages in length (not including the title page or

the works cited page). Additionally 4 articles analyzed through close reading outlines

will be required.

Format: Your paper needs to be typed using size-12 font and double-spaced. It

must also employ the proper pagination (see below).

Title Page: Model your title page after the title page found in this packet.

Pagination: Your research paper should be numbered as follows: Your last name-

followed by the page # placed in the upper right hand corner of each page of text.

EXAMPLE: Pokrywczynski 1

Works Cited: This section lists all of the sources you have cited in your paper. The

purpose of this section is to give proper recognition of how you utilized other people’s

work in writing your paper. Students will follow the MLA format demonstrated during

their media center orientation. A minimum of 8 sources is required 4 of which must be

print resources. **Your novel is the primary Print source.

their media center orientation. A minimum of 8 sources is required 4 of which must be 

print resources.  **Your novel is the primary Print source. 

Parenthetical Reference:  is used to cite your source at the end of the quote.  End 

punctuation is place outside the quote.  The parenthetical reference includes author’s last 

name and page number.  Example  “The paper is due 5/22/08,” (Pokrywczynski 2). 

**Ten (10) parenthetical references are required for this paper­(from at least 5 different 

Sources)  

 

Conventions:  Follow the conventions of standard written English 

Plagiarism: Copying another person’s words from a research source without giving 

them credit is not allowed and will result in a grade of 0. 

Common Core Focus Standards 

Standard (W.9-10.1) - Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. Standard (W.9-10.1a) – Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

Standard (W.9-10.1b) – Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns. Standard (W.9-10.2c) – Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts Standard (W.9-10.1e) – Provide a concluding statement or section that follows and supports the argument presented. 

 

Standard (W.9-10.8) – Gather relevant information from multiple

authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively;

assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question;

integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas,

avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

 Standard (W.9-10.9) – Draw evidence from literary or information texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.  

 

 

English 10 Honors Research Paper 20____ 

Student Name: ________________ Period:_____ 

● My son/daughter has permission to read any novel the instructor approves. ● Instructor approval ● My son/daughter has permission to read ________________________ 

            for their research project.   ______________________ (please print & sign) __________ Parent/Guardian Date