Name:__________________
World Literature Research Paper Assignment
Mrs. Roberts
English II – 2011
Introduction: Throughout the school year, we have studied world literature from the early
Greek writings through modern times. To better understand the writings of prominent world
authors, a study of times in which they lived is important. This type of study for any particular
author and time period should enable you to consider the following questions and statements:
Examine the era in which your author lived, the struggles he/she faced, and how these
struggles influenced his/her writing.
What was unique about the time period? Such as: historical standouts – war, leaders,
Holocaust, civil rights era, Great Depression, etc.
How did the writings of your author reflect the times in which he/she wrote?
What themes were prominent in the writings of your author?
Was the author’s work well received?
Assignment: Select an author from the list below or you can choose your own as long
as you get it approved by me. Next, research the answers to three of the five topics
listed above. You will report on the answers to these questions by selecting a product
from the product list. K students going into AP or Dual Credit classes next year
are required to write an essay. Everyone is required to have at least four note
cards for each source.
Author Product
William Shakespeare Essay 1 ½ - 2 pages, typed, double
spaced
Ray Bradbury Video: 2-4 minutes
Sandra Cisneros Talk Show Interview
Lorraine Hansberry Brochure
Harper Lee Power Point
Elie Wiesel Scrapbook
Supplies:
1. You need to purchase one 9X12 brown letter-sized envelope (the kind to mail
documents) in which you will keep the following: research packet, source cards,
note cards, outline, rough draft, and final copy of essay.
2. On the days we go to the library, you will need to have coins to copy secondary
source material and anything you print off of the computers.
Gathering Information: You will use a variety of sources: You must have a minimum of
three sources and a maximum of five. Be sure to make a source card for each source using
the provided graphic organizer.
Source #1- Data Base
Source #2- Reliable Internet Site
Source #3- Book
Sort:
Take notes using provided graphic organizers
Remember to cite your references – refer to the MLA section in your textbook.
Organize:
Write an outline for the information you plan on sharing in your product – refer to the
outline handout. All outlines must have a proper MLA header and heading.
Drafting An Essay:
Your paper will be 1½- 2 pages in length.
Each body paragraph must contain 2 citations.
No more than 3 citations from any one source may be used
Include citations beginning with the first draft
Revising An Essay:
Peer Revising Handout
Final Copy of Essay
Your final essay must comply with all MLA standards
o 12 point font o Proper Header
o Times New Roman o Double Spaced
o 1” margins o Parenthetical Documentation
o Proper Heading
Assignment Due Date Grade
Three Source Cards Wednesday, April 20th
Beginning of Period
Minimum of twelve note Cards Thursday, April 21st
End of Period
Outline with thesis statement Wednesday, April 27th
Beginning of Period
Rough Draft- required for all Monday, May 2nd
products
Final Product Friday, May 6th
Library Days COW Days
Tuesday, April 19th Monday, April 25th
Wednesday, April 20th Tuesday, April 26th
Thursday, April 21st Wednesday, April 27th
Monday, May 2nd
Tuesday, May 3rd
Name______________________________________________________
Class____________________________________
Research Paper Content Evaluation
Introduction (10)
___Smooth transition between hook and thesis (5)
___Compelling introduction (5)
Unity (40)
___ Clear thesis statement (10)
___Topic sentences help prove thesis (10)
___Quotes and paraphrases directly support overall thesis (10)
___Effective transitions: words/phrases/sentences (10)
Support (40)
___At least two quotes per body paragraph (20)
___Authority of every author established with first reference (10)
___One paraphrase per body paragraph (10)
Conclusion (10)
___Thesis reiterated in light of your analysis (do not simply restate the thesis from the
introduction)
___Profound universal statement
Content Grade_______________________________
Research Paper Mechanical Evaluation
The items checked below are those which need to improved:
Presentation (MLA Format/Documentation) – 21 Points (3 Points Each)
___One-inch margins
___Double-space throughout
___Cohesion between working bibs and final essay
___ Correct MLA heading
___MLA font/12, Times New Roman
___Half-inch indentions for first line of all paragraphs
___Documentation of all paraphrases, summaries, and quotations (anytime you use someone
else‟s words, ideas, or information)*plagiarism will result in a zero for the paper.*
Editing – 52 Points
Diction (Choice of Words)-
15 Points (3 Points Each)
___Awkward wording
___Wordiness
___Avoid Slang
___Avoid use of “you/your”
___Vague Language
Sentence Skills – 35 Points (5 Points Each)
___Avoid sentence fragments
___Avoid comma splices/run-ons
___Avoid incorrect verb tense shifts and incorrect verb forms
___Make sure to use strong verbs (minimum use of „be‟ verbs)
___Make sure subjects and verbs agree
___Make sure pronouns/antecedents agree
___Monotony in use of sentence patterns
(Use a balance of simple, compound, and complex sentences)
Punctuation
9 Points
___
“Works Cited” Page – 20 Points (5 Points Each)
___Use alphabetical order
___Punctuation
___Italics
___Reverse indentation for all entries with two or more lines.
Mechanics Grade ________________