Requirements for the I-Search Research Paper - English 1

What You Must Create

• You must create a research paper that uses three (3) sources: one book, one online magazine, and one Internet article.
• MLA documentation must be used and you must have a "Works Cited" page.
• The body of your paper must be at least three (3) pages long.
• You must create at least three (3) source cards or complete publication information on your note-taking table, turned in on the required due date.
• You must create at least ten (10) note cards from sources and hand them in on the required due date.

Research Paper Plan

• Paragraph # 1 (Introduction): Why did I choose this topic and what are three reasons [topic] is good or bad?
  • This topic interested me because ...
  • I think that [topic] is interesting because ...
  • Everyone should know that [topic] is ...
  • As a society, everyone should ...
• Paragraph # 2: What is the first reason I can use to prove [topic] is good or bad?
  • During my research, I found out that [topic] is good/bad because...
  • Some supporting facts about [reason] are…
• Paragraph #3: What is the second reason I can use to prove [topic] is good or bad?
  • During my research, another reason I found out that [topic] is good/bad because ...
  • Some interesting facts about [reason] are…
• Paragraph #4: What is the third reason I can use to prove [topic] is good or bad?
  • During my research, another reason I found out that [topic] ...
  • Some supporting facts about [reason] are…
• Paragraph #5 (Conclusion): What did my research teach me about needed changes in our society?
  • As a society, we need to ...
  • [Topic] helps/hurts people because…   .
  • After researching [topic], I realized…                .
  • The solution to [topic] is ...
  • [Topic] needs to be stopped/encouraged because ...

Grading Your Research Paper (How to Get the Most Points)

• Your final copy must be double spaced in 12 point Times New Roman font.
•  Your spelling and grammar must be good.
• You must use your time well in the library and create good source cards and note cards that follow MLA guidelines.
• Paragraphs 1 and 5 should be at least three (3) sentences in length, and the other paragraphs must be five (5) to fifteen (15) sentences long.
• You must use one book, one magazine article, and one Internet source
• You must use the spell checker and grammar checker on your computer
• You must turn in required parts of the paper and the rough draft and final draft on the due date.  (There will be no excuses!)

IMPORTANT: This is worth more points than any assignment this year, so take it seriously!