Facts About Your Research Paper

Research paper – English 101

1. This research paper should present a thesis that is specific, manageable, provable, and contestable—in other words, the thesis should offer a clear position, stand, or opinion that will be proven with research.   You should analyze and prove your thesis using examples and quotes from a variety of sources. 

2. You need to research and cite from at least five sources.  You must use at least 3 different types of sources.

o   At least one source must be from a library database.

o   At least one source must be a book, anthology or textbook.

o   At least one source must be from a credible website, appropriate for academic use.

o   The paper should not over-rely on one main source for most of the information. Rather, it should use multiple sources and synthesize the information found in them.

3.  This paper will be approximately 6-8 pages in length, not including the Works Cited page, which is also required.  This means at least 6 full pages of text.  The Works Cited page does NOT count towards length requirement. 

4. You must use MLA format for the document, in-text citations, and Works Cited page.

5. You must integrate quotations and paraphrases using signal phrases and analysis or commentary. 

6. You must sustain your argument, use transitions effectively, and use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

7. Your paper must be logically organized and focused.