Gloucester Project: Researched Argument and Annotated Works Cited

Cape Ann Art & Culture Multigenre Writing Project: 

Researched Argument (A Thesis-Driven Research Paper) 

On Tuesday June 4, 2013 you will turn in a five to seven page (1500 to 2100 word) researched argument (12-point font, double-spaced). You will develop and support a focused, debatable, supportable, meaningful, perhaps even original thesis (also called a claim, assertion, or position) using research to support and develop the thesis.

The argument will incorporate at least five* sources. You will use MLA format (as outlined in the Compass) to cite the sources within the text and on an annotated Works Cited page. (*Your sources must include at least three of the following: a source you have personally interviewed; a source found using a database; a source found in a periodical (in electronic, microfilm, or print form); a source found using Google books or Google scholar; a source found at Sawyer Free Library, Cape Ann Museum, or any library other than the high school library; a source found using the online Gloucester Oral History Collection, and a source found on the Gloucester shelf at the high school library.)

Checklist for the researched argument with an annotated works cited page:

[] I have written (and attached) double-entry notes for at least five sources, a thesis that demonstrates an enduring understanding by responding to an essential question, and a plan for the argument that indicates the organization of key ideas and support for those ideas.

[] My researched argument (due June 4, 2013) meets the word count criteria (1500 - 2100 words).

[] My researched argument has a thesis that presents the focus of the argument, engages the reader, and suggests the position I'm taking.

[] I have used MLA to format the heading. 
[] I have a title that is intriguing and informative.

[] My introduction builds to a thesis by engaging the reader in the issue and by providing context needed to understand the thesis and its significance.

[] My revised thesis (the position being argued) is clear, debatable, supportable, insightful, and meaningful; maybe it is even original.

[] My body paragraphs support and develop the thesis using "data"- direct evidence - from the cited sources as well as "warrant" and "backing" that explain how the data supports the claim.

[] I have used MLA format to cite at least five sources within the text.

 [] My paragraphs are organized in a way that logically builds the argument.

[] My conclusion clarifies and intensifies the argument and its significance by explaining what the rest of the essays "adds up to" and why what it "adds up to" matters.

[] I have used MLA format to cite all the sources used in the paper on an annotated works cited page.

          [] My citations are listed in alphabetical order.

          [] I have double-spaced the citations.

           [] I have used hanging indentations for the citations.
          [] My annotations include summary and evaluation of the source (at least 75 words long).  
[] My researched argument, works cited page, and annotated bibliography are carefully proofread. There are no run-on sentences or homophone errors. All quotations and in-text citations are handled properly.