Your Assignment - English 100 - Professor Walsh - FALL 2024

College Level Research

What You Need to Know

Understanding Your Assignment

Before you begin looking for information you should make sure you understand your assignment. Some good questions are:

How many pages?
How many sources?
What kinds of sources?
- Books
- Articles
- Websites
What format?

Your professor is your best resource to answer these questions.

Your Assignment - Spring 2022

RESEARCH PAPER REQUIREMENTS

Purpose

This is a paper for which you research a subject, small in scope, and then write a report, analyzing and evaluating the subject. Your style must be objective, not subjective; your sources must be balanced (not just one perspective); and your information must be professional in nature.

Length

2200 words, approximately 9 pages, plus an illustration placed within the paper. (under 2000 is failing)

Topic

One which allows for analysis and evaluation of an area in which current studies are being conducted and which has significance for the conduct, thought, or actions of mankind.

Thesis

One in which you state the approach to and the area of study. The thesis must not be an argument.

Subtopics

Use 3 of approximately equal length. Each one should examine the major areas of your paper.

Approach

Examine the topic in an unbiased manner. Your purpose is not to “take sides.”

Sources

Ten professional sources are required. They include at least two books, two database articles, and two websites. The remaining four are up to you.

Documentation within paper

Information presented in your own words: citation of author’s last name or title, plus page number, at end of paragraph.
Information presented as direct quotations: citation of author’s last name or title, plus page number, at end of quotation

Writing Style

Formal research style: 3rd person, no slang, no contractions.

Paragraph Length:

One-third to one-half page

Illustration:

Placement within body of paper, one-eighth to one-page, with a number (figure 1) and a title. Use copies of pictures, charts, graphs, or lists.

Examples’ Length:

When using examples to illustrate a point, use no more than one paragraph for each.

Now What?

Use the tabs above on this Research Guide or see if there's a Research Guide that's specific to your topic to find useful resources such as databases, books, ebooks, and articles.

What Do You Know?

You probably already know a little something about the topic you chose, but it's important to find out more in order to write an intelligent research paper and/or make a good argument.