Comparing the Decades Research Paper
In this paper you will be comparing some aspect of life or some institution as it has evolved through the years. You will take a topic (perhaps marriage, education, college life, industry, professional sports, etc.) and research that topic in various years. We are starting with the current year 2016 and backtracking in twenty year increments (1996, 1976, and 1956) to view the progression or retrogression of the our institutions. Only four sources are required, so find the articles that best suit your ideas. Print out articles from databases and make copies of the older magazine articles. It may be important to have extra articles because students often find some articles of little use when quoting directly from the sources.
When writing your essay, you will use the MLA format to cite and document the sources. I do expect you to cite the sources three times unless using more than four sources. These are easy to follow when we use the concrete detail boxes in the shaping sheets. You will also comment on or further explain the quote. You should use the formal introduction when citing a source for the first time. The subsequent citations may be of your choice.
You will also write a Works Cited page after the final draft. We have practiced that and you should be well aware of the format.
The main point of this particular writing is extending your ability to use researched information in your completed essay. You will be writing research papers throughout your collegiate academic career, and now is an appropriate time to practice this craft. I will not be looking for perfection in this paper, but rather the adequate use of information. If you have any questions on hog' to approach any aspect of this paper, don't be afraid to ask me for advice. Please note: This Dower counts as two rades..1) Essay Number 3 and 2) Final Exam.
You will also be able to earn extra points for your final exam grade if you present your ideas in a Power Point presentation. Finish the semester strongly.