betty.thompson1

Format for Research Paper Fall 2016

 

 

Format for Research Paper

Betty Taylor-Thompson, PhD

English, 1301 and 1302/2016

1302 will need an annotated works cited.

The paper should be at least 2000 words including Works Cited

Remember no  first person.  Keep everything in third person.  The novel always lives (present tense); however, the author may be dead. (past tense)       

  1. Introduction
  2. Thesis
  3. Background (Setting, Point of View of novel and author)
  4. Biography of author (one or two  paragraphs documented)
  5. Education
  6. Early Life
  7. Literary Accomplishments (most important)
  8. All documented

III. Plot (only one paragraph)   Summarize the action  highlights of the novel.

  1. Analysis of Thematic Statement assigned: See the final page for topics according to your novel
  2. I will give a passage from the novel or a passage from a critic for students to focus on and analyze considering the background of the author and the novel.
  3. In order to complete your analysis, you must highlight specific examples from the text to back up your analysis.
  4. Avoid generalizations without specifically referring to the text. Example:  He was a bad man,
  5. Avoid pronouns with no antecedents. (specific nouns that the pronouns clearly refer)
  6. Opinions of critics.
  7. Go to the HCC library in person or on line and find opinion of three critics concerning the text.
  8. Tell whether you agree or disagree with the critic’s statement  and  why you do while giving specific examples from the text to support your answer/
  9. Conclusion
  10. State why the book is important and who and why others might be interested in reading the novel. 
  11. Explain the importance of the novel in literary history.
  12. State your opinion of the novel

VII. Works Cited

  1. All works cited should match the in text documentation. See Purdue Owl Samples MLA paper.
  2. The Works Cited should have an annotated bibliography in 1302
  3. You should have the novel as one of Works Cited; therefore, you should have a minimum of four entries. You can have more.

Topics

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.  The Thematic Structure of the novel, especially  The characters who represent  Protection ,  Determination, and  Education

 

Bailey’s Cafe, by Gloria Naylor   Analyze The Three most tragic characters and why they come to Bailey’s Café.  (Be sure and define tragic character)

Bay Leaves and Cinamon Sticks Thelma Thompson  The Themes of Self Determination and Success

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter   Carson McCullors  Themes of Loneliness, Isolation, and Frustration

 

Farenheight 451 by Ray Bradbury  Why are  freethinking ideas and a liberal spirit deemed dangerous in the novel.  Explain the role of the characters who represent these traits.