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10th grade English research paper: Home

For Ms. LaToya's class

Topic choices

From your semester exam essay, you will incorporate research into the following prompt:

"Discuss the differences in the characteristics of the types of literature written tin the time periods we have covered so far, The Puritan Era, The Age of Reason, and The Romantic Period."   

Research: how history impacts literature.

Search tips

■SELECT research questions and search tools.
■EXTRACT keywords and terms.  
■APPLY search strategies. (Example: using quote marks and boolean terms)
■RUN your search.
■CHART your search.
 
Source:  “Strategic Searching (6-8) | Common Sense Media.” Strategic Searching (6-8) | Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media, https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/lesson/strategic-searching-6-8.

Keywords

In order to get a successful search going, you are going to want to make a list of related words after you narrow down your topic. Ms. LaToya has suggested that you write your paper first and then insert the evidence to support it. You've got this done already since this is building on your Semester Essay Exam. So, for example, if you choose to add supporting evidence about the Puritan Era, you might want to narrow down the era to a specific event, like The English Civil War or use keywords words for your supporting evidence (i.e., "English Reformed Protestants" or "English Reformation"). The more keywords you can gather, generally, the better your results will be.

Wikipedia isn't a reliable source, but it can be a good place to get hints on keywords to use. If your initial search isn't turning up, make sure to try synonyms before giving up.

Citing Your Sources

Remember to use the tools that these sites both give you- save the sources so that the programs can format and alphabetize it for you. Make sure that you look over any autofilled-in information.

Databases

Passwords for Databases

Deadlines

  • Length of final paper should be 5-7 pages in MLA format
  • Must take first draft to writing lab DUE Wednesday, January 18th
  • Must include at least 5 in-text citations
  • Must use at least 3 outside/secondary sources—see Galileo or other library databases (Our in-class reading material may be used as primary resources, but you will need 2 additional sources.)
  • Must include a works cited page
  • Final Draft DUE Thursday January 26th to turnitin.com