9H Research Paper
Short Story Author Biography
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The following is a list of the due dates and an explanation of
the research paper that your son/daughter will be working on between now and
winter break, in addition to other classwork we will be doing. A portion
of the work for your son/daughter’s research paper will be done during class
time, and a portion is to be done on his/her own time. This project will
constitute 30% of the 2nd marking period average and 20% of the final exam
grade. Please sign the bottom of this letter after you have read the
explanation so I know you are aware of this project and all the due dates; it
will count as a homework grade for your child. Thank you for your
cooperation and support!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Mancini
DUE DATES:
Paper Topics (Author’s name) chosen
in class, Tues. 11/10
Library Research in class,
Thurs. – Weds. 11/12-11/18
Works Cited Page draft due Mon.
11/23 10 points
30 Note Cards due Weds.
12/2 10 points
Outline
Mon. 12/7 10 points
Original Short Story FC due Fri.
12/11 20 points
Rough Draft (at least ½ complete) Mon.
12/14 10 points
Complete, edited rough draft
and typed Final Copy w/ works cited page Mon.
12/21 40 points
**There are NO EXCEPTIONS regarding each due date. If
the work is not handed in on time, credit on that part of the project will be
lost. Students may not re-submit any part for a higher grade. If problems
arise students should come to me to clear them up as soon as possible. Any
portion may be submitted early.
**Please keep in mind that printer emergencies may be solved
via email to: rmancini@acsdny.org
**In the event of snow on a due date, the assignment due date
will default to the next day that school is in session. Please check
the class website if you are unsure.
………………………………………………………………………………………
I have read the 9th Grade Research Paper
explanation. I am aware of the project and its due dates.
Student’s Name _____________________________________________
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________
Research Project – Short Story Author Biography
Part 1 – Topic Approval -- NOVEMBER 10TH
Only one person per class may research each author, so be sure
to have a second and third choice handy in case your first choice is taken.
Part 2 – Library Research (5 days) – NOVEMBER 12-18TH
We will be spending 5 days in the library. During this time
you should collect information for your works cited page and note cards. Make
sure you have a system to keep track of which facts came from which source!
This may also be a good time to check out a book of short stories written by
your author.
Part 3 – Works Cited Page (draft) – NOVEMBER 23RD
A. You
should have at least FIVE sources. (Assign them each a number to make your
note cards easier):
-1 magazine/newspaper article from a database
-2 book sources
-1 internet source
(maximum)
-1 of your choosing (book, magazine/newspaper article,
computerized
database—but NOT internet)
*The 3 short stories you choose to read as
part of the project must be listed on
your works cited page, but do not count as
one of the above sources.*
B. Use
the sheets provided by the library to write down your source information.
When you have your list of books/sources, arrange them on in MLA format to
create a works cited page. We will have a separate lesson and packet on how
to do this correctly. Make sure you follow the MLA format in the examples on
the top of your library sheets.
C. Check
punctuation: You will lose points for errors.
D. Your
works cited page will be returned to you with corrections. A revised final
copy of the works cited page must be submitted on 12/21 along with the final
copy of your research paper.
Part 4 – 30 Note Cards – DECEMBER 2ND
A. Read
your sources carefully and take notes about your person on index cards.
Outline or paraphrase the information from each book or article. If you want
to use a direct quote, make sure you put the words that are not your own into
quotation makes, and take note of the page number where you found it. Be
careful not to plagiarize!
B. The
information about your author will be written into a formal research essay.
This essay will be 4-5 pages typed, so get as much information as you can.
C. Use
the Biographical Essay sheet in this packet to guide your research.
D. You
should have a minimum of 30 note cards of information.
E. Be
sure each card has a source number, topic, and page number on it.
Part 5 – Outline – DECEMBER 7TH
A. From
your note cards, write an outline using standard roman
numerals/letters/numbers to organize your information into paragraphs and plan
your essay.
Part 6 -- Original Short Story – DECEMBER 11TH
You should have begun your work on your short story during the
week of October 26th, in the computer lab, using the inspiration
and organization packet to help guide, organize, and give you ideas along the
way. At this point you will have had 7 weeks to work on your short story
outside of class. You story may be about any topic and can be any length. It
is worth 20 points of the 100 in the research paper. You should go through
several drafts of your story, eliminating all spelling and grammar errors and
making it as polished as possible. I am looking forward to reading your
story; make it a page-turner!
Part 7 – Rough Draft of Research Paper – DECEMBER 14TH
Please bring to class your research paper rough draft on this
day. At this point you should have at least half of it completed, and will
receive the full 10 points as long as you do. Please refer to the outline
sheet in this packet to be sure you have included all required/relevant
information. Your rough draft may either be typed or handwritten.
Part 7 – Research Paper Final Draft – DECEMBER 21ST
A. On
this day you should hand in your completed, edited rough draft, your
typed final copy, and your final works cited page. Please use Times New
Roman size 12 font, double-spaced with 1” margins. Please number your pages
as well. A cover page is optional and not required.
B. All
writing must be done in MLA format.
PLAGIARISM WARNING: You MUST cite
information from library books and include the names and pages of the books
you used—your works cited page takes care of this. Any paper
that does not give proper credit to its sources will automatically receive a
failing grade.