This research paper
assignment is structured around one major American writer.
The paper will include a
study of the writer, a study of the literary piece (or pieces), a study of the
specific time period in which this writer lived and wrote, a study of
historical implications, and a study of the writer’s literary style and
importance.
What is a research paper?
A research paper is an academic piece of
writing that requires analytical thinking. It is a work that attempts to prove
something using collected data and facts. Traditionally, there are three key
factors that make up a research paper: thesis, argument, and evidence. These
three keys are essential for the creation of a well-devloped paper. Your work
should attempt to argue an opinion about a subject using research (a
collection of facts, quotes, data, and other opinions).
A research paper is not...
-
a collection of all the sources you can
find on a topic.
-
a race to see how many sources you can
include, but rather whether your ideas are supported by the sources you use.
-
a review of all the information in a field
describing what's been said.
-
a personal essay like an editorial or a
newspaper column.
-
only what secondary sources say about your
topic.
What do I do next?
Read the information on
the page "What is American Literature?" to give you some background
information or to help you chose an author.