assignment

To complete this research paper requirement, you must submit a paper of 3-5 pages using AT LEAST four researched pieces of literary criticism and historical and/or biographical influences on your selected short story. This paper must be submitted on the assigned date. The process of writing a research paper is similar to the process of analyzing literature, which we have done in class over the school year. To do literary research successfully, you will need to follow the instructions exactly. All phases of this project will be explained thoroughly and separately. You must complete each phase on time to be prepared for the one that follows. Absenteeism will create problems. Do all in your power to be present daily.

Materials:

 * 3x5 lined index cards (different colors are suggested)
 * Loose-leaf paper
 * Research folder or one inch binder
 * Highlighter
 * Money for photocopying

After you have read three short stories, choose one for further research. Explicate using the format below (an additional worksheet will be provided).

 * 1) Read closely and state the theme of the story in one concise sentence. You may use one of the themes common to many works of fiction that were shared with you or come up with your own.
 * 2) Identify two literary techniques the author uses to develop that theme (explication worksheet will help here).

Phase 4 Research: Bibliography Cards and Note Cards - Due April _______
===When you have finished the first four phases of this assignment, I will begin instructing you on how to research and how to create bibliography cards and note cards. These note cards will **support** your original literary criticism and add to your understanding of the author's life and/or the time period in which the story was written.===

Phase 5: Thesis Statement and Outline
We will spend class time creating a thesis statement and then using that statement you will complete a detailed outline.

Phase 6: Rough Draft including Works Cited
We will spend some class time editing and revising our papers. You will learn how to write a Works Cited page.

Phase 7: Final Paper
The final paper will be 3-5 pages in length and will include a works cited page and proper documentation within the paper. Please have your parents sign this assignment sheet so that I know they are aware of our goals.

Parents:
In order for your child to receive full credit on the final paper he/she must:
 * Complete the assignment on time.
 * Type the research paper in Times New Roman and twelve-point font.
 * Double space without any excess lines at the beginning or throughout the paper.
 * Put short story titles in quotation marks and book titles in italics.
 * Eliminate all contractions and abbreviations.
 * Use the correct homonyms (for example: their, there, they're, than and then, whether and weather, and threw and through, etc.)

Parent's Signature: Date: Print name:

Contact Information:
School phone number: 463-7810 E-mail address: Joyce.West@spackenkillschools.org