ESL 160: Research Paper Assignment

ASSIGNMENT:

Choose a topic related to any of the topics we’ve discussed in class this semester. After deciding the focus of your topic, look up information on it. You must use at least 4 resources for your information. Try to find different views on the issue to help you analyze it in depth. Your analysis of the topic should include a clearly stated thesis. The paper must be at least 6 pages in length (12 font), including the source page.

This assignment will be equivalent to 2 essay grades. No academic dishonesty will be tolerated. If any part of your research paper is plagiarized, it will not receive a passing grade.

You must turn in both the hard copy and an electronic copy of the paper. The due date is May 4, 2009. Absolutely no late papers will be accepted, not even for a lower grade!

SOURCES:

You must use at least 4 sources of information. This may include the article in our text where you got your topic idea. Your sources may include books, newspaper articles, magazines, or internet sources. If you use internet sources, they must come from valid journalistic, academic or scientific web sites, not from personal blogs or commercial sites. Use resources that support your opinion. Don’t copy the opinion of the author of the resource article. You must provide accurate documentation for all your sources throughout your paper, with a "Works Cited" page at the end. You will receive more information on how to do this in a later handout.

Due Dates:

Topic and thesis: March 24 (by e-mail) – 10 points (must be approved by me)

Introduction and Outline: April 14 (hard copy only) – 50 points

Final paper: May 4 (hard copy and by e-mail) no late papers will be accepted – 150 points