Mr.
Gunnar
AP English Language and Composition
The AP English Language and Composition Research Paper Process
The Rationale: Many college courses require you to submit a major research project, a term
paper. Therefore, the knowledge of the research process and paper development can be an
invaluable tool for success after high school. Furthermore research and citation processes may
be addressed on the AP exam. In other words, even though you may be grumbling now, you will
thank me for this one day!
The Assignment: You will demonstrate your understanding of the research process by
submitting a 4 6 page research paper written in MLA format on a topic of your choice. You
will adhere to the MLA style with proper citations and a "Works Cited" page. You will use at
least 6 sources: 2 books, 2 Internet, and 2 "other" software, periodicals, etc. You will process
your final draft through Turnitin before submission.
The Method: We will approach the research process in stages and you will be required to
submit, subject to assessment and grading, evidence of the successful completion of certain
stages. Due dates for certain stages will be announced on my web page and in class. We will
devote a portion of each class period to the discussion of research methods and techniques,
citation, plagiarism, and paper formulation and organization.
Research Paper Process Checklist (Due dates T.B.A.)
_____ Choose topic, decide on purpose and audience; submit formal proposal
_____ Develop strategy and research plan
_____ Survey available materials; submit preliminary bibliography
_____ Narrow the topic through preliminary research
_____ Submit research question and hypothesis
_____ Obtain sources, develop working bibliography
_____ Submit working thesis and rough outline
_____ Read and evaluate sources, take notes
_____ Submit final thesis statement and outline (typed)
_____ Organize and prepare first draft
_____ Submit first draft for peer evaluation
_____ Evaluate peer responses
_____ Do further research, if necessary
_____ Revise draft
_____ Prepare "Works Cited" page
_____ Submit revised draft for peer evaluation
_____ Prepare final draft; proofread
_____ Process final draft through Turnitin
_____ Submit final draft
This paper will represent significant grade. It is imperative that you adhere to the schedule and
submit the required materials on time. Remember: process assignments earn no credit if
submitted late. Not only will you gain knowledge of your topic, but also you will develop a
greater understanding of research methods.
OVER PLEASE
Clarify What to Do
Choose a topic (and a backup topic). You may want to consider:
if are you interested in the topic;
if learning about the topic will help you in a course;
if learning about the topic will help you in a potential major;
if learning about the topic will help you in your career;
if your audience will be interested in the topic;
if your topic will meet my approval.
Do exploratory reading to see how your topic is being dealt with in the literature; focus
your topic.
Write a research proposal and a working outline.
The research proposal should include four things:
1. The principal purpose of the paper
2. The intended audience
3. A single-paragraph explanation of how you intend to approach the topic including
genre (argumentative, expository, analytical)
4. A working thesis statement or a research question
Gather Data
Create a working bibliography or list of resources
Gather all the resources available to you
Determine if there is enough information available to you on your topic.
Locate, Examine, Read, and Record Sources
Locate sources
Read quickly to find the best sources
Read and take notes
Optional: Conduct original research (e.g., interviews)
Organize for Writing
Reevaluate your notes and select those most relevant
Optional: Write the research paper in 30 minutes (a miniature version)
Turn the working thesis into a carefully worded thesis statement
Turn the working outline into a formal outline which grows out of the thesis statement
Gather more information on any sections that are too weak
Write
Write a rough draft
Revise: Make any major changes in areas such as ideas and organization
Edit: Check citations, Works Cited page, and format, as well as spelling, grammar, and
sentence structure.
Process the paper through Turnitin, a requirement of the assignment.
