The research paper


For a good overview of the research paper go to Purdue's Online Writing Lab.

Write an analytical research paper of approximately 1,500 words which incorporates at least seven sources which have been published since August, 2008.  One of these sources must be an interview with an "expert."  The paper must be based on your own inquiry questions, and on a topic you've been composing on Youth Voices.  Use MLA format.  The paper is due Monday, April 6.
"To analyze means to break a topic or concept down into its parts in order to inspect and understand it, and to restructure those parts in a way that makes sense to you. In an analytical research paper, you do research to become an expert on a topic so that you can restructure and present the parts of the topic from your own perspective."

Research Papers: Types of Research Papers



An important point to remember is that research paper isn't just a summary of existing research.  The final product will be a unique and appropriate integration of evidence you have located outside yourself and your own personal insights.  You are a contributer to the academic discourse on your topic, not just a consumer of the existing information.
Writing a research paper involves (1) first familiarizing yourself with the works of "experts"--for example, on the page, in cyberspace, or in the flesh through personal interviews--to build upon what you know about a subject and then (2) comparing their thoughts on the topic with your own.

Research Papers: What is a Research Paper?



possible topics (from recent posts on Youth Voices)

For Thursday, 3/12: list and categorize all your posts.  Read Purdue's tips for writing research papers.  Write your research question in the Google Doc you shared with Mr. Sloan.