Us History Paper

US History Paper This will be the major research project of the semester and will probably be different than any paper you have written. “To understand the historical importance of their topics, students need to ask questions about time, place, and context; cause and effect; change over time; and impact and significance. They ought to consider not only when and where events happened, but also why they occurred, what factors contributed to their development, and what effects they had on broader history.” A significant amount of time will be spent researching in the library and outside of class making the process just as important as the finished project, which will be a four to five page research paper. The research process will include: 1) Picking a History Day topic: Individual OR Innovation in History 2) Research using general secondary resources- i.e. Textbook 3) Locating specific (website or text) secondary sources and primary sources- i.e. newspaper article, diary, journal, pictures, ect. 4) Recording significant information on note cards 5) Formulating a thesis statement to answer the essential question 6) Analyzing information and drawing conclusions by adding to fact based note cards 7) Writing an outline for your paper with a strong thesis (approved by me). 8) Writing a paper using your outline 9) Write an annotated bibliography in APA format that describes how each of your sources was used. The final paper should be anywhere from 4-5 pages long plus an annotated bibliography that cites at least two specific secondary sources and one primary source for a total of three sources. The final project will be worth 100 points. Any plagiarism will result in an automatic failure on the assignment and an office referral. IDEAS This paper is clear and focused. It holds the reader's attention. Relevant anecdotes and details enrich the central theme. ORGANIZATION The organization enhances and showcases the central idea or theme. The order, structure, or presentation of information is compelling and moves the reader through the text. VOICE The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, and engaging. The writer crafts the writing with an awareness and respect for the audience and the purpose for writing. WORD CHOICE Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural way. The words are powerful and engaging. SENTENCE FLUENCY The writing has an easy flow, rhythm, and cadence. Sentences are well built, with strong and varied structure that invites expressive oral reading. CONVENTIONS The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions (e.g. spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing) and uses conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors tend to be so few that just minor touchups would get this piece ready to publish.

Week # 1

Week # 2

***Due by end of the hour*** (Nov.4th/5th) _____ Choose a Topic _____ Research background information _____ Choose or Create Essential Question by completing generator worksheet (turn in). _____/10 pts- Research Check # 1

***Due by end of the hour*** (Nov.11th/12th) _____ Locate specific secondary sources (2) _____ Locate specific primary source (1) _____ Start researching by taking notes on note cards _____/10 pts- Research Check # 2 –Turn in 20 note cards and a list of sources

Week # 3

Week # 4 (Lab Day)

***Due by end of the hour*** (Nov.18th/19th) _____ Continue note taking _____ Write Outline for paper _____/10 pts- Research Check # 3 – Turn in 10 more note cards and outline with THESIS!!!

_____ Organize note cards based on outline _____ Write annotated bibliography _____ Begin writing paper Eat lots of Turkey and continue to work on your paper if you have access.

Week # 5

Week # 6

_____ Use JAG time to put finishing touches on your paper. _____/10 pts- Research Check # 4 – Peer Editing. During class 2-3 students will edit your paper to make sure it meets the requirements.

_____ Over the weekend revise your paper and make any corrections needed.

***Paper is DUE by 3 p.m. on DECEMBER 8th*** ***NO EXCEPTIONS*** _____/40 pts _____/20 pts

Research Checks – As list above!!! Ideas and Content

_____/10 pts

Voice and Sentence Fluency

_____/10 pts

Word Choice and Conventions

_____/10 pts

Organization

_____/10 pts

Outline and Bibliography

_____/100

Total Points