Research Paper

Introduction
Over the next two weeks we will be working on research papers. All work will be done in class and
turned in through Google Classroom. Your paper will be in MLA format and include a Works Cited page.
Important dates are:
**Monday, February 29: Your 3-point thesis is due. *Mrs. Kelly must check your thesis before you begin
typing.*
**Wednesday, March 2: Your outline is due. *Mrs. Kelly must check your outline before you begin
typing.*
**Monday, March 8: Your research paper is due.
Getting Started
You may choose one of the following writing prompts. You will read the articles provided in the newsela
text set to find information for your paper. You must have AT LEAST three sources for your paper.
1.

Take a common perception of bullying as your position. For example:

Kids will be kids, and bullying is a natural part of life.
Students can help stop bullying.
Ignoring bullying will make it go away.
Anyone can be bullied.
Research your position and create a thesis to prove OR disprove that position. Using the facts in
the articles, explain why your position is correct or incorrect.
2. Bullying can affect people for the rest of their lives. Describe the short-term and long-term effects
that bullying can have on a person. How can bullying affect a persons self-esteem and success as
a student and as an adult? Use facts from the articles to support your thesis.
3. Kids can be cruel is a pretty well-known statement. However, we have found that kids can also
be kind to each other. How can students and adults work together to reduce bullying at schools?
Use facts and examples from the articles to support your thesis.
The Points
The thesis statement is worth 5 points. Mrs. Kelly must read and approve your thesis statement before you
type your paper.
The outline is worth 20 points. Mrs. Kelly must read and approve your outline before you type your
paper.
The paper itself is worth 50 points and will be graded on the rubric attached.

Research Paper Rubric

Student Name:
CATEGORY
Ideas

Organization

Word Choice

________________________________________

4
There is one
clear, wellfocused topic.
Main idea
stands out and
is supported by
detailed
information.
There is a clear
topic sentence.

3
Main idea is
clear but the
supporting
information is
general. Has
some details
that support
the topic.

2
Main idea is
somewhat clear
but there is a
need for more
supporting
information.
Some details
are present but
might not
support the
main idea.
Has clear and
Has logical
Some
logical
organization.
organization is
organization.
Has a
present. Has a
Has a complete beginning,
beginning,
beginning,
middle, and
middle, and
middle, and
end. Is fairly
end, but may
end. Is very
easy to follow.
be unclear. Is
easy to follow.
Has order
difficult to
Has appropriate words and/or
follow at times.
order words and phrases. One or Order words
phrases.
two details are
are in the
out of order.
wrong place or
are used
incorrectly.
Has many
Uses some
Uses passive
strong verbs.
strong verbs.
verbs. Uses few
Has many
Uses some
adjectives and
strong
adjectives and
adverbs. A few
adjectives and
adverbs. Words words are used
adverbs. Words are used
incorrectly.
are used
correctly but do
correctly.
not make the
writing
interesting.

1
The main idea
is not clear.
There is a
seemingly
random
collection of
information.

Has little or no
organization.
Lacks a
beginning,
middle, or end.
Is difficult to
follow. Has no
order words or
phrases.

Has a limited
range of words.
Words are used
incorrectly.
Word choice
shows little
thought.

Conventions

Has minimal (1
or 2) errors in
grammar,
punctuation,
and mechanics.

Has few (3 or
4) errors in
grammar,
punctuation,
and mechanics.

Has some (5 or
6) errors in
grammar,
punctuation,
and mechanics.

Has multiple (7
or more) errors
in grammar,
punctuation,
and mechanics.

Works Cited

Information
from sources is
cited in the
appropriate
format. At least
3 distinct
sources are
referenced. All
sources are
listed on the
Works Cited
page in the
appropriate
format.

Information
from sources is
cited. 2-3
distinct sources
are referenced.
All sources are
listed on the
Works Cited
page in the
appropriate
format.

Information
from sources is
not cited in the
appropriate
format. 1-2
distinct sources
are referenced.
Sources listed
on the Works
Cited page are
not in the
appropriate
format.

Information
from sources is
not cited at all.
No distinct
sources are
referenced.
Works Cited
page is not
included.