English 10 Research

The To Kill a Mockingbird Research Paper:

Thinking About Social Commentary

THE TASK
Yes…you are going to write another research paper! However, this time there will be multiple parts to find research for; not only
will you have to identify a social critique being made by Harper Lee and how society treated the issue in the 1930’s, but you will
also have to provide evidence of how you’ve seen the flaw illustrated in the novel. Lastly, you will need to form an opinion
whether or not the critique being made by Lee has progressed, regressed, or remained the same by tracing the social issue from
the 1930’s to today’s society. Overall, this is a three part research assignment and each section has specific requirements. Also
important to know is that you will be responsible to present your research to the class. Don’t worry; you will be given plenty of
writing time and research time, as well as MLA instructional review throughout the course of the next few weeks. Good luck and
think with an open mind.

THE PROCEDURE
1. Choose a social flaw/topic Harper Lee has made apparent in her novel. You can go about your research in the order suggested
below, or you can choose an order that works best for you, but all work will be checked formally and informally.

2. Research the flaw/topic, see how it was in society during the 1930’s: What spurred Harper Lee to make the social
commentary she
has made?
1. This section must be 2 pages in length
2. This section must have at least 1 outside source used as evidence
*3. Compose an outline for this section of your essay (this will be checked to ensure you are making adequate
progress)

3. Identify and discuss the examples of how this social flaw was illustrated in To Kill a Mockingbird: Basically, what evidence can
you
provide to prove how this flaw was being commented upon by Harper Lee.
1. This section must be 3-4 pages in length
2. This section must have 3-4 examples/paragraphs to support the flaw is illustrated
2. This section can use To Kill a Mockingbird as the only source for documentation
3. This section, as a challenge, can incorporate a literary analysis essay using the Gale/Infotrac database
(this includes bonus points)
4. Compose an outline for this section of your essay (this will be checked to ensure you are making adequate
progress).

4. Opinion Section (This doesn’t mean using “I think” is okay): Here you will discuss whether or not you feel society has made
progress
with this flaw, has regressed, or has remained unchanged.
 1. This section must be 2-3 pages in length
2. This section must include at least two events/issues in society that help to defend your stance
3. This section must have 2 outside sources to provide documented evidence
4. Compose and outline for this section of your essay (this will be checked to ensure you are making adequate
progress).

5. Begin composing your ROUGH DRAFT. Remember, you will have 3 sections in your essay; you may separate each section
using the
Appropriate Roman Numerals.

6. After conferencing, self-editing, and peer review sessions, begin working on your final draft.

7. Begin preparing your oral presentation (see oral presentation guidelines at a later date)

Paper Requirements: Important Dates:

-MLA Format : Paper Assigned
-7-9 total pages in length (see specific req’s above) : Official Typed Outline Due (all 3 sections)
-double spaced, 12pt. font, Times New Roman/Twentieth Century : Rough Draft due
-MLA Citation Rules (for quoting, summarizing, and para- : Oral Presentations begin
Phrasing) : Final Draft due (yes, everything)
-MLA Work Cited page
-Everything you’ve read above

Stuff to Know:
Individual and group conferencing will be held.
Formal and informal check-ins for progress will occur.
Ample class time will be given—use it right!
After school help will be available (see my ________times)

Databases and Sources:

-Use Gale Infotrac (school access and home access)
-Use only CREDIBLE sources found on Google
-No Wikipedia allowed (you will suffer drastic consquences)