Research Paper: Introduction Paragraph

To all my students:

You have started to write your actual research paper.  When it comes to the Introduction Paragraph this can either make or break your paper.  If you are not excited or passionate about your topic it will show in your introduction.

Remember the following:
1. Use a good attention grabber.  You can start with a quote that is related to your topic.  You can write a scenario or story that illustrates your topic.  You can start with a question or statistic that is dealing with your topic.
2.  Do not use first person.  You must remain neutral.  If you start using "I", "me", "myself" it will lead you to sound more biased and that is something you do not want in a research paper.
3.  Do not include too many details or get into your actual information.  Your introduction should be general information regarding your topic.  Leave the details for the body paragraphs.
4.  Your last sentence should be where you make it clear what you will be arguing in your paper.  You should pick a side.

Introduction paragraphs will be due TYPED, 12 point font, double spaced on
November 19th for Periods 1,3,5
November 20th for Periods 2,4,6

*Save your work on your computer or USB so that you do not have to retype it later for the final draft.

Extra Credit Opportunity

Since we are doing sonnets, I thought I would make the extra credit related to sonnets.

1.  Memorize a sonnet.  You can either recite it to the class or recite it to me during lunch or after school.
2.  Write your own sonnet.  You can either follow the Petrachan format or the Shakespearean format.  Please do not go online and print someone else's sonnet.  (If I find your sonnet to be plagiarized we are going to have problems.)

Or if you bring in an item for the Thanksgiving Baskets I will give you extra credit.
Only bring items from the list below:
•         2 cans of green beans

•         2 cans of corn

•         2 cans of black beans

•         Bag of rice

•         Box of mashed potatoes

•         Can of yams/sweet potatoes (large)

•         Bag of marshmallows

•         Box of stuffing

•         2 jars of gravy

•         Apple juice (family size, 64 oz.)

•         Pumpkin pie crust

•         Pumpkin pie filling

•         Chicken broth

•         Holiday paper goods and utensils for 8

You will have until November 21st to submit either one of the options for the sonnets or a Thanksgiving basket item.

Sonnet Assignment

Periods 1,2,3,5,6:

In class you selected a number, which represents one of Shakespeare's sonnets.
You can find your sonnet at the following website  http://www.shakespeares-sonnets.com/
 or you can just use google.

1.  You can either print out your sonnet or write it out.
2.  You need to break down the structure of the sonnet like you did in class.  (Label the quatrains and couplet, label the rhyme scheme)
3.  Using the imagery from your poem create a collage.  (The pictures can be drawn by hand, printed out or cut out from magazines.)

Due: November 12 for Periods 2 & 6,  
November 13 for Periods 1,3,5

Happy Halloween!

Just a few reminders for next week:

1.  Remember to put your clocks back an hour this Saturday night.
2.  Tuesday, November 4th is no school.  If you are registered to vote -- Go Vote!
3.  You need to continue to gather sources for your research paper.
You need a minimum of 5 sources.  Here is the process you should follow when taking notes on your sources:

• Write the title of your source/article at the top of your paper.
• Write a paragraph summary of your article.
• Write 5 quotes from your article that you would be able to use in your research paper.
• Explain how your article would strengthen your research paper.  (For example, would it make your argument stronger or give examples of the point you are trying to make in your paper.)

4.  Extra Credit -- Show registration for SAT or ACT test.  
Show passing score on the SAT (Reading 440) or ACT (Reading 19)
5.  No School on Tuesday, November 11th -- Veteran's Day

Have a safe Halloween!