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 touch-
ups 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 _____ Over the weekend revise your paper and make
paper. any corrections needed.
_____/10 pts- Research Check # 4 – Peer Editing.
During class 2-3 students will edit your paper to make
sure it meets the requirements.

***Paper is DUE by 3 p.m. on DECEMBER 8th***

***NO EXCEPTIONS***

_____/40 pts Research Checks – As list above!!!

_____/20 pts 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