In addition to the 8-10 pages, the paper should have an outline, cover page, and MLA style work cited page (double spaced). If the paper lacks an outline or cover page, it is a ten-point deduction (if it lacks both, twenty points are deducted). If the paper lacks a work cited page, it is a fifteen-point deduction. If the paper lacks a work cited and in text citation it is forty-point deductions. The paper must be in MLA style. An incorrect work cited page can lead to a two to ten-point deduction and incorrect in text citation can add up. I take off two points every time a needed citation is not done.

Students must use at least six sources. Only two sources may be from the Internet. Please note that accessing the library's database or an online version of a print source (such as the The New York Times) does not count as an Internet source. Sources should be as recent as possible and varied. In other words, do not just use newspaper articles; use magazines and books as well. Using correct sources is part of the grade. You actually need to do research. If a student uses more than two Internet sources, there is a twenty-point penalty unless there are a large number of non-internet sources. This does not include online versions of print sources. No extensions are given for the research paper. You cannot hand the paper in late. You must come in on December 21 and hand it in. The final draft for the research paper cannot be emailed and must be handed in to the teacher. The research paper must be submitted to Turnitin.