Grade 11-Research Based Writing
Literary Argument Essay
A literary based essay that proves a specific claim/thesis which synthesizes research based information with a primary source literary text
Expectations:
- 3-5 pages
- Have to have read through and annotated at least 5 sources
- All of these must be included in an annotated bibliography (Students must assess the strengths and limitations of each source and determine which sources are most relevant and appropriate to their argument)
- Students cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support original analysis
- At least one counterargument should be acknowledged in essay and if possible refuted
- No fewer than 3 sources cited in essay
- Citations should include both direct quotations and paraphrasing (using correctly formatted MLA parenthetical citations)
- Sources and their citations should be completely integrated within the body of the paper
- Organization should follow a logical order to aid the reader’s understanding of student argument
- Papers that include more secondary sources can exceed the standard
- Continues to synthesize primary and secondary source information
- Focus on craft of writing the essay—clear language, word choice, style, etc.
- Focus on use of transitions
- Requirements: MLA Format followed throughout; Some form of organization (outline/notecards/graphic organizers)
- Teacher generated topics—students may choose from these topics
- Students will research topics using databases and/or books
- Develop a research question that combines literary text and informational and/or literary analysis texts
- Students will complete a preliminary thesis and informal writing plan. Plan must be approved by teacher based on teacher’s requirements
Grade 12-Reseach Based Writing
Literary Argument Essay
Expectations:
- 5-7 pages
- Have to have read through and annotated at least 7 sources
- All of these must be included in an annotated bibliography (Students must assess the strengths and limitations of each source and determine which sources are most relevant and appropriate to their argument)
- Students cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support original analysis
- At least one counterargument should be acknowledged in essay and if possible refuted
- No fewer than 5 sources cited in essay
- Citations should include both direct quotations and paraphrasing (using correctly formatted MLA parenthetical citations)
- Sources and their citations should be completely integrated within the body of the paper
- Organization should follow a logical order to aid the reader’s understanding of student argument
- Papers that include more secondary sources can exceed the standard
- Continues to synthesize primary and secondary source information
- Focus on craft of writing the essay—clear language, word choice, style, sentence variation, parallel structure, sophistication of ideas and language
- Focus on use of transitions
- Requirements: MLA Format followed throughout; Some form of organization (outline/notecards/graphic organizers)
- Teacher generated topics—students may choose from these topics
- Students will research topics using databases and/or books
- Develop a research question that combines literary text and informational and/or literary analysis texts
- Students will complete a preliminary thesis and informal writing plan. Plan must be approved by teacher based on teacher’s requirements
