ITS TERM PAPER TIME

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ITS TERM PAPER TIME!
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What is a term paper?
Remember the RRAM!
Read Research
Analyze Make Conclusions
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STEP 1 Finding a book...

• Must be at least 150 pages
• No American or British authors
• No students can have the same book
• Choose from author list or speak with
  Mrs. Besnard/Mrs. Troxler

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Helpful Hints in Book Hunting...
PLAN!
THINK!
1. Find a book that has lots of information on
it! This will be VERY beneficial! 2. Find a
book with a subject that captures your interest
or that will intrigue you. 3. Find a book ASAP
start reading - You have one week to change
books!
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STEP 2 Read...
Read whenever you have a free moment! Make
time in your schedule! Take notes as you read.
This will help you with your paper. Start
formulating ideas. Use post-it notes to mark
literary techniques, good quotes, etc. You will
thank yourself later!
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STEP 3 Research...

• Find reliable, accurate info.
• Write down complete source info.
• Find detailed background info. for author,
  influences on the author (historical factors),
  and detailed criticism from published author
• Check early! Sometimes research means a trip to
  Chico State!

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STEP 4 Outline ideas for paper...
Its just plain smart to formulate your ideas
before tackling the beast! I. Outline what
you will say A. in your intro. Be
catchy! B. Plan out info. and examples.
II. Write out quotes with source. A.
Use outline as a guide!
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STEP 5 Write paper...
There are four elements that should
be covered in your paper. Do Not section
off these parts (i.e. Summary, Literary
Techniques).
The four elements of the paper
are Summary Background Info. Criticism Lite
rary Techniques
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Summary...
Brief, but clearly demonstrates that you read
and understood the literature Discusses the
characters, plot, conflict(s), climax,
resolution, etc. Do not use someone elses
words, Cliffnotes, or Internet summaries. It is
obvious! You will be questioned on your
knowledge and understanding!
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Background Information...
You must provide info. about the author of the
literature and elements that served as motivation
and/or inspiration. The following is some of
what should be included Where is the author
from? What time period? Give interesting
points about this persons life, such as
hardships endured. What were some motivations
for his/her writing? What is this person best
known for (lit. tech. literature)? Awards?
What was occuring historically that could be
crucial?
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Literary Techniques...
You must correctly identify 3 different literary
techniques and provide 2 examples for each from
your literature.
For example 2 examples of foreshadowing 2
examples of surrealism 2 examples of dramatic
irony
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Literary Techniques Continued...
For each of the 3 identified techniques you must
do each of the following 1. Define and discuss
the technique being used. 2. Give 2
specific examples of this technique from
the literature. Use quotes and
explain! 3. Give insight to why you think the
author choose to use this technique.
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Criticism...
You must combine your criticism with that of a
published critic.
The following must be included What did you
enjoy about the piece? What did you dislike?
How would you change it? How could this piece be
improved upon? Give specific insights from the
critic. (good bad!) Do you agree/disagree
with the critic? Use quotes!
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STEP 6 Check MLA format...
MLA Modern Language Association You will use
this format (citations, headers, page layout,
etc.) for all formal papers in this class and in
college courses.
Word to the Wise Listen carefully as this is
reviewed in class. Rely heavily on the handouts.
Pay attention to the details (i.e. period
placement, commas, order, etc.).
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STEP 7 Check spelling grammar...
Use spell check, but remember, it does not catch
everything! Have friends, family, teachers
proofread for you! Seek help from me if you need
it!
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Final Tips...
Bring in a draft and seek help long before due
date! Turn paper in on due date - NO LATE
PAPERS! NO EXCEPTION! Do not procrastinate!
Your paper tells the truth! Do your own work.
Consider this the warning. It only gets ugly
from here. Ask questions!
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One Note on the No-Win Situation...
Not reading is NOT an option. Not writing your
own paper is NOT an option. Plagiarism is
considered using someone elses words, whether
directly or indirectly, without giving the
individual credit through proper
citation. Plagiarism will result in a 0/150
points a school referral. There is zero
tolerance!