English 102 Literary Research Essay Assignment First

English 102 Essay 4 Literary Research Essay Assignment First Drafty

English 102 Essay 4: Literary Research Essay Assignment (First Draft) Your last written assignment for this class is a 6 to 8-page, 1,500 to 1,800-word research essay on a current issue or an enduring question of your choice. The First Draft should be Five to Ten paragraphs in length and does not require the use of sources. You will use documented source material to support your essay’s thesis. One of your sources for this essay must be chosen from among the stories, poems, plays, or novel listed on our reading list (please see the Syllabus). A research essay presents and develops a thesis supporting multiple sources of opinion.

You stake out a subject narrow enough to be researched and you steep yourself in it. Then you formulate a thesis -- your own attitude or opinion on the subject -- and present it in a persuasive form, along with facts, opinions, and information that prove it true. You should use appeals and other methods to support your thesis, but you should also analyze each source you plan to use to support your thesis.

Paper For Above instruction

A research essay in English 102 requires a comprehensive approach that combines thorough research, critical analysis, and persuasive argumentation. In this context, selecting a relevant and engaging topic is the foundational step. The topic should be sufficiently narrow to allow in-depth exploration within the length constraints—6 to 8 pages or approximately 1,500 to 1,800 words. The choice of topic should also align with either a current issue or an enduring question, such as themes related to literature, societal impact, or philosophical debates. Incorporating imaginative literature sources from the syllabus, including stories, poems, plays, or novels, enhances the richness of the analysis and supports the development of a nuanced thesis.

The thesis statement is central to guiding the research and structuring the essay. It reflects the writer's own attitude or opinion on the chosen topic and should be clear, specific, and contestable. A well-crafted thesis provides a roadmap for integrating source material—whether factual, statistical, or opinion-based—and for conducting critical analysis of each source's contribution to the overall argument. Throughout the drafting process, the writer must evaluate sources critically, ensuring they are credible and relevant.

Documentation and proper citation are crucial components of academic integrity. The MLA style must be used for parenthetical citations and the Works Cited page. At least four sources are required: one book, one periodical article, one website, and one multimedia resource (such as a film, video, or visual art). The proper formatting of sources enhances credibility and allows readers to locate original materials easily. For instance, book citations follow the format: Author last name, first name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. Article citations include: Author last name, first name. "Title of Article." Name of Periodical, Date, pages. Website citations should provide the author (if known), the title, URL, and date accessed. Multimedia sources need to be cited with relevant details specific to the type of media.

Using quotations effectively is essential for integrating sources into the essay. Quotations should be introduced smoothly, and parenthetical page numbers should follow MLA guidelines. Proper analysis of quotations demonstrates critical engagement with sources and bolsters the writer's argument. For example, one might write: Kenneth L. Woodward, discussing the Virgin Mary, states that "the 20th century has belonged to Mary" (49). This demonstrates the integration of source material with analysis. The essay should include at least six pages of substantive writing, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs supporting the thesis, and a conclusion that synthesizes findings.

Developing a compelling research essay involves not only presenting information but also critically engaging with viewpoints, analyzing the significance of findings, and constructing persuasive arguments. The essay should be organized logically, with clear paragraph transitions and thematic consistency. Each paragraph should contribute a distinct point that supports the overall thesis, avoiding redundancy. Throughout the paper, clarity and stylistic finesse enhance readability and argumentative strength.

In summary, the research essay in English 102 demands careful topic selection, rigorous research, critical analysis, and meticulous citation. It is an opportunity to synthesize literary sources with scholarly research to explore meaningful questions. As you craft your first draft, focus on establishing a clear thesis, supporting it robustly with diverse sources, and presenting your ideas with clarity and scholarly rigor. Following these guidelines will help produce a compelling, well-supported research essay that meets academic standards.

References

  • Kingsolver, Barbara. The Bean Trees. HarperCollins, 1988.
  • Woodward, Kenneth L. "Hail, Mary." Newsweek, August 25, 1997, pp. 49-55.
  • Gilb, Dagoberto. Title of a relevant book. Publisher, Year.
  • Smith, Jane. "The Role of Literature in Modern Society." Journal of Literary Studies, 2020, pp. 100-115.
  • Marquez, Gabriel Garcia. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Harper & Row, 1970.
  • LeGuin, Ursula K. "Utopia and Dystopia." Science Fiction Studies, vol. 45, no. 3, 2018, pp. 255-270.
  • Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 2011.
  • Online source author. "Title of Webpage." Website Name, Publisher, Date of publication, URL. Accessed date.
  • Film or multimedia source. Director's Last Name, First Name, director. Title of Film. Studio or Distributor, Release Year.
  • O’Brien, Tim. The Things They Carried. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.

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