Research Essay Guidelines
Your essay must demonstrate your ability to write a well-researched topic of your choice in a coherent and logical manner using online and library sources as support.
Process
1. Choose the topic you would like to write your essay about.
2. Write an outline for your essay.
3. Prepare 4 sources related to your topic
a. Use one source from each of the following: website; newspaper or magazine article; academic journal article; and a book.
b. Have a copy of the information you will include in your essay. This will be the information which could be used to support your main points.
c. Prepare a reference list of all your sources.
Format
1. Essay
a. 3 to 4 pages (750-1000 words), excluding title page and reference list
b. Double spaced typed
c. 12-point, Times New Roman font
2. Title page
a. Research essay title, your name, and your student ID
3. Introduction (1 paragraph)
a. General Statements
b. Thesis Statement
4. Body (3 supporting paragraphs)
a. Each of the 3 body paragraphs should have 8-10 sentences.
b. You will use the sources you chose to support your main ideas. You must include at least 1 direct quote, 1 indirect quote, 1 paraphrase and 1 summary.
c. Each of the 3 body paragraphs must be supported from the sources (at least one citation per paragraph)
5. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
a. Re-statement of thesis / summary of main ideas
b. Final comment(s)
6. Reference list
a. List all references used (minimum of four sources).
b. Use APA style guide to cite sources and avoid plagiarism.