ENG 101 Research Essay: Project Directions

ENG 101 Research Essay Project

Project Goals

Investigate a social issue presented in a text reading
Understand how research supports writing
Learn how to use library databases
Learn how to evaluate sources
Use MLA format for Works Cited (.rtf file)
Integrate and cite sources in an essay (parenthetical citations)
Apply appropriate writing strategies

Related Pages

QCC Alden Library
Sources for research (arranged by themes)

Directions for Work Cited entry (MLA) (.rtf file)
Directions for Internet source (.rtf file)
Sample Works Cited list
Preparing Bibliographic Citations: MLA (PDF file) by Fyiane Nsilo-Swai
MLA Formatting and Style Guide-Purdue OWL
Research and Documentation Online-Citing sources

Assignment	Due
Topic	Nov. 6
Post citations for 2 sources to discussion	Nov. 15
Annotated bibliography final (8 sources with annotations)	Nov. 20
Post summary of one source to discussion	Nov. 29
Research report	Dec. 6

This project includes

library orientation and follow-up
an annotated bibliography (see directions),
an essay (research report) narrating your research experience and summarizing what you have learned

Choose sources that help you understand the ethics and opposing arguments about a social issue in the course readings.

Your eight sources must include:

2 sources from the course text
2 sources from the ENG 101 Sources for Research list
4 additional reliable sources found through the EBSCO or Infotrac databases

Format

Use Courier (or Courier New) 12-point font, one-inch margins, and double spaced paragraphs. Use the required heading on the opening page and provide a descriptive title, centered under the heading, for the project. Use a header at the top right of each page with your name and the page number.

Questions to guide you in composing the essay

Why did you choose the topic? What did you want to learn?
What did you learn about the research process? (You may include any problems.)
What surprised you?
What were your most important findings?
Which sources were most valuable and why?
How do you now understand the ethics and opposing arguments for this issue?

Citations and Works Cited

In this essay cite at least four of the eight sources according to MLA documentation.
Integrate the quotations or paraphrased passages carefully in your writing.
Resubmit the annotated Works Cited list at the end of your essay.