1. ResearchThe research papers need to be well-researched. This means:Using authoritative sources (i.e., essays in academic journals and books written byscholars and experts, published by university presses). Please keep in mind that authoritative sources dont remain authoritative forever so recently published work is usually more authoritative. Thats because, if its done right, recent research includes a consideration of older research and either confirms, denies or modifies the conclusions of earlier scholarsDemonstrating familiarity with the range of scholarly views on the topic you have chosen. Dont rely on one or two main texts!Using as many sources to make your own point of view as authoritative as that of other writers. You need sources to support your arguments and to demonstrate to the reader that you know how other scholars have studied your topic. As a point of reference, the average academic essay of about 25 pages in length usually has around 80 sources in the bibliography. While I do not expect you to get that level of research, this should give you an idea of what it takes to make your point of view seem truly authoritative.Properly referencing and citing your sources. For this paper, you can use whatever referencing style (e.g., APA, MLA, etc.) with which you are comfortable. However, you must be consistent and use only one referencing style throughout the entire paper.2. Writing and OrganizationThe research papers need to be well written and clearly organized. This means:No careless spelling or grammatical mistakes! Take time to proofread your work. Better yet, get someone else (preferably someone who you know is a good writer) toproofread your work for you.Having a thesis statement near the beginning of your essay that clearly expressesthe point you are trying to prove in the paper.Having every paragraph relate to the overall thesis. For every paragraph youwrite, you should be able to answer the question, How does this paragraphcontribute to the development of my essay?Having a nice flow to your paper. Every sentence and every paragraph shouldconnect with each other in a logical order. As you write, ask yourself, How does this sentence or paragraph follow from the previous one? Does it seem disconnected or disjointed? If so, you may need to reorganize your thoughts.3. ArgumentationThe research papers must go beyond a simple review of the existing body of literature and offer an informed point of view backed with supporting evidence on the topic you have selected. This means:3. ArgumentationPutting forward an argument. That is, a conclusion drawn from a logical connectionof evidence. However, this does NOT mean you should act opinionated, angry ordismissive of other points of view.Knowing the distinction between an argument and opinion. Your argument startswith your opinion and remains your opinion even when you research and provide evidence. You are not trying to remove all trace of your own ideas and replace them with other ones. Instead, you should be trying to take your opinion and add the evidence and reasoning that will allow it to evolve into something compelling to other people, to give a forceful explanation of why this is your opinion in a way that will get others to agree with you.Presenting your point of view and showing that it is plausible and authoritative rather than just one opinion among many.
