Ninth Grade First Semester Research Assignment

This collection focuses on the conflict and the tension between individuals and society--from the
individuals struggle to be a part of a society to a nations struggle to unite for a common cause.
Therefore, in your research paper, you will choose one of the following statements about society
and individualism and argue for its truth:
"Society exists only as a mental concept; in the real world, there are only
individuals." - Oscar Wilde
OR
"Society is the union of men and not the men themselves." -Montesquieu
Choose two texts from this collection, including the anchor text, and write an argument in which
you cite evidence from all three texts to support your claim.
Texts:
What Unites These States
The Gettysburg Address
The Oklahoma Bombing Memorial Address
Once Upon A Time
Rubric As you work through the research process, consider that your paper will be graded on
the Fayette County Rubric for Argumentative Writing. The rubric can be found on my website
under additional resources tab.

An effective argument should:

make a claim (thesis) and develop the claim (thesis) with valid reasons and relevant evidence
from the texts
anticipate opposing claims and counter them with well-supported reasons and relevant evidence
(refutation)
establish clear, logical relationships among claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence while
documenting evidence using MLA style parenthetical documentation
include an introduction, a logically structured body linked with transitions, and a conclusion
follow the conventions of standard written English and of the MLA stylebook
1. Analyze the Texts Reread the texts youve chosen and take notes about how the individual
Does he believe that freedom is given or that it must be demanded by the people? Pay attention
to specific details as you gather evidence from the text. Then review your two other texts, and
make notes on how the authors address the struggle between the individual and society.
2. Draft a possible thesis (claim) statement Decide which side of the argument you want
to support. Write a thesis statement that expresses your claim.

3. Draft Your Essay

Write a draft of your essay, following your outline.
Introduce your claim. Present your argument in an interesting way that will grab the attention
or your readers.
Present your reasons, evidence, and opposing claims in logically ordered paragraphs.
Be sure you have introduced all your quoted evidence in your own words.
Explain how the evidence from the texts support your thesis or claim. (Analysis)
Use transitions to clarify the relationships between claims and reasons, between reasons and
evidence, and between claims and counterclaims.
Write a conclusion that follows from and supports your argument.
Include an MLA Style Works Cited Page and Parenthetical Documentation
4. Improve Your Draft
Ask yourself these questions as you revise:
Is my introduction strong and confident? Will my readers be interested in finding out the
reasons for my position?
Have I presented both a claim and a relevant evidence to support it?
Have I acknowledged opposing claims and countered them with reasons and evidence?
Is my essay cohesive? Do I need additional transitions to make my connections clear?
Does my conclusion follow logically from the body of my essay and provide a solid ending?
Have I used formal English, avoiding slang and nonstandard English?
5. Exchange Essays
When your final draft is completed, exchange essays with a partner. Read your partners essay
and provide feedback. Be sure to point out aspects of the essay that are particularly strong, as
well as areas that could be improved.
Sign Up for A Draft Evaluation Conference
If at all possible, make time to come in and go over your draft with your teacher!
6. Final Draft
Submit your final draft of your research paper to Turnitin.com.
Below are the due dates for each part of the 1st Semester Research Paper. Make
sure to turn in each part of the research paper assignment for a total of 100 points.
Assignment:
Due Date:
Thesis statement/Outline (10 points)
November 4th
Sources/ MLA Works Cited Page (20 points)
November 6th
Rough Draft on Turnitin.com (20 points)
November 13th by 11:59 p.m.
Peer Edit/ Review on Turnitin.com (20 points)
November 17th by 11:59 p.m.
Final Draft on Turnitin.com (30 points)
December 4th by 11:59 p.m.