DC English 1301- Composition I Dr. Chavez: Home

Start planning your project with this research planner

Step 1: Follow this to better understand our project

Step 2: Select your topic and make a plan 

Step 3: Gather information

Step 4: Record and organize facts 

Step 5: Create a presentation 

The Essay:

• The finished submitted draft should be 5 full pages.
•  No essay should exceed 7 pages.
•  Correct MLA format is required (MLA formatting errors will result in a failing grade).
•  No cover page.
•  In-text citations and a Works Cited page are both required for your paper to earn a passing grade. (Remember, in-text citation requires the use of signal phrases and parenthesis!)
• No categories/subsections – paragraph format only.
• ‘Recycling’ a paper from a previous class/assignment is not allowed.
•  Only 1 block quote allowed (I prefer you use zero).

An annotated bibliography is a Works Cited or References page which also includes a brief summary and evaluation of each selection. It generally follows a certain format (MLA, APA, or another citation style), but always contains citations followed by descriptions. The annotated bibliography can also be used as an instrument for keeping track of both references and research.

An annotated bibliography entry should contain:

• Citation: In this case, in MLA format.
• Summary: Which briefly reviews the content of the source.
• Reflection: Which shows how this source might be useful in your essay.
• Evaluation: Which indicates why this source is particularly reliable or trustworthy.

Visit this link for more details and examples

English 1301- Composition I

Dr. Daniel Chavez 

English 1301- Composition I

email: dchave25@sisd.net

Office hours by appointment

What is a research-supported essay?

You are responsible for researching and reading on a subject (of your choice, with my approval). Select a topic over an interest you have or something you would like to learn more about.

The Assignment:

•  Remember, this is an informative essay – it is not a persuasion on a broad topic (like abortion or gun control or universal health care, etc.). Be specific with your topic choice; the more specific, the easier the researching will be.
• This is a thesis-driven essay, not a dump of outside information. Do not bombard your reader with quote after quote after quote. Summarize and paraphrase (and cite!) your sources as best you can. Be very selective with direct quotes. More on this later.
• Third person voice is required for this formal, academic essay. No first or second person allowed.
• The most frequent problem that students have with this assignment is allowing the sources to take over the essay and failing to explain the information from the sources and how it relates to other sources and especially to their own thesis.
• In short, you should be able to remove the source material from your essay and still have the framework of an effective paper.
• You should use quotes, paraphrases, and summaries from your sources. Remember, you must choose your source information wisely and be able to follow up with your own thoughts (what does the quote mean) in your writing.
• Generally, you should avoid using long quotations – remember, choose wisely. Important longer passages should be summarized or paraphrased to keep your ideas/words as the focus of the essay. Only one block quote allowed (if you use one at all).
• Be careful to properly credit and cite all IDEAS, WORDS, and FACTS that come from outside sources. Accidental plagiarism is another frequent problem that students have with this assignment. More on plagiarism consequences soon.

In summary, take just one focused topic and use as much explanation as you can and as much source information as you need to discuss the topic and to explain it to your audience. When picking a topic, settle on something that’s fun, important, or of interest to you – it will be make all your researching more interesting!

The narrower your topic choice, the better! Don’t bite off more than you can chew!

Source Requirements for the Essay:

•  Four ACADEMIC sources required, minimum. Your sources must include at least 2 database articles. The other 2 sources are your choice – as long as they’re academically sound.
• You may have more than 4 sources if you so choose; limit yourself to 7 sources, if possible – don’t let your sources take over.
• Works Cited page is in addition to the 5-page requirement.
• No Wikipedia allowed.

Other Reminders:

• No late work will be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Important: Save your rough draft. You must submit this along with your final version for grading.

A Word on Plagiarism:

• Any plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the course – automatically.
• If you have any questions on how to cite in your paper or how to make an entry on a Works Cited page, be sure you ask me at least 24 hours before the final due date!