Leonard: Research Paper Specifications
__should be between 1500-2000
words, approximately 4.5 pages (not including works cited)
__should contain a title,
introductory paragraph (two is acceptable if historical or explanatory
information is needed), and a full concluding paragraph
__thesis should explicitly express
what angle (your stance) you will be arguing about the topic
__should altogether contain AT
LEAST three regular body paragraphs (more is acceptable and recommended)
__should contain at least one
paragraph that includes a concession of one point to the opposition (this means
that you must show that there is another way of looking at the issue—the
opposition’s side) and a rebuttal of that concession (politely tearing down the
opposition’s point of view)
__should contain at least 4 (no more than 6) credible sources that are
used effectively throughout the paper (no abstracts, encyclopedia / dictionary
/ wiki sources, pro-con.org or other listing sources, personal blogs)
__CAN contain an
additional, ”fluffy” source (if approved by instructor)—this source will NOT be
counted as one of the 4 credible sources and should only be used as an
attention-getting device in the intro (or, perhaps, conclusion)
__should contain
proper citation for both paraphrases and direct quotations (You must use both
in this paper. 2 times each)