Thanks to Bill Watterson for his wonderful cartoon, "Calvin and Hobbes"

List of Topic Ideas - Trying to think of an idea for a general topic for your Fall Semester Term Paper? Check out this list of ideas compiled by former students. You might find something you like. If you have any other ideas let me know. I will add them to the list.

Fall Research Paper 2009 - Directions for the term paper will posted by Thursday 17Dec.

Fall Research Paper Rubric 09 - The rubric will be posted here by Thursday 17Dec.


Below are links to the worksheets we will be using to complete each step of the Term Paper.

What is a Thesis? This is a presentation that we used in class to explain what a thesis statement is and, just as importantly, what it is NOT. This presentation may be refined in the future.

Thesis Development Worksheet - This worksheet should be downloaded and filled in electronically. It requires the thesis and the three supporting arguments you will make in your term paper. This will form the basis for your opening paragraph.


Facts and Sources Worksheet: Fill in this sheet with your topic, thesis, three main supporting arguments and ten facts to help you prove your supporting arguments. Make sure to include the sources from which you found those facts / quotes. Remember, you need at least FIVE separate sources for this paper.


Research Paper Outline Template: Download this page. Use it as a template to do your outline. Do it electronically and then print it when done.

Easybib.com - A great site to help you put together your Works Cited page. As long as you have all of the required information, this site will help to put it into the correct format. Please Use It!. Make your life easy.


A Sample Term Paper: This is a copy of a term paper that was turned in a couple of years ago. It is not perfect, but it is "pretty doggone good." It can give you a good idea of how an "A" paper should look and read.

Oral Presentation Directions: I will post this as soon as I edit it.

Oral Presentation Rubric: This is the standard WHS Social Studies Department Oral Presentation Rubric. I will use it to grade the oral presentations in January. I will get you more information on this part of the project as we go.


Mr. J's "How to Write" Page: This is a link to take you to the How to Write page on the left side of your screen.

How to Cite Sources - this link will take you to a page explaining how to do in text citations. CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WEBSITE. It will walk you through everything from how to conduct research, how to do in text citations, when to cite things, how to do a Works Cited page and many other invaluable lessons. USE THIS SITE WHEN WRITING RESEARCH PAPERS.