Research Paper Rough Drafts

1. Research Paper Rough Drafts   

2. FIRST, • Circle all the “be verbs” • Am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been • Don’t worry about ones that are in quotations • Help change some of them.

3. NOW, • Go through and label each paragraph according to its content—they should be these, in this order: • History of the religion • Definition/description of God or Supreme Being as well as other spirits or angels • Evil and/or sin • Ways of worship/holy rituals (weddings, funerals, feasts, services) • Daily or secular expectations and behavior • Are there any special devout – nuns, monks, saints, ascetics, priests?

4. Next—checking sources • 7 sources (minimum) • 3 (maximum) Internet sources • 1 encyclopedia (maximum) • World Literature text (not required, but an option) • 1 personal interview (required)

5. Number your sources • Then go through the paper and indicate in the margins by number the first time you use each source.

6. Variety • Check sentence beginnings—read the first 4-5 words of each sentence—is there variety? • Is there a variety of sources used in each paragraph?

7. Quotations • Are the quotations relevant? • Do they add to the narrative or seem random? • Are they integrated as part of the sentences? • Are they 20-ish % of the paragraphs? • Does each have a parenthetical citation?

8. The introduction • Should begin with a sentence about the religion that is interesting and relevant. • Should discuss the influence / spread / importance of this religion • Should have a thesis about the influence of the religion in the world today.

9. The Conclusion • For the conclusion, write your own thoughtful analysis of the strengths of the tradition you researched and how it benefits or supports the cultures in which it is found. This part of the paper will be your informed, authoritative opinion, and so may be written in first person.