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English 110 - D. Starkey: Home

This guide provides search strategies and recommended resources for research in English 110 with David Starkey.

Research Help

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Your Assignment

Spring 2022

Your assignment

Write a 1500- to 2500- word (6-10-page) essay on a topic of your choice that makes an original argument and that relies on relevant and credible evidence from research to convince an audience that the argument is worth considering. (Important: Not all topics work well for a paper of this type, so please read my comments on your DIYs each week to ensure that you aren't headed in an unproductive direction.) Cite your sources in MLA style both within your essay and in a list of works cited at the end of your essay. A successful research essay presents a well-organized, well-supported response to a focused research question and demonstrates that the writer is participating in a research conversation. Sources are integrated effectively and correctly cited. See the end of chapter 15 in Hello, Writer for a range of possible research essay topics.

Aim to use 8-12 sources, at least one of which must be a scholarly (peer-reviewed) source. Keep in mind that sources can be used for a variety of purposes: to define terms, explain background information, present expert testimony, provide a counterargument, or give statistics or other data

Be sure to correctly document your citations using MLA 8th edition documentation and include a separate Works Cited page.

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More Research and Writing Help

If you need more help with your research, contact a librarian by chat, phone, email, or in person, or explore the library's online tutorials.

For writing help, contact the Writing Center in the Cartwright Learning Resources Center (CLRC). The Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring and a variety of helpful support materials.

Guide Creator

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Corrie Bott
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