HONORS WORLD HISTORY
Biography Research Paper
Do research and write a 3-4 page paper of a famous person’s life.
The assigned thesis for this paper is to provide a central argument as to what makes this person a central figure in World History from 1914-1989.
Sub-topics in support of the assigned thesis may include:
· people who influenced the person
· obstacles or challenges the person faced
· good and bad decisions the person made
· awards or achievements of the person
· unknown or interesting details
Sources:
1 book or part of a book (should be biography which was read over summer)
1 magazine article or reference work article
1 internet source – check with Mr. Lukasko – make sure source is reliable
1 other source of your choice
Outline
Introduction
Multi-paragraph body of paper with citations (MLA Format)
Conclusion
Works cited page
*Must be typed, double-spaced
*Due:
*Note – assignment may be very similar to Honors English. Some of you may only have to make changes or additions for biography paper in that class.
HONORS WORLD HISTORY – RUBIC
Biography Research Paper
Score: Points Possible:
_____ 10 Introduction – Thesis, topics to cover, points to make
_____ 20 Clearly defined points – Sub-topics analysis
_____ 20 Research and Works Cited page – appropriate use of
research in paper body
_____ 10 Spelling and Grammar
_____ 10 Length of paper (3-4 pages)
_____ 10 Conclusion – Summary of points
_____ 10 Format – MLA Style – Mr. Lukasko requirements
_____ 10 Citation of sources – appropriate and required sources
_____ 10 Outline
__________ Total Score
*110 points possible
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Biography Research paper keys:
1. All research papers should have a thesis or key argument you are trying to make.
2. YOU MUST CITE YOUR SOURCES IN A RESEARCH PAPER! Otherwise your paper has a weak thesis and may be somebody else’s work. Plagiarism is theft. Create your own work and take pride in it. USE MLA FORMAT.
3. PAPERS MUST BE 12 POINT.
4. PAPERS MUST BE TIMES NEW ROMAN PRINT.
5. PAPERS SHOULD HAVE NO WASTED SPACE. One title page, one inch margins (Microsoft Word already has these if you do not change them). 3-4 PAGES!
6. PAPERS MUST BE TYPED.
7. PAPERS MUST BE DOUBLE-SPACED.
8. WORKS CITED PAGE SHOULD BE ACCORDING TO MLA FORMAT.
9. Papers should have an introduction in which thesis is stated and a conclusion in which you summarize your points and analysis.
10. Pages should be numbered – page one at the bottom, other pages to right corner usually two inch margins.
11. A paragraph is at least three to five sentences; make new paragraphs when you have a subject or topic change. Never make one page just one paragraph.
12. FULFILL SOURCE REQUIREMENTS AS DESCRIBED ON ASSIGNMENT SHEET.
13. Avoid vague or slang phrases, such as “etc.” “Kicking the Bucket,” or “Cool.” If you do use them, explain what you mean by them.
14. Do not use first person. Makes a research paper weak. Particularly using words like, “I think” or “In my opinion.”
15. Avoid introducing points and not explaining them or supporting them with research.
Never introduce a new point in a concluding paragraph.
16. There should be no typos. TOO MANY TYPOS WILL LEAD TO A NO GRADE.
17. Do not just present research points and facts. Present some of your own.
18. MEET DUE DATES! If a problem occurs, talk to Mr. Lukasko before paper due date.
You all have the potential to be great writers, but it takes discipline and hard work. Pay close
attention to the points on this paper. In particular pay very close attention to the points made
in bold capitals. IF YOU DO NOT FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS MADE IN
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MR. LUKASKO’S BIOGRAPHY PROJECT:
VHS Library Pathfinder:
I. BOOK RESOURCES:
A. Reference books
1. Current Biography – R 920 CUR
2. Encyclopedia of World Biography – R 920 ENC
3. The Presidents – R 973.09 PRE
B. Biographies
1. Collective biographies – located in 920’s
2. Individual autobiographies and biographies – located
in 921’s arranged alphabetically by subject’s last
name (921 Kennedy)
II. COMPUTER RESOURCES:
A. Gale Power Search
1. Go to: www.vermilionschools.org/vhs/library
2. Select General Resources
3. Select Gale Power Search - You will have a choice
of the following databases to search: Gale Professional
Collection, Gale Student Resource Center Gold, Gale
Virtual Reference Library, and Gale Student Resource
Center Junior.
4. These are Leeca Databases. See Ms. Hunter for the
password to use these resources at home.
5. You can do a quick search, subject search, or
advanced search.
6. Choose the tabs at the top to see a list of the
journal articles, reference books, magazines,
newspapers, and multimedia.
7. Choose the article by selecting "full text". You
can read and print the articles.
8. To print the article, look for Print Preview on the right-
side of the page. Then select print.
9. Citing sources: The source citation will appear at the
bottom of the article.
B. American National Biography (Database of info on important
deceased Americans)
1. Go to: www.vermilionschools.org/vhs/library
2. Choose General Resources
3. Choose Electronic Resources for Students
4. Choose Reference and Encyclopedias
5. Choose American National Biography and select it again
on the Infohio page.
6. You can do a quick search by typing in the last name, first
name of the person in the Search Now box.
7. A nice feature of this database is the citation information
appears at the bottom of the article. Check with your teacher
for correct order of the information for your "Works Cited"
page.
8. To print the article, scroll down the left side of the page and
select Print Article.
9. See Ms. Hunter for the username and password to use this
database at home.
C. Clevenet’s Databases
1. Go to: www.ritter.lib.oh.us
2. Select Clevenet Databases on the left.
3. Choose from the subject areas on the bottom.
4. Type in your search term.
5. If prompted, enter your public library card number
and PIN number (last four digits of your phone
number or the month and day of your birth).
6. To print, look for printer icon on the database page.
D. Internet Sites:
1. www.biography.com (A & E biographies)