2/18 Assignment: First Draft and Outline

Mini-Research: First Draft and Outline

due: Monday 2/18

On Monday, please share your outline and first draft with the class.  You do not need to print your work at this stage, but be sure you can access it on your laptop of one of the computers in the lab.  You should also bring your source material to class.  You do not have to be completely finished, but you should far enough that we can give you feedback.  We will be analyzing your work together.  Follow these guideline:

• Organize your ideas following standard outline format.  Refer to wikiHow if you need examples or ideas for how to begin.
• Write 4-5 pages in clear, fully developed paragraphs.  Include an introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs.  Use transitions between paragraphs to move the reader from one idea to the next.
• Develop a point of view about your subject.  Clearly state your point of view in the thesis statement, which should be the last sentence of the first paragraph.  Support your point of view with historical research and with the opinions of authorities in your field (whether you agree or disagree). 
• Incorporate information from 2-3 academic sources.  Do not use Wikipedia.  Try to find at least one physical source (a book or journal/magazine article).  Search through the databases available through the Pratt library site.
• Use correct MLA citation form.  Cite any information you found whether you are summarizing, paraphrasing, or quoting.  Introduce the source of your information by summarizing important sources and/or by using signal phrases.  Refer to Purdue Owl if you need help with citation format. 
• Include a bibliography that follows MLA format.
• You may include images, but it is not required.  Include captions and source information for all images.  Embed the images in your essay rather than separating them all at the end.  Remember you need 4-5 pages of text.  Your images will take up space beyond those 5 pages.

Let me know if you have any questions!