Argumentative Research Paper

15 Step Argumentative Research Paper Packet (Grading Rubric Included)

Use this 29 page packet to help guide students through the research paper process.

This packet takes a practical, no-nonsense approach to the research paper. Writing isn't magic, it's a process! Help guide students through each step and watch them gain confidence in their ability to tackle difficult topics at page counts they could never see themselves reaching.

Steps include:

• 1. Choose a topic
• 2. Write a thesis question
• 3. Narrow the topic to fit your assignment length
• 4. Research the answer to your question
• 5. Read and analyze sources
• 6. Take notes from each of your sources
• 7. Develop a working thesis statement
• 8. Organize notes
• 9. Write a working outline
• 10. Write the first draft
• 11. Create a References page
• 12. Revise the first draft
• 13. Edit the second draft
• 14. Proofread the final draft
• 15. Publish/turn-in final draft

Each step includes instructions for students to follow. Steps build upon one another and students will see the connection between work they've completed early in the process to work they do later in the process.

This packet front-loads much of the work, so by the time students sit down to write in step 10 they feel like they've already done all the 'hard' work. Using this packet students often say "writing is the easiest part, I don't know what I was worried about."

The process laid out in this packet is designed to last approximately 4 weeks to complete from start to finish if students are using only class time. If student work at home, the timeline for this process could easily be shortened to approximately 2 weeks. Use your discretion and pace according to your student's needs.