This is for a sophomore college chemistry class.Research Paper Guidelines-Summer 2020
You will research a topic of your choosing (within the parameters set by your TA). This paper must follow the
APA style. Make sure you understand the expectations described in the attached rubric thoroughly. Late
papers WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. No exceptions. The paper should be AT LEAST five full pages, double-spaced
not including the title page and literature cited page. In other words, we expect you to write about your
topic. Your report MUST be submitted via the TurnItIn assignment in Canvas. Late papers MAY NOT BE
ACCEPTED. Turn it in on time.
The paper will have 1 inch margins with 11-12 Times New Roman or Arial font, double spaced. Other
styles will not be accepted. A penalty will be imposed if you do.
In your paper, you are expected to cite sources used during your research. You are required to have AT
LEAST three (3) primary literature sources. You may also use non-primary literature sources as needed, but
they must fall into the following criteria: science magazines and articles, journals, books, etc (they may be
physically published or published online). “Reputable sources” include, but are not limited to, National
Geographic, Scientific American, ScienceDirect, Nature.com, Smithsonian, most websites with a “.org” or
“.edu” ending, and sources accessed through the USM library databases (generally). You may use APA
formatting rules when citing your non-primary literature sources. Visit the library website! There are many
sources available to you there. Talk to a librarian via webchat! They are there to help you.
Examples of sources that should NOT be used/cited: Wikipedia (this can be a spring board to find more
sources but should not be a source since anyone can edit the information), magazines like Cosmopolitan and
other “leisure” literature, Facebook and other social media, and anything else that may leave you thinking, “I
wonder if the author knows anything about science?”. If you are uncertain, ASK! Not knowing is NOT an
excuse. You will lose points for using inappropriate sources.
***Important to note: Plagiarism of ANY kind will result in an automatic zero (0). No questions
asked. This will drop you one letter grade in the course. Do not use direct quotes at all in this
paper. That is plagiarism in science even if you cite it.***
Do not wait to start this report until the last minute. You are almost guaranteed a bad grade. This should be
an opportunity for you to tell us something about biology that interests you. Take ownership. Find something
that applies to you or someone you know. Teach US something. Topics may include, but are not limited to,
stem cell research, cancer treatment, evolution, natural selection, epidemiology (Zika virus, ebola, etc),
cloning, GMOs, transgenic animals, vaccines, etc., etc. Feel free to discuss ideas with your TA.
Category Exceeds Standards Meets Standards Nearly Meets Standards Does Not Meet Standards No Evidence Score
Title Page
Title, Your name, TA’s name, Course,
Period, Date. Neatly finished with no
errors (5 points)
Evidence of 4-5 (4
points)
Evidence of 3 (3 point)
Evidence of 1-2 (2 points)
Absent (0)
Thesis Statement
Included in intro; clearly and
concisely states the paper’s purpose in
a single sentence. Engaging, thought
provoking (10 points)
Paper’s purpose is stated
clearly (8)
Purpose of paper is apparent
but not clear (6)
Incomplete or unfocused (4)
Absent (0)
Introduction
Engaging, states main topic, previews
structure of paper (15 points)
Introduction states main
topic without good
preview of paper (11)
Introduction unfocused but
attempted (7)
No clear introduction, focus of
paper or main topic not
explained well (3)
Absent (0)
Body
Information is correct, thoughtful, with
detailed sentences that develop the
main idea (20 points)
Each paragraph has
sufficient supporting
details to help develop
thesis (15)
Paper lacks good details,
unfocused paragraphs
(10)
Paper fails to develop main idea
but attempt was made (5)
Absent (0)
Organizational &
Structural
Development
Demonstrates logical and subtle
sequencing of ideas through welldeveloped
paragraphs, transitions
enhance organization (10 points)
Ideas/paragraphs flow
fairly well, mosttransition
smoothly and logically
(8)
Somewhat logical transitions
though not well thought out,
organization of paper is
lacking (6)
Little structure andorganization,
ideas and points disconnected
(4)
Absent (0)
Conclusion
Engaging, reiterates importance of
topic, restates the thesis (20
points)
Conclusion attempts to
restate big picture
(15)
Conclusion is lacking useful
ideas/content (10)
Conclusion is
incomplete/unfocused (5)
Absent (0)
Mechanics
No errors in punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, etc (5 points)
Almost no errors (4)
Several errors (3)
Many errors (2)
Absent (0)
Usage
No errors in sentence structure and
word usage (5 points)
Almost no errors (4)
Several errors (3)
Many errors (2)
Absent (0)
Citations
Literature/works cited appropriately, in
correct format, no errors (5 points)
Most citations done
correctly, few errors (4)
Some citations done correctly,
evidence of errors (3)
Very few done correctly, but
attempt was made (2)
Absent (0)
Literature Cited
Correct format, no errors, includes ≥5
primary literature sources (5 points)
Correct format, few errors,
includes ≥5 primary
literature sources (4)
Correct format with errors. At
least 4 primary literature
sources (3)
Many errors (2)
Absent (0)
Plagiarism of any kind will result in an automatic zero (0). Additionally, 15% will be deducted for every page short of minimum requirement. Inappropriate font/formatting will result in a 20%
deduction.
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