Research Paper Assignment Templates
Introduction
A research paper is essential in researching a topic to determine what is current in the field. The importance of a research paper is it teaches students to evaluate and report on the main ideas of a particular subject area using synthesis. Synthesizing information is not summarizing each article, but rather organizing the information by each main points of the larger topic.
The templates below can assist you in incorporating a literature review into your course by just adding course specific information. To research, draft, evaluate and complete a literature review, it usually takes about four to six weeks and can be incorporated into your curriculum while working on other items.
Assignment Template
Download research paper assignment template (.docx | .pdf)
The assignment defines an objective or subjective (argumentative) research paper and provides details of the report body along with formatting.
The following websites are good sources for understanding how to synthesize information:
Literature Review: Synthesizing Multiple Sources
http://www.iupui.edu/~uwc/pdf/Literature%20Review%20and%20Synthesis.pdf
Writing a literature review and using a synthesis matrix
http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/writespeak/download/Synthesis.pdf
Peer Review Templates
Download peer review annotated bibliography and outline template (.docx | .pdf)
Download peer review full template (.docx | .pdf)
The peer reviews are great for providing constructive feedback on student's outline and full draft. In addition, it allows students to practice collaboration, which is a skill that is very important in the workplace. The templates provide a guide to students so they can focus on the important issues of the report.
The following websites provide information on how to create an annotated bibliography:
How to prepare an annotated bibliography
http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill28.htm
Writing an annotated bibliography
http://lib.calpoly.edu/research/guides/bibliography.html
The Rubric Template
Download research paper grading rubric template (.docx | .pdf)
Grading student writing can be very subjective. To make it more objective, the grading rubric provides a guide to evaluate student writing.
Controversial Topics Template
Download controversial topics template (.docx | .pdf)
If you have any questions, please contact Greg Pulliam at pulliam@iit.edu.