Research Paper on Children’s Literature

Writing Sample 4: Research Paper on Childrens Literature

Objective:

To assess students ability to apply research writing skills developed throughout the course in a longer, sustained research project. This writing sample measures readiness for advanced research writing and integration of sources.

This writing sample allows the learner to demonstrate proficiency in the following course-guide competencies: ALL

This paper is intended to demonstrate attainment of the following course outcomes: 8.1 and 8.4

Instructions:Prompt:

Write a research paper focused on a childrens storybook or a small group of related storybooks. You may choose one of the following approaches:

• Informative: Explain an issue, trend, or conversation related to childrens literature
• Persuasive: Make a supported claim about the text(s), their interpretation, or their impact

Guidelines:

Word Count / Length:

2000+ words, including title page, abstract, and works cited/references.

Sources:

Use six or more credible sources, including the primary text(s).

Research Style:

Follow either MLA or APA consistently throughout the paper.

Source Use:

Demonstrate effective research note-taking and integration by:

• Quoting directly when appropriate
• Summarizing ideas accurately
• Paraphrasing without distorting meaning

Original Work:

All writing must be your own and reflect sustained engagement with your sources.

Tips for Success:

Prewriting:

Narrow your topic early. Choose a focus that can be fully developed within the length requirements.

Drafting:

Maintain a clear purpose and line of reasoning. Integrate sources deliberately rather than stacking quotations.

Revising:

Review organization, coherence, and depth of support. Ensure sources advance your purpose.

Editing:

Pay close attention to citation accuracy, sentence clarity, and academic tone.

Citation Requirement (Mandatory):To earn credit for this assignment, all in-text citations must be complete and correct.

• APA Style: Parenthetical citations must include the authors last name, year, and a locator (page number, paragraph number, or section heading), as appropriate.
• Examples: (Smith, 2022, p. 14), (Jones, 2021, para. 6), (Brown, 2020, sec. 2)
• MLA Style: Parenthetical citations must include the authors last name and a locator, such as a page number or clear reference to an online/web-based source when page numbers are unavailable.
• Examples: (Smith 14), (Jones online)

Important:Work that does not include complete parenthetical citations throughout the paper will not receive credit, regardless of content quality. This requirement exists to demonstrate accurate source use and to support academic integrity.Upload:

Upload your completed research paper prior to the posted due date.

Reminder:

This assignment is not a full-credit learning experience. It is designed to assess your ability to apply research writing skills in a complex, extended task and style rather than to demonstrate mastery.