1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on any research paper, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.

Q. How long is the paper?

Your essay should be 1,000-1,300 words in length (about four to six pages, double-spaced). The word count must be included at the end of the document.

Q. How many sources?

The literary work(s) and 4-5 secondary sources, so a total of 5-6 sources for the options with 1 literary work and 6-7 when there is 2. For all options, you must use literary criticism-published in reputable journals or books.

Q. What kind of sources?

For all options, you must use literary criticism-published in reputable journals or books.NO: DICTIONARIES, WIKIPEDIA, eHOW, YAHOO! ANSWERS, Sparknotes, Shmoop, Coursehero, etc. or any other superficial websites.

Please be aware that there will not be secondary research available on “Submission” or “How to Hang a Circus Elephant.” You may find academic sources that go over these authors’ writings in general or find academic quality sources that go over topics such as symbolism or theme to help you help you understand these topics. But it needs to be reputable and of academic quality (i.e. written by experts in the field). This is to be most likely found in the library databases.

Q. How do you cite sources?

Most English instructors will ask you to use MLA format for your citations, but double-check to make sure. You may want to remind yourself what information you need from a source to do the MLA Works Cited page and in-text citations before you get started.

Q. What is due?

Is this just a paper? Or is there also an Annotated Bibliography? Are there other pieces like a rough draft, outline, summary, reading response, etc. Make note of all the parts of the assignment and create a checklist to make sure you don't leave anything out.

Q. When is it due?

How long do you have to work on this paper or project? Is there one due date for everything or are there multiple due dates for different parts of the assignment? Plan out your time, so you don't get stuck doing all the work at the last minute. Plan extra time in case you have problems or get stuck.

Q. What other requirements should you make note of?

Secondary sources retrieved online (whether from the database or the general web) MUST include the URL. The DOI will not be accepted. The essay will not be graded if the URLS are not included. For Database sources, be sure to make use of the permanent link (often called the permalink or something similar).