The research paper is going to be about the history of sushi, different variation of sushi and the cultural significance. The research paper needs to be at least 4-5 pages with a separate page just for citation. In the research papers, use academic journal articles and books for the most part, and some newspaper articles, perhaps a magazine
article (Please not GQ or similar unless you are using it as an example rather than as a source) and other data
(e.g., a government report, statistics, etc.). Use the
number of sources you feel is appropriate and no less than 10.
The paper should have the following:
1) An interesting introductory paragraph with a thesis statement.
2) An In this paper paragraph, which is the second paragraph of the paper. This paragraph lays out
the basic argument and framework of the paper. This paragraph should literally start out with the
words In this paper, and go on to explain what the paper is going to do.
3) Evidence presented in an ordered and considered manner. You may want to have subheadings.
4) A conclusion. Sometimes people repeat what they said in the first part of the paper. That is the easy
way out. Another way is to provide some direction and assessment of the topic, areas or things to
look for.
Proper Citations:
There are basically two things to know about citations: first, how to cite a source in the text, and second, how to
cite a source in the bibliography. Bibliography for the purposes of this class means a list of all sources cited in
your paper. It should not be a list of resources consulted.
Example of a citation would be the one below that I provided:
Citing in the body of the text:
In-text citations are really simple and thus widely used because they easily refer the reader back to the bibliography.
The citation goes inside the parentheses at the end of the clause, quotation or sentence, or paragraph where the cited
data is located. The basic sequence is: open parenthesis, authors last name, comma, date of publication, close
parenthesiS; for example: (Guthey et al., 2013). If you are citing from a specific page in the authors text, the
sequence is: open parenthesis, authors last name, comma, date of publication, comma, page number, close
parenthesis. If you are including the authors name in the text, use their full name on first reference, and only their
last name and date thereafter. For example, on first reference: Greig Guthey (2004) argues that the California wine
industry is a form of industrial district. On subsequent references: Guthey (2004) suggests that land use politics is
central to the emergence of a more sustainable wine industry.
For books that are used please cite the bibliography.
Here are some websites that I found that can be used for this research paper, feel free to use other websites books or magazines that you think is better for this research paper.
if you have any more links or books that relate to this topic please feel free to use them but please cite them and if you use any of these links please make sure it is cited.
Below I sent how the paper is graded.
Grading Rubric for the paper:
This rubric focuses on the paper.
The Superior Paper (A):
Thesis: Easily identifiable, sophisticated, insightful, crystal clear, located in first paragraph, often the last
sentence of the first paragraph (Hint!)
Structure: Evident, understandable, and appropriate because you included a second paragraph explaining the
structure of the paper (See In this paper paragraph above or ask me further).
Analysis: Poses new ways to think of the material and demonstrates effort and understanding of the topic.
Logic: All ideas in the paper flow logically; the argument is identifiable, reasonable, and sound. Ask yourself:
Does this make sense?
Mechanics: Sentence structure and grammar is excellent for college level writers; minimal to no spelling
errors; absolutely no run-on sentences or comma splices. This paper has obviously been carefully written and
proofread (possibly more than once.)
The Good Paper (A-/B+):
Thesis: Promising, but may be slightly unclear, ambiguous, or equivocal but still located in first paragraph,
often the last sentence of the first paragraph (Hint!)
Structure: Generally clear and appropriate, though may wander occasionally because the second paragraph
isnt crystal clear.
Analysis: Demonstrates effort but may not be entirely original or fresh and exciting but is maybe a little
shallow.
Logic: Argument of paper is mostly clear, usually flows logically and makes sense
Mechanics: Sentence structure and grammar strong despite occasional lapses; some minor spelling errors,
perhaps obvious spell-checker errors; may have a few run-on sentences or comma splices (which are all
indications of less than adequate proofreading).
The Borderline Paper (B/B-):
Thesis: Slightly unclear to unclear (containing many vague terms), appears unoriginal; provides little around
which to structure the paper and may not be in the first paragraph.
Structure: May wander or jump around and doesnt have a second paragraph as described above.
Analysis: Some to a little analysis. Lower grade indicates analysis demonstrates little engagement with topic.
Logic: Logic may often fail, or argument may often be unclear or not make sense. Evidence doesnt support
argument.
Mechanics: Problems in sentence structure, word choice, and grammar (usually not major). Errors in
punctuation, citation style, and spelling. May have several run-on sentences or comma splices. Lack of
proofreading is a key issue in these papers.
The “Needs Help” Paper (C+/C):
Thesis: Difficult to identify, may be bland restatement of obvious point and is not in the first paragraph.
Structure: Unclear, often because thesis is weak or non-existent and it doesnt have a second paragraph as
discussed above.
Analysis: Little attempt to make an identifiable argument. Higher grade will show some evidence of effort and
lower grades reflect less effort. Paper reflects a shallow understanding of the topic.
Logic: Ideas generally do not flow at all, usually because there is no argument to support. Simplistic view of
topic; no effort to grasp possible alternative views or the complexity of the issues.
Mechanics: Big problems in sentence structure, grammar, and diction. Frequent major errors in punctuation
and spelling. Many run-on sentences and comma splices.
The Very Bad Paper (C-/D):
Thesis: Difficult to identify at all, or just not there or really anywhere in the paper.
Structure: Unclear, often because thesis is weak or non-existent. And, the second paragraph is missing!
Analysis: Very little or very weak attempt at an argument; lower grades will have no identifiable argument.
Logic: Ideas do not flow at all, usually because there is no argument to support. Simplistic view of topic and
its relevance.
Mechanics: Big big problems. Frequent major errors in punctuation, and spelling. May have an overabundance
of run-on sentences and comma splices. Obvious lack of effort.
The Failing Paper: Demonstrates no college-level effort or comprehension of the assignment or student fails
to complete the paper that was assigned. These papers will generally be very difficult to understand owing to
major problems with mechanics, structure, and analysis. They will have no identifiable thesis, or an utterly
incompetent thesis that makes no sense. These papers may be significantly shorter than assigned. There may be
obvious attempts to bolster length with a half page devoted to ones name, wider margins, larger fonts and the
like. Or students may have just a list of bullet points and the like.
