1968 – The Turning Point
AP English III 2009
Research Due Date: February 2, 2009
Your topic: Historically the year 1968 is
viewed by scholars as a “turning point” for the United States. Examine
the following three issues: national politics, the Vietnam War, and
Civil Rights. After researching the impact of these three issues
determine which ONE you believe to have the greatest impact on the
future of the United States. Write a carefully crafted argument in
which you defend your selection.
You will need to have at least 7 sources.
Sources may include print (books, magazines, newspapers) or Internet
sources. ALL Internet sources must be from the library databases. You
will probably need to do some research at home or at the public
library. Our days in the library are just to get you started.
You must turn in copies of your sources with the
portions you use in your paper high lighted or notes taken from the
sources.
Any time you refer to information taken from a
source or use a direct quote from a source, you must include
parenthetical documentation. Noodle Tools will show you how your source
should be cited parenthetically.
Works Cited List – Must include all sources you
use.
The Paper:
I.
Introduce the topic and give background information on the topic
which should include general information about the United States BEFORE
1968. What is meant by the term “turning point”? To answer this
question, you will need to look at what happened to the United States
AFTER 1968. This is one solid paragraph that includes a THESIS
STATEMENT which gives your position.
II.
Make concessions to the two areas you believe are NOT as
significant and explain your reasons for believing them to be less
important. This section will be at least 2 paragraphs and probably not
more than 3.
III.
Defend your choice with background information and your own
argument. This is the body of your paper and will be the longest
portion. This section will be no less than 3 paragraphs and may be as
long as 12 paragraphs.
IV.
Sum up and explain why studying this area is important. Your
conclusion is one paragraph.
V. Include a
title.
Length: Minimum – 3 pages Maximum – 5
pages
Typed
Double spaced; regular margins
Size 12 font
MLA style heading
Things to remember:
*Use PAST tense verbs. This paper is
based on actual historical events. It requires past tense verbs.
* Use a formal voice – NO contractions,
NO first or second person pronouns (I, you, we, me, etc.)
*Proofread for mechanical, grammatical
errors. This is English. Your final draft should be error free.
* Document all phases of your research.
As a junior in Advanced Placement, your writing
should be mature, sophisticated, and fluent. This means that your
vocabulary should not be repetitious or simplistic (get, show, put,
use). Use the language of argument – assertion, claim, defend,
challenge, argue, consider, weigh, credibility, etc. Be sure that the
words you use make sense in the context of your paper. In addition,
your sentences should vary in structure. They should not all be long
nor all be short. They should not all start with the same words. EDIT
and REVISE. Your thoughts should show a logical and coherent
progression that is fully explained.
Personal Checklist:
The paper content:
______ developed introduction
______ concessions
______ body of explanation
______ conclusion
Mechanics:
______ spelling
______ grammar: subject verb agreement; past tense
verbs, pronoun clarity
______ punctuation: no fragments, no run-ons,
commas used after introductory clauses/phrases and in
compound sentences
______ capitalization
______ documentation of sources
Sophistication:
______ language of argument
______ upper level vocabulary
______ absence of repetition
______ variety of sentence structure
______ coherence and progression of thought
What you turn in:
______ correctly typed copy of the paper
______ Works Cited List attached to the paper
______ rubric stapled on top
______ high lighted source material or notes from
sources
Late papers
will not be accepted. No emailed papers will be accepted.
