Research paper
What were the most important factors that shaped these men?
Consider these questions as you decide your argument:
Was it their family and role models (or lack thereof) that shaped them?
Or did their environments shape them, whether it be the violent and tough streets they were born into or the military school that the author finally relinquished control to?
Or did bigger societal issues like institutional racism play a part in shaping them?
Or was it their inner character and moral compass (or lack thereof) that ultimately guided their life decisions and shaped who they became?
A Successful Final Research Essay Will Have:
A clear, arguable thesis statement at the end of the introduction (we’ll discuss how your intro can be one or two paragraphs in a longer paper)
An identifiable argument woven throughout the essay
Well-developed body paragraphs that include the PIE format
Cohesive transitions between paragraphs, between sentences and within sentences
A well-developed counter-argument and rebuttal if appropriate
An introduction with an engaging hook and a conclusion that answers the question, So What?
Sentences that have tight sentence focus and show variety and sophistication
At least 3 direct quotations from the book (MLA format)
Research from at least 4 credible sources from the WVC Library database woven into your paragraphs/sections that demonstrate how the factors in your thesis (family, role models, character, environment, etc…) are universal issues beyond the book
An accurate MLA Works Cited Page
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