The Author Study Research Paper

AP Literature & Composition

Revised, Completed Draft of Literary Research Paper: Due _________________

Now that the AP Literature Exam is over, we have time to work on one last skill that will benefit you greatly in college
the research paper. You and a partner will do an in depth study of an author/poet that weve read or some author from
your literature book (Perrines Literature: Structure, Sound & Sense), and write an 8-10 page research paper (not the 5
paragraph essay that youve seen throughout your high school career).

Your paper will be submitted in a report cover with 2 sections

1. The author study
2. Research - including copies of the sources you cited or a photocopy of the pages if it is from a large work.
______________________
Your Research Paper will average about 8 pages, double-spaced, without exceeding 10 pages. You should know by now
that you are not just listing or regurgitating information as you may have done in a traditional Research Paper. Instead,
you are blending your own analysis of literary texts with your research of these texts, ultimately supporting one significant
claim (or, thesis) of your own about the work of your author.

Read 9-11 works for your research

o 4 primary sources for author / 6 for poet
3 literary works from the author (short stories) OR 5 poems from a poet
1 essay written by the author about writing or a particular work (or letter) (there may not be an
essay written by a poet in that case, just include 6 poems)
o 5 secondary sources
4 works of literary criticism about author (journal articles or essays)
1 biographical piece about the author (essay or chapter)
Grammar & Conventions
Smooth integration of your own words with paraphrased/quoted sources

Your Research Paper will be broken into the following sections, but the sections should flow together and
retain the focus you establish from the beginning. Each section should have a relevant, creative title. (Note:
Sections C, D, and E can be presented in whatever order you see fit.)

SECTION REQUIREMENTS POINTS

A. Title Page (include Titleone that reveals a bit of what your thesis entails [an abstract]Your Name, 20
Instructors Name, Class Period, and Date)

B. Introduction, In this section, you will briefly introduce your author with basic information and a listing of the 30
Rationale, and major works you studied. Here you must also introduce your claim (or, thesis), an overriding
Overview on statement that will act as the string to tie the whole paper together and to give your reader a
author focus when reading. The sections that follow should act as evidence to support this claim. Grab
your readers attention, too.
[1-2 pages]
C. How the In this section, continue to further introduce your author by providing significant background 50
authors real life information that sheds light on the content, themes, style, or preoccupations of your authors
impacted his or major work. While staying focused on your thesis, rely on biographical and autobiographical
her work sources to provide this light on the texts themselves. Which
[1-2 pages] events/education/experiences/family situations from your authors life are essential to
understanding the author and the authors work? Provide examples from the major texts, and
use literary criticism as necessary.
 D. Common In this section, you must explore those major issues or themes explored in the various works you 50
Themes across examined by your author. Which messages do you see your author making in individual texts
their work and across texts? Make connections between the major works, and if relevant, note any
[1-2 pages] development or growth in the authors concerns as a writer from novel to novel. Provide
examples from the major texts, and use literary criticism as necessary. THIS IS THE WHAT?

E. The authors In this section, examine how your author approached the themes discussed in section D. 50
style [1-2 pages] Analyze their rhetorical strategies and the effectiveness of these strategies. Make note of
significant literary devices, stylistic techniques, and other strategic choices made by the author
and discuss their significance. What makes their writing both unique and effective? Provide
examples of each rhetorical strategy as you discuss them, and make connections between the
major works when possible. THIS IS THE HOW?

F. Conclusion In this section, reexamine the claim proposed in your introduction and bring closure to your 50
[1-2 pages] paper by summarizing each topic discussed in the body of the essay.

G. Works Cited In this section, you must list every book, article or resource that you referenced in your essay. 30
(MLA) Included must be all major work examined, at least one autobiographical or biographical work,
and at least four (4) examples of literary criticism. You MUST use correct MLA format in this
citation, as well as within the essay itself.

Submitted in a 1. The author study 30

report cover 2. Research - including copies of the sources you cited or a photocopy of the pages if it is (10 for folder
with 2 sections from a large work. / 10 for
author study
/ 10 for
copies
8-10 pages 40
Uses 9-11 works for your research 45
o 4 primary sources for author / 6 for poet
3 literary works from the author (short stories) OR 5 poems from a poet
1 essay written by the author about writing or a particular work (or letter) (there may not be an essay
written by a poet in that case, just include 6 poems)
o 5 secondary sources
4 works of literary criticism about author (journal articles or essays)
1 biographical piece about the author (essay or chapter)
Grammar & Conventions 30
Smooth integration of your own words with paraphrased/quoted sources 30
TOTAL 455
Do not plagiarizeit will result in an automatic zero AND may result in a notification to the college that has admitted you.
MLA style guide (e.g. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers)
IMPORTANT: It is possible to get a zero on your paper. If any of the following are true of your paper, it will earn a zero grade.
o No thesis.
o No works cited.
o Too short.
o Not documented/Plagiarism.

Due Dates:
Working Thesis Statement due _____________
o Worth 30 points

Typed Outline of Sections B - F due _________________

o Worth 30 points

Typed Rough Draft due _____________

o Worth 30 points