Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Research Paper / 325

ANALYSIS of THE MLA PARENTHETICAL STYLE

SAMPLE

The paper illustrates many of the important principles that should be evident in
a research paper. While you can make many observations on your own about the
approach the sample paper takes, note these specifics:

• The topic is interesting and narrowed appropriately for the length of the paper.


• The paper employs both primary and secondary research. The writer draws
  many of her comments directly from the rhymes themselves, rather than using
  someone else’s criticism of them. The two types of research enhance the quality
  of the paper and fulfill the requirement to write an evaluative paper.


• Quotations, especially those from the rhymes, support the writer’s ideas. The
  few long quotations included offer insight into other critics’ interpretations.
  Notice how quoted passages blend smoothly into the text, in some cases
  finishing sentences begun by the writer.


• Far more paraphrases appear than quotations. The writer avoids a paper that is
  little more than a string of quotations. Because of her paraphrasing, the paper
  reads evenly and reflects a thoughtful analysis of relationships among ideas.


• The paragraphs follow a clear organization. The paper includes a two-
  paragraph introduction (not part of the outline), and each of the remaining
  paragraphs corresponds to a main or subheading in the outline.


• The paper exhibits good sentence variety and sophisticated writing technique.


• Transitional words, phrases, and sentences move the reader smoothly from
  idea to idea, paragraph to paragraph. The seventh paragraph is transitional; it
  summarizes the main points covered so far and introduces the final point.


• The format, which includes accurate parenthetical notes and a list of works
  cited, follows the guidelines for good formatting. Long quotations are set apart
  from the rest of the text. The bibliography page is accurate and complete,
  citing only those sources used in the text.

By following carefully all the steps in the research process, you will be able to
develop a satisfactory research paper. The precise form may well be determined by
your teacher, department, or school policy.