RESEARCH PAPER ASSIGNMENT: CENSORSHIP & BANNED BOOKS

Honors English II 2010

Because All Quiet on the Western Front offers a gruesome portrayal of a war lost by the Germans, it infuriated Adolph Hitler, who ordered the book banned and destroyed throughout Germany. Many critics, however, consider it the best antiwar novel ever written. J.D. Salingers The Catcher in the Rye has been challenged in schools ever since its release and is still constantly on the ALAs top ten list of most frequently challenged books. The Catcher in the Rye has been listed as one of the best novels of the 20th century. In June 2009, the BBC's Finlo Rohrer wrote that, 58 years since publication, the book is still regarded "as the defining work on what it is like to be a teenager. Holden is at various times disaffected, disgruntled, alienated, isolated, directionless, and sarcastic." Adam Gopnik of The New Yorker considers it one of the "three perfect books" in American literature, along with Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Great Gatsby, and believes that "no book has ever captured a city better than Catcher in the Rye captured New York in the forties". In fact, come to think of it, many of the books you will read this year (and in subsequent years) have been banned in various places at various times. The ideal of intellectual freedomthe freedom to access information and express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopularprovides the foundation for the successful reversal of bans and challenges. What some people consider harmful and trashy, others consider beautiful and thought-provokingand often it is in schools where this battle between intellectual freedom and censorship takes place. Is banning a book ever the right choice? How does one determine that a books value outweighs the potentially negative influences? Since we have been striving to answer the question, What makes good literature? as we read texts this year, it seems worthwhile to consider the question: What are the implications of censorship for society and the individual? Thus, your task will be to research one other famous work of literature that is generally revered by critics but that has been banned or frequently challenged in schools. Each of you will choose a different novelone that your parents are comfortable with you reading, one that is appropriate to your reading level (i.e. not Charlottes Web), one that you have not already read, and certainly not one we are reading in classfrom the American Library Associations list of Top 100 Banned or Challenged Books OR a classic from the ALAs Banned and Challenged Classics list (see end of assignment).

1. You will first investigate when, why, and by whom the book was banned as well as any attempts that were made to
defend it. Evaluate the arguments for and against the work; this will require research. Examine book reviews and scholarly journals, as well as informal sources such as readers reviews (though keep in mind the criteria for good sources, which we will reviewsome nut on Amazon probably doesnt qualify). A good place to start is the American Library Association site: http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/index.cfm. We will discuss the proper way to use internet search engines to find and evaluate good sources, as well as review how to create MLA citations.

2. You will definitely want to read the book for yourself (in other words, it is required). Take notes. You are evaluating
the works merits and you are examining the work in terms of appropriateness for readers. What is the reading level? How do you know this? What objections (if any) do you have to the book? Is there anything that others would find objectionable? Explain.

3. You will also investigate sources of praise (and criticism) of the literature in question. What have critics said in
favor of it? What have the critics said against it? You will be considering the following question: What is the value of reading this controversial piece of literature? This will be done (in part) by using resources such as ICONN and the UCONN library (yes, a field trip is in your future!). If you find an article online but cannot access it, see Mrs. Gillespie, who can often obtain these through interlibrary loan (or guide you through the process). DO NOT BECOME DISCOURAGED if you dont find sources at first; often research is difficult and persistence pays off! ----------------------------------------Research Outline Check 11/24

4. When your reading and research is complete, you should be able to formulate an informed opinion as to whether
the work should be banned or whether it has value for young readersand WHY. This should comprise your thesis (which we will spend time writing) and be the driving force of your essay. I do want to hear your opinion (although please do not break the COMMANDMENTS FOR SCHOLARLY PAPERS), but I am especially interested in the opinions you found in the research, both for and against the book. We will discuss how to incorporate these artfully into your essay (six to eight pages, plus a Works Cited page) that will adhere to the correct MLA format and be relatively error-free. You must use at least five critical sources. Be sure to include the novel itself as an additional source. --------------------------------Final Paper Due 12/16; Draft to be submitted at least one week prior.

5. Be prepared to present your report to the class for discussion at midterms!

And dont worry! I will guide through every step of this process!
Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009

1 Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling 2 Alice series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 3 The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier 4 And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell *5 Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck 6 I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou 7 Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz 8 His Dark Materials (series), by Philip Pullman 9 TTYL; TTFN; L8R, G8R (series), by Myracle, Lauren 10 The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky 11 Fallen Angels, by Walter Dean Myers 12 Its Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris 13 Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey *14 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain 15 The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison 16 Forever, by Judy Blume 17 The Color Purple, by Alice Walker 18 Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous **19 Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger 20 King and King, by Linda de Haan **21 To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee 22 Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar 23 The Giver, by Lois Lowry 24 In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak 25 Killing Mr. Griffen, by Lois Duncan 26 Beloved, by Toni Morrison 27 My Brother Sam Is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier 28 Bridge To Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson 29 The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney 30 We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier 31 What My Mother Doesnt Know, by Sonya Sones 32 Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya 33 Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson 34 The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler 35 Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging, by Louise Rennison 36 Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley 37 Its So Amazing, by Robie Harris 38 Arming America, by Michael Bellasiles 39 Kaffir Boy, by Mark Mathabane 40 Life is Funny, by E.R. Frank 41 Whale Talk, by Chris Crutcher 42 The Fighting Ground, by Avi 43 Blubber, by Judy Blume 44 Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher 45 Crazy Lady, by Jane Leslie Conly 46 Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut 47 The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby, by George Beard 48 Rainbow Boys, by Alex Sanchez 49 One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, by Ken Kesey

**50 The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini 51 Daughters of Eve, by Lois Duncan 52 The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson 53 You Hear Me?, by Betsy Franco 54 The Facts Speak for Themselves, by Brock Cole 55 Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Green 56 When Dad Killed Mom, by Julius Lester 57 Blood and Chocolate, by Annette Curtis Klause 58 Fat Kid Rules the World, by K.L. Going 59 Olives Ocean, by Kevin Henkes **60 Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson 61 Draw Me A Star, by Eric Carle 62 The Stupids (series), by Harry Allard 63 The Terrorist, by Caroline B. Cooney 64 Mick Harte Was Here, by Barbara Park 65 The Things They Carried, by Tim OBrien 66 Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor 67 A Time to Kill, by John Grisham 68 Always Running, by Luis Rodriguez **69 Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury 70 Harris and Me, by Gary Paulsen 71 Junie B. Jones (series), by Barbara Park 72 Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison 73 Whats Happening to My Body Book, by Lynda Madaras 74 The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold 75 Anastasia (series), by Lois Lowry 76 A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving 77 Crazy: A Novel, by Benjamin Lebert 78 The Joy of Gay Sex, by Dr. Charles Silverstein 79 The Upstairs Room, by Johanna Reiss 80 A Day No Pigs Would Die, by Robert Newton Peck 81 Black Boy, by Richard Wright 82 Deal With It!, by Esther Drill 83 Detour for Emmy, by Marilyn Reynolds 84 So Far From the Bamboo Grove, by Yoko Watkins 85 Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, by Chris Crutcher 86 Cut, by Patricia McCormick 87 Tiger Eyes, by Judy Blume 88 The Handmaids Tale, by Margaret Atwood 89 Friday Night Lights, by H.G. Bissenger 90 A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline LEngle 91 Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Graighead George 92 The Boy Who Lost His Face, by Louis Sachar 93 Bumps in the Night, by Harry Allard 94 Goosebumps (series), by R.L. Stine 95 Shades Children, by Garth Nix 96 Grendel, by John Gardner 97 The House of the Spirits, by Isabel Allende 98 I Saw Esau, by Iona Opte 99 Are You There, God? Its Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume 100 America: A Novel, by Frank, E.R.

Banned and Challenged Classics

*1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald **2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 3. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck **4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 5. The Color Purple by Alice Walker 6. Ulysses by James Joyce 7. Beloved by Toni Morrison 8. The Lord of the Flies by William Golding 9. 1984 by George Orwell 10. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner 11. Lolita by Vladmir Nabokov *12. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 13. Charlottes Web by E. B. White 14. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce 15. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller 16. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley **17. Animal Farm by George Orwell 18. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway 19. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner 20. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway 21. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad 22. Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne 23. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston 24. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison 25. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison 26. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell 27. Native Son by Richard Wright 28. One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey 29. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 30. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway 31. On the Road by Jack Kerouac 32. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway 33. The Call of the Wild by Jack London 34. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf 35. Portrait of a Lady by Henry James 36. Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin 37. The World According to Garp by John Irving 38. All the Kings Men by Robert Penn Warren 39. A Room with a View by E. M. Forster 40. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien 41. Schindlers List by Thomas Keneally 42. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton 43. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand 44. Finnegans Wake by James Joyce 45. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair 46. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf 47. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum 48. Lady Chatterleys Lover by D. H. Lawrence 49. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess 50. The Awakening by Kate Chopin 51. My Antonia by Willa Cather

52. Howards End by E. M. Forster 53. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote 54. Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger 55. The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie 56. Jazz by Toni Morrison 57. Sophies Choice by William Styron 58. Absalom, Absalom! By William Faulkner 59. A Passage to India by E. M. Forster 60. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton 61. A Good Man Is Hard to Find by Flannery OConnor 62. Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald 63. Orlando by Virginia Woolf 64. Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence 65. Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe 66. Cats Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut 67. A Separate Peace by John Knowles 68. Light in August by William Faulkner 69. The Wings of the Dove by Henry James 70. **Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe 71. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier 72. A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams 73. Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs 74. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh 75. Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence 76. Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe 77. In Our Time by Ernest Hemingway 78. The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein 79. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett 80. The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer 81. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys 82. White Noise by Don DeLillo 83. O Pioneers! By Willa Cather 84. Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller 85. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells 86. Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad 87. The Bostonians by Henry James 88. An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser 89. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather 90. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame 91. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald 92. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand 93. The French Lieutenants Woman by John Fowles 94. Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis 95. Kim by Rudyard Kipling 96. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald 97. Rabbit, Run by John Updike 98. Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster 99. Main Street by Sinclair Lewis 100. Midnights Children by Salman Rushdie

*= You will probably read this junior year **=We have/will be reading this yearso hands off! DO NOT PICK SOMETHING FROM LAST YEAR (OR FOURTH GRADE!) http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/index.cfm http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedclassics/index.cfm

RESEARCH PAPER ASSIGNMENT: CENSORSHIP & BANNED BOOKS

Use this to self-assess and revise your final product; there should be no surprises when you receive your grade!
CRITERIA INDICATORS Beginning The research paper is at a beginning stage. Developing The research paper could be improved in several ways. Proficient The research paper is acceptable. Exemplary The research paper is exemplary

Requirements

30

Papers that fail to meet the basic requirements will be deemed unacceptable and returned for correction; these will be considered late and incur a penalty. Furthermore, those papers that are submitted without a works cited page, without in-text citations, or with a preponderance of improper in-text citations will receive a ZERO. Plagiarism has been reviewed and will not be tolerated.

The 6-8 pages of QUALITY work must be neatly typed and 1.5-spaced in GHS formal paper format. *Signature of parent/rubric sheet is turned in indicating approval of the book and acknowledgement of the rubric for the final essay. Works cited/consulted sections contain an adequate number of reliable sources but may have minor errors in format. Isolated problems with intext citation format occur; paraphrasing may not vary sufficiently from the source text. Provides only basic information, some of which may be incorrect and/or irrelevant. Discussion incorporates support from some appropriate materials, but support may not be adequately specific or presented to support the thesis Demonstrates some understanding of the topic, but with limited analysis and reflection on its implications. Reasons in support of thesis are not expressed clearly and examples, details, and explanations are lacking. Hook or lead is overly predictable. Introduction explains the background, but may lack detail. A focus for the essay is present overall, but may not be maintained; thesis states a basic position. Conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all loose ends. Reflection is a simple restatement of the facts, limited to superficial generalizations. Organizational devices, such as paragraphs, sections, and transitions, are frequently missing, flawed, or purposeless. Overuses first person and occasionally breaks formal writing commandments. Word choice is clear but predictable. Writing is choppy or awkward Works cited/consulted accurately identify an adequate number (5) of reliable sources, one in print. The essay is written in the authors own words and quotes denote outside information; documentation shows consistent citation. Provides partially complete, accurate, and relevant information; based on adequate research. Discussion is largely based on and refers to specific support from research in defense of the thesis. Demonstrates a general understanding of the topic. Reasons in support of thesis are generally expressed clearly through adequate use of telling examples, details, or explanations. Works cited/consulted correctly identify a variety (5+) of very reliable sources, at least one of which is a print source. The essay is written in the authors own words and makes effective use of quotations; documentation shows conscientious application of citing ethics. Provides complete, accurate, and relevant information from appropriate sources. Discussion is based firmly on extensive and careful research that supports (or supports indirectly through refutation) the thesis.

Information Literacy

50

Works cited/consulted sections contain an inadequate number of reliable sources or may have serious errors in format. Regular problems with citation occur and/or text is copied directly from sources without quotations in places. Piece is lacking information and/or information is largely inaccurate and irrelevant. Sources cited in the text are inappropriate OR are not meaningfully cited at all in defense of the thesis. Demonstrates little understanding of the topic, discussing too few traits. No interpretation and analysis of the material. Reasons in support of thesis are not expressed clearly or supported by specific examples and/or explanation. Background details are a random collection of information, unclear, or not related to the topic. Overall focus is vague or unclear. The thesis may be missing or unclear. Conclusion is abrupt and does not summarize main points or reflect on the topics. It fails to reconnect to the purpose of the essay. The written sections lack organizational devices, such as purposeful paragraphs and transitions. Overuses first person (I and me) and frequently breaks the first and second commandments of formal writing.

Use of Source Material 50

Thinking and Communication of Ideas

40

Demonstrates in-depth understanding and insight into the issue(s) under discussion, through careful analysis and reflection. Reasons in support of thesis are developed and expressed fully and clearly, using many appropriate examples, illustrative details, or explanations. Well-developed introduction engages the reader and creates interest. Contains detailed background information on the topic. Focus is clear; thesis states a significant and compelling position or belief that is the heart of the paper. Conclusion effectively wraps up and reflectsin detailupon the importance of the thesis, thus extending the information & accomplishing the essays purpose. Organizational devices, such as paragraphs, *sections, and transitions, have been used effectively.

Presentation: Internal and External Organization, Introduction, Reflective Conclusion

80 Voice/Fluency (word choice; use of first person)

Introduction creates interest. Sufficient background information is provided. Topic is at least alluded to. Focus is maintained and thesis states the position. Conclusion effectively summarizes, establishing a connection between the evidence and the essays purpose. There are some problems with organization, such as a few unfocused paragraphs or missing/weak transitions. Use of first person pronouns are unnecessary but infrequent; only one or two problems with commandments.

Use of first person pronouns I and me only when necessaryor never; the commandments are unbroken. Word choice is sophisticated, clear, and appropriate for

25

Word choice is often inappropriate and sentence variety is nearly nonexistent.

because of problems with sentence structure and variety and/or a lack of transitions.

Rhetorical choices are appropriate for the purpose of the essay and reveal an authorial voice. There are several noticeable errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and/or capitalization.

audience; variety of sentence structures and transitions helps vary usage. The authors voice is authoritative and clear.

Mechanics 25

Constant errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and/or capitalization interfere with understanding.

Numerous errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and/or capitalization distract from the flow of the writing.

With minor exceptions, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and/or capitalization are correct.

Total Score: ________/300

Total Percentage: _________%

My book:

Parent Signature:

THE FINAL PAPER: Use the following outline to help you organize and check your paper for completion; check boxes are supplied for your to check off each portion as you complete it:

RESEARCH PAPER ASSIGNMENT: CENSORSHIP & BANNED BOOKS

A. Introduction: This is where you introduce the subject and purpose of the research
paper and what the research will show about your topic. Begin by providing some general background on censorship/book banning: 1) Explain what birth order is 2) Explain what birth order theory says 3) Explain how it works (for example)
1.

Then share your place in your family and share some the traits of that birth order which you have selected to discuss in your research paper. 1) Explain your birth order (first born, middle child, etc.) 2) Explain the names and ages of your siblings (or other pertinent family information that will help understand your birth order) 3) Explain some of the traits people of your birth order are said to have
2.

This discussion will funnel down to your thesis, which would be along the lines of the following: I believe birth order theory is (accurate/inaccurate); from my research and reflection, I have discovered that most of the characteristics of a ________ born child (apply/do not apply) to me.
3.

B. Body: Explain each characteristic or trait of your birth order in explicit detail. Below
is space for four traits; it is okay if you include more.

1.

First Trait Include and cite information and DETAILS from each of your sources (using parenthetical citations) that explains: i. What it means to have the trait ii. Why the trait applies to your particular birth order b. Explainin detailhow this trait does (or doesnt) apply to you. i. State whether this trait applies to you. ii. Explain how the trait applies to you iii. Prove it by describing one or two specific examples of how a person could recognize the trait from your behavior/feelings. iv. *If the trait is not applicable to you, then try to explain why the trait would not apply to you using:

a.

2.

Information from the research that might explain why not Personal explanations for why you might differ Examples that prove how your differ Second Trait a. Include and cite information and DETAILS from each of your sources (using parenthetical citations) that explains: i. What it means to have the trait ii. Why the trait applies to your particular birth order b. Explainin detailhow this trait does (or doesnt) apply to you. i. State whether this trait applies to you. ii. Explain how the trait applies to you iii. Prove it by describing one or two specific examples of how a person could recognize the trait from your behavior/feelings. iv. *If the trait is not applicable to you, then try to explain why the trait would not apply to you using: Information from the research that might explain why not Personal explanations for why you might differ Examples that prove how your differ

3.

4.

Third Trait Include and cite information and DETAILS from each of your sources (using parenthetical citations) that explains: i. What it means to have the trait ii. Why the trait applies to your particular birth order b. Explainin detailhow this trait does (or doesnt) apply to you. i. State whether this trait applies to you. ii. Explain how the trait applies to you iii. Prove it by describing one or two specific examples of how a person could recognize the trait from your behavior/feelings. iv. *If the trait is not applicable to you, then try to explain why the trait would not apply to you using: Information from the research that might explain why not Personal explanations for why you might differ Examples that prove how your differ Fourth Trait a. Include and cite information and DETAILS from each of your sources (using parenthetical citations) that explains: i. What it means to have the trait

a.

ii.
order

Why the trait applies to your particular birth Explainin detailhow this trait does (or doesnt)

b.

apply to you.

i. ii. iii.

State whether this trait applies to you. Explain how the trait applies to you Prove it by describing one or two specific examples of how a person could recognize the trait from your behavior/feelings. iv. *If the trait is not applicable to you, then try to explain why the trait would not apply to you using: Information from the research that might explain why not Personal explanations for why you might differ Examples that prove how your differ

C. Conclusion: This should be several paragraphs of reflective writing. This is the

section in which you synthesize the information presented in your paper, revealing how it is meaningful and useful to you. Briefly explain on all the traits of your birth order again, reviewing your findings.
1.

Explain what you have learned about yourself (strengths, weaknesses)

2. 3. 4.

Explain what insights you have gained about your birth order

Explain how you might apply this knowledge of your in the future (how you can use your strengths and work on your weaknesses

D. Works Cited Page: See the instructions or use Son of Citation Machine to help
with this. Remember that anytime you quote a source or paraphrase an idea that is not your own, you must give credit with an in-text citation. Check that you 1. Dont start each sentence with Iits boring! 2. There should be no youonly people who are first born, last born, etc. 3. Capitalized correctly (names, I, etc.) 4. Used commas correctly (before FANBOYS, after introductory phrases, etc.) 5. End your sentencesdont just ramble on without ending! Use periods and semicolons. 6. Check apostrophes (Im, Tonys, its, etc.) 7. Watch out for commonly confused words (their/there, its/its, know/now, etc.) 8. Cited ALL information taken from an outside source using parenthesis or other citation. Birth Order Paper Outline Overhead First, carefully organize the information you have found from both the outside sources and your inside one into an outline modeled after the following format: Introduction:

1. Begin by providing some general background on birth order theory:

what it is, how it works, etc. Make sure the reader understands the subject of the paper.
2. Then share your place in your family and share some the traits of

that birth order which you have selected to discuss in your research paper.
3. This discussion will funnel down to your thesis, which would be

along the lines of the following: Most of the characteristics of a ________ born child (apply/do not apply) to me. Body: Explain each characteristic or trait of your birth order in explicit detail. For each trait, you should:

1.

Include and cite information from each of your sources that

explains (T):

a. b. 2.
you. (T)

what it means to have the trait (E) why the trait applies to your particular birth order (E) Explainin detailhow this trait does (or doesnt) apply to

To provide illustrative detail (show, dont tell), you will want to supply a revealing anecdote or two to prove (or disprove) the existence of the trait. a. b. c. d. e. f. Example one (E) Explanation of how it does/doesnt show the trait (E) Transition (T) Example two (E) Explanation of how it does/doesnt show the trait (E) Sum it up/Transition to next reason (S)

*If the trait is not applicable to you, then try to explain why the trait would not apply to you using: might explain why not Information from the research that Personal explanations for why you Examples that prove how your differ

might differ

Remember that this pattern should be repeated for each trait of your birth order; your writing should be balanced for each trait.
Conclusion: This should be several paragraphs of reflective writing. This is the section in which you synthesize the information presented in your paper, revealing how it is meaningful and useful to you.
1.

Briefly touch on all the traits again, reviewing your findings. a. b. c. d. Thesis Reason/Trait 1 Reason/Trait 2 Reason/Trait 3

2.

How is this meaningful/useful to you?

a. b. c.

Explain what you have learned about yourself Explain what insights you have gained Explain how you might apply this knowledge in the future.