Types of Papers

 

Reaction Paper/Essay

A reaction paper is the most informal of all the papers you will write for this class. The length will usually be about one page, but sometimes you will just feel like writing more. They are similar to journal writing, but you need to be sure that your grammar and spelling are correct. I am very interested in what you think about the literature and information in the lectures.

 

Explanatory Paper/Essay*

An explanatory paper is simply an essay that gives information or explains something. It is not persuasive, but you still need a strong thesis statement to control and direct your paper. The length of these papers will depend upon the topic that you are researching. Be sure to thoroughly explain your information. Assume that the reader has very limited information on your topic, but at the same time do not insult his/her intelligence. Make sure that you use formal English language, grammar, and spelling. Use a proper essay format with an introduction that includes your thesis statement, a body that supports your thesis statement while it explains the material, and a conclusion that restates the thesis.

 

Literary Analysis Paper/Essay*

This type of paper is the focus of this class. You must learn to read critically and write analytically about literature if you hope to score well on the A. P. Literature and Composition Exam. This paper must have a strong introduction that opens with a general statement and then narrows to your thesis. This thesis must be a statement of your opinion about the work that can be supported by the text. In other words, you must be able to prove your point by giving examples from the literature. The body of your paper will be your argument, your proof. The conclusion must restate your thesis and then summarize what you have written. Make sure that you use formal English language, grammar, and spelling. The length of these papers will vary widely. In most instances the length will be determined by your topic. Write a long enough paper to thoroughly answer the question or fulfill the assignment. Then stop. Do not "pad" it with extraneous information to make it look longer or more impressive. A concise paper is the best paper.

 

Compare/Contrast Paper/Essay*

This paper is similar to the explanatory paper. You need to make sure when you write this paper that you state both the likenesses and differences of what you are comparing.

 

Research Paper*

The focus of the research paper is on research. You need to use primary sources as often as possible. You need to limit and delve deeply into your topic. If your topic is too broad, you will just skim the top of the available information or your paper will end up to be far too long. Narrow your topic so that you can dig into the interesting, little-known facets of it. Make sure that you use formal English language, grammar, and spelling. You must use proper MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting for your paper.

 

*These four types of papers require proper documentation. You will need to cite your sources and include both a bibliography and a works cited page. Make sure that you document Internet sources as well as library sources. You will find information on how to do this at the MLA Style Guide site.