Research Essay Assignment
This essay assignment asks you to analyze a dramatic work in terms of plot, character, or theme. You do not have to select a play we reviewed; you can pick any from the textbook.
In addition, this is a research paper assignment. You will be required to use, cite, and include on your Works Cited page at least two sources (**not including the pieces of literature you are discussing in the paper). A passing paper will incorporate quotations and paraphrases, both from the dramatic work and from each individual source. This paper must be at least 1000 words long.
If you’d like to compare a piece from the drama module to something we’ve discussed earlier in the fiction or poetry section, you can do that too.
Trifles Topics:
How does Trifles reflect and alter the plot formula of a typical murder mystery?
Describe the inner conflicts of Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, and explain how they resolve these conflicts.
How does the cold temperature of the setting connect symbolically to the rest of the play?
Explain the significance of the title “Trifles.”
How does Glaspell undermine the attitude of the men toward the women over the course of the play?
How does Henderson and Mrs. Hale’s clash over the meaning of Mrs. Wright’s dirty kitchen encapsulate their opposing views of the world?
Rubric for Assessment of the Research Essay
3 2 1 0
CONTENT/
RESEARCH
3Well-developed
introduction defines
research question and
contains a clear thesis
that offers a valid and
compelling purpose.
Valid research used
correctly to
compellingly explore
research topic.
2Defines research topic
but omits some details.
Has a clear thesis.
Research is adequate.
1Research topic ill-
defined or
inappropriate. Content
is frequently weak,
vague, or superficial.
Fails to adequately
explore research topic.
0Research paper is a
collection of random
information, unclear, or not
related to the topic. Thesis
is vague, unclear, or
missing. Research is
unconvincing or inadequate.
IN-TEXT
DOCUMENTATION
3Appropriate use of
source material; correct
signal phrases,
quotations and
parenthetical citations
employed throughout.
Selected
quotes/paraphrases
strengthen research
paper.
2Source material
generally used
correctly; some
formatting issues or
slight errors may exist.
Quotes/paraphrases
support research idea.
1Source material used
but awkwardly or
inconsistently
referenced; frequent
formatting issues exist;
unclear documentation;
select quotes may be
irrelevant to topic
0Sources incorrectly
documented; citations
incorrectly formatted or
nonexistent; missing
attributions; entry or entries
not cited in text; quotes fail
to elaborate on or deepen
research idea.
WORKS CITED/
REFERENCES
3Exceeds source
requirements; all cited
sources accounted for in
W.C. page; all sources
properly formatted
2Meets source
requirements; all
sources accurately
documented; few errors
in format
1Multiple errors in
format; questionable
sources; lacks required
number and/or type of
sources
0Wildly incorrect
formatting; nonexistent
page and/or missing entries;
insufficient sources or
forbidden sources
STYLE
3Sentences are smooth,
skillful, and coherent,
with varied structure
and length. Diction is
impressive, consistent,
and appropriate to
assignment.
2Sentences are smooth,
skillful, and coherent,
with varied structure
and length. Diction is
impressive, consistent,
and appropriate to
assignment.
1Sentences are
occasionally unclear;
sentences may lack
variety. Diction may be
inappropriate,
inconsistent, or
unprofessional.
0Sentences are confusing,
hard to follow. Contains
fragments and/or run-on
sentences. Inappropriate/
unprofessional diction.