This document provides the requirements for a research paper on topics related to North America for a World Geography class. Students must choose one of three paper topics, conduct research using at least two sources in addition to their textbook, and write a 2-3 page paper in 11 point font that is typed and double spaced. Papers will be evaluated based on organization of information, quality of information, proper citation of sources, grammar, paragraph construction, and effectiveness in addressing the chosen topic. The paper is due on October 1, 2014.

1. World Geography Research Paper Topics: North America
Paper Requirements
- Choose any question.
- Use your textbook and AT LEAST TWO outside sources to conduct research
- Be sure to cite your sources both within the text and at the end of the selection.
- Paper length: 2-3 pages, double spaced, 11 point font.
- MUST BE TYPED
- Review the rubric on the back page for a better understanding of teacher expectations.
- Due Date: October 1, 2014.
1. Using the map on page 174, choose a major terrorist attack (#s 5, 7, 8, 9) and conduct further
research. Write a paper which explores the event (summarize briefly), the group responsible
and their stated political agenda, the reaction of the American people, and the impact this
attack had on US policy.
2. Conduct research on Maryland’s Smart Growth initiative. Why has Maryland made stopping
urban sprawl a priority? What successes has this program had? Are there groups opposed to
this program? Explain. What impact has this program had on Allegany County?
3. Conduct research and discuss the ideas of the “melting pot” or “mosaic” in terms of American
immigration. What factors led to the rise of the “mosaic” idea becoming increasingly popular?
Be sure to fully explain the arguments of both sides, including your position as to which idea
creates the best America.

2. CATEGORY 5 4 3 0-2
Organization Information is very
organized with well-constructed
paragraphs and
subheadings.
Information is
organized with well-constructed
paragraphs.
Information is
organized, but
paragraphs are not
well-constructed.
The information
appears to be
disorganized.
Quality of
Information
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. It includes
several supporting
details and/or
examples.
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. It provides 1-2
supporting details
and/or examples.
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. No details
and/or examples are
given.
Information has little
or nothing to do with
the main topic.
Sources All sources
(information and
graphics) are
accurately
documented in the
desired format.
All sources
(information and
graphics) are
accurately
documented, but a
few are not in the
desired format.
All sources
(information and
graphics) are
accurately
documented, but
many are not in the
desired format.
Some sources are
not accurately
documented.
Mechanics No grammatical,
spelling or
punctuation errors.
Almost no
grammatical, spelling
or punctuation errors
A few grammatical,
spelling, or
punctuation errors.
Many grammatical,
spelling, or
punctuation errors.
Paragraph
Construction
All paragraphs
include introductory
sentence,
explanations or
details, and
concluding sentence.
Most paragraphs
include introductory
sentence,
explanations or
details, and
concluding sentence.
Paragraphs included
related information
but were typically not
constructed well.
Paragraphing
structure was not
clear and sentences
were not typically
related within the
paragraphs.
Effectiveness Paper is well thought
out, provides the
reader with
interesting, relevant
information, and
thoroughly
addresses the topic.
Paper provides the
reader with
interesting, relevant
information, and
addresses the topic.
Paper provides the
reader with
interesting or
relevant information,
and addresses the
topic.
Paper does not
provide the reader
with interesting or
relevant information,
and does not
address the topic.