Defend, challenge, or qualify the assertion that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should be required reading in an 11th grade American literature class in a public high school. Use authoritative sources, meaning recognized critics, to support your argument.

• Conduct both independent and teacher-supervised research.
• Create bibliography cards for all sources.
• Create note cards to collect and record information.
• Evaluate sources.
• Collect information that supports your opinion.
• Collect information that counters your opinion.
• Create an argument that contains the elements of a classical argument (claims of fact, value, and policy; support; and warrant) as well as the modes of persuasion.
• Demonstrate credibility as you persuade the audience to support your claims.

You must use at least ten sources in your paper.

• At least three of those sources must be from text sources.
• At least two of those sources must support the counter argument, the opposition.
• You may not use Wikipedia or any other general encyclopedia.
• One of those sources must be The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

1. Take notes on and be familiar with the elements of argument.
2. Read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and take part in all class activities related to the novel.
3. Purchase approximately 100 index cards, preferably 4x6.
4. Find and bring to class your copy of Writers INC.
5. Take notes on and be familiar with bibliography and note card formats.
6. Spend time in the Media Center locating sources and beginning to take notes for your documented paper. Remember that you need support for claims of fact, claims of value, and claims of policy.
7. Turn in twenty source cards (on cards or using NoodleTools), in perfect format.
8. Turn in fifty note cards (cards or NoodleTools), in perfect format.
9. Write a syllogism that contains your thesis.
10. Prepare an outline, using your note cards.
11. Write a rough draft of your research paper, using your outline and cards. The draft MUST include parenthetical documentation in order for you to receive ANY credit.
12. Take part in the peer evaluation process.
13. Turn in the final draft of your paper, on time and in the correct format. You will need a title page, a nine-to-ten-page documented essay (Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced), and a works cited page.