Length: 1200-1800 words, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font. Follow MLA guidelines
for form
Objective: The purpose of this paper is for you to demonstrate an understanding of how historical /
cultural context affects language development by picking a certain event and explaining why you
believe it is the most important event to shape the progression of the English language.
Directions:
o Develop a thesis that explains why you feel the event you picked is the most significant. This
should include at least three reasons why that event had major influences on the development of
the English language.
o For each reason listed in your thesis, write several paragraphs explaining the connections between
the historical event and the evolution of the language. Give examples of the way the language
changed and logically explain why those changes were a result of the historical event.
o Include background information on the historical event so we can understand the context,
especially in the introduction. You’ll need to bring in outside sources for this; for instance, you could
use books about English history. The minimum number of outside sources is two. See “Helpful
Hints” for more information on sources.
o Include a conclusion that ties together your paper, being sure to once again mention an overview
of the reasons why the event you picked is the most significant in the development of the English
language.
Helpful Hints: A good paper will…
1) Have an original and descriptive title.
2) Have a clear-cut argument / thesis statement stating what you feel is the most important
historical event to shape the English language.
3) Have at least three reasons supporting that viewpoint.
4) Have examples of changes in the language that pertain to each reason (feel free to refer to your
book, but cite the page numbers)
5) Logically explain the connections between the historical event and the language changes
6) Bring in at least two relevant critical sources, properly cited in the text using MLA. If you do not
cite ALL of the sources you quote or paraphrase, you have plagiarized and will receive a failing
grade.
7) Use those sources as support and not let them dominate the paper through massive amounts of
quoting/paraphrasing.
8) Include a Works Cited page listing your sources. I take off 10 points if you do not have a Works
Cited page.
More information on Source Requirements:
The two critical sources mentioned above are in addition to your textbook. However, the textbook
should also be listed in your Works Cited. At least one of your sources should be a print source – ie,
not off of the internet. Look in the library databases or check out books for print sources.
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