Description
Writing the Research Paper Course Overview
This class is approved by the NCAA.
This class is part of the MyFunScience live online homeschool classes, which provide structured instruction for middle school and high school students. Families can explore all of our homeschool language arts courses.
This one-semester homeschool research writing course for high school students teaches how to plan, research, and write a formal MLA-style research paper with proper MLA citations, Works Cited formatting, and academic argumentation. Students learn essential research writing skills for high school and college preparation, including thesis development, source evaluation, outlining, drafting, revision, and academic integrity.
Students write three research papers during the semester, progressing from highly guided instruction to increasingly independent work. The first short essay walks students step-by-step through the MLA research paper writing process using instructor-provided sources. The second, longer paper allows students to choose their own research topic and sources while still receiving structured guidance. For the final project, students complete a high school MLA research paper more independently with instructor support.
By the end of the course, students can independently research a topic, develop a thesis-driven argument, integrate sources correctly, and produce a polished MLA-format research paper—skills essential for college-preparatory writing and advanced high school English.
Course Overview
- High School Credit: 0.5 credit
- Recommended Grade Level: Grades 9–12
- Format: Weekly live online research writing class
- Estimated Workload: 30–60 minutes per day
Watch a Sample Live Online Class Session
High School Credit
- 0.5 credit
Recommended Grade Level
- Grades 9–12
Prerequisites
- Experience writing structured paragraphs and short essays
- Strong foundational grammar and punctuation skills
What Students Will Master
- Developing clear, arguable thesis statements
- Conducting academic research
- Evaluating credible sources
- MLA formatting and citation rules
- Note-taking and outlining strategies
- Drafting, revising, and editing research papers
- Avoiding plagiarism through proper paraphrasing and citation
- Formal academic writing style
Course Structure
The semester progresses through three major research papers:
- Paper 1: A shorter research essay completed with close, step-by-step instructor guidance and provided research materials.
- Paper 2: A longer research project in which students select their own topic while continuing to receive structured support.
- Paper 3: An independent research paper, guided by the instructor but largely completed on the student’s own initiative.
Workshops throughout the semester address outlining, thesis refinement, note-taking (including electronic note cards), drafting, revising, editing, MLA documentation, and final presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a research paper writing class?
A research paper writing class teaches students how to research a topic, develop a thesis, organize arguments, integrate sources, and properly format citations in an academic research paper.
Is this a live online research writing class?
Yes. Students attend a weekly live online class where the instructor teaches research strategies, MLA formatting, thesis development, and academic writing while guiding students through each stage of the research process.
Is this class designed for homeschool students?
Yes. This course is designed specifically for homeschool high school students who want structured instruction in research writing and academic composition.
Do students complete a full research paper?
Yes. Students complete three research papers during the semester, progressing from guided assignments to an independent research project.
Curriculum
- Writer’s Inc: A Student Handbook for Writing and Learning
ISBN: 978-0-669-52995-1
Estimated Workload
Approximately 30–60 minutes per day, five days per week.
Student & Parent Feedback
Sarah’s English professor, who also directs the college Writing Center, encouraged her to enroll in his advanced writing course after reviewing her research paper. The preparation she received here positioned her for advanced collegiate-level writing opportunities.
– Martha
“At the time I thought the course was very challenging, but in hindsight the structure and expectations prepared me exceptionally well for college writing. I have earned A’s on all of my papers, and I now recognize how strong my preparation was.”
– Grace
