“Macbeth” Research Paper

Topic Question: Personal Decisions vs Fate

 The witches succeed in manipulating Macbeth in the play, and Lady Macbeth convinces him to murder King Duncan. To what extent are the characters “excused” from their behavior and decisions because of others influence? In other words, is Macbeth blameless in the murders of King Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff’s family simply because the witches and his wife convinced him?

-No plagiarism

-5 pages context and 1 work cited (6 pages in total)

-MLA Style

-One quotes per paragraph 

Name:__________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

Research Paper Unit:
Paper Outline

Directions: ​ Complete this outline to ensure that your research paper contains all necessary elements, including
text and article sources with their explanations. This outline is a draft of your research paper, feel free to mark
and edit as you write. Since this is a research paper draft, this assessment counts as a ​quiz grade​. ​Make sure to
sign and date your completion of this handout on the final page ​.

I. Introduction to the Paper (ONE paragraph)

INTRODUDCION PARAGRAPH:

A. Hook: ____________________________________________________________________________

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B. Link to essay topic__________________________________________________________________

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C. Supporting Points:

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D. 3-Point Thesis Statement _________________________________________________________

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Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

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II. Address Point 1 of Thesis (TWO paragraphs)

PARAGRAPH 1

A. Topic Sentence (stay focused on thesis): ________________________________________________

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B. ​Background ​ for Example from TEXT #1: _______________________________________________

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3. Explanation/analysis of example (2 sentences): ___________________________________________

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B. ​Background ​ for Example from TEXT #2: ____________________________________________

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Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

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PARAGRAPH 2

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B. ​Article Source ​ Support #1​: __________________________________________________________

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3. Explanation/analysis of example (2 sentences): ___________________________________________

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Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

Link to example from TEXT: _________________________________________________________________

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C. ​Article Source ​ Support #2: __________________________________________________________

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III. Address Point 2 of Thesis (TWO paragraphs)

PARAGRAPH 1
A. Topic Sentence (stay focused on thesis): ________________________________________________

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B. ​Background ​ for Example from TEXT #1: _______________________________________________
Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

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2. Transition, lead-in: _________________________________________________________________

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3. Explanation/analysis of example (2 sentences): ___________________________________________

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Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

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Transition to next paragraph: __________________________________________________________________

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PARAGRAPH 2
A. Topic Sentence (stay focused on thesis): ________________________________________________

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2. Transition, lead-in: _________________________________________________________________

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3. Explanation/analysis of example (2 sentences): ___________________________________________

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C. ​Article Source ​ Support #2:___________________________________________________________

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2. Transition, lead-in: _________________________________________________________________
Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

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IV. Address Point 3 of Thesis (TWO paragraphs)

PARAGRAPH 1
A. Topic Sentence (stay focused on thesis): ________________________________________________

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B. ​Background ​ for Example from TEXT #1: _______________________________________________

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3. Transition, lead-in: _________________________________________________________________

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Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

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PARAGRAPH 2
A. Topic Sentence (stay focused on thesis): ________________________________________________

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Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

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3. Transition, lead-in : ________________________________________________________________

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Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

Transition to CONCLUSION: _________________________________________________________________

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V. Conclusion (SEVEN sentences)

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH

A. Restate thesis artfully: ______________________________________________________________

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B. Provide a restatement of key points (5-6 sentences on each point of thesis):

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C. Tie Back to Attention Getter & Conclude Essay: ___________________________________________

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Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ______________________Date: _____________________

 
Signature of Completion: 
After reading and completing this handout, please sign and date below before submitting. This ensures you 
are progressing through a necessary portion of your Research Paper brainstorming and drafting. Completion 
and submission of this handout is due by 03/09/2018. Late submission will result in a late grade. By signing 
below, you affirm that you have completed this portion of your Research Paper unit. 
 
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Ms. Jelenszky British LiteratureSpring 2018

Intro paragraph

Personal Decisions vs Fate

“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm

resolve of a determined soul.”(Ella Wheeler Wilcox) Macbeth tries to live life selfishly. Doing

that made him become a wicked king. Macbeth should be held accountable for his actions

because although he was tempted, he allowed himself to give in, he did not feel guilty, and he

was willing to murder again to protect his place on the throne.