Project Description

Project Title: Article Newspapers Research Paper
Example Topic Option: Local Crime Story Investigation – South Carolina Bar Shooting / Mississippi University Shootings
Word Count: 1000 words
Submission Deadline: 14th October 2025, 11:00 PM (EAT)

Task Overview:
Write a 1000-word investigative research paper examining how newspaper articles cover a significant local crime story in the United States. Examples include the South Carolina bar shooting or the Mississippi university shootings. Your paper should focus on how the incident was reported, its impact on victims and families, and the broader community and law enforcement response.

Key Guidelines:

1. Research Focus:

   • Select one major local crime case covered in U.S. newspapers.

   • Provide an investigative and human-centered analysis — focusing on victims, families, community reactions, and local authorities’ actions.

   • Evaluate how newspapers report the story — tone, objectivity, sensitivity, and public framing.

   • Examine societal impact, public discussions, and preventive measures introduced afterward.

2. Writing Requirements:

   • Paper length: 1000 words

   • Must be original, factual, and analytical (not emotional or speculative).

   • Use at least 3–5 credible newspaper or media sources.

   • Include in-text citations and bibliography in Chicago format (17th edition).

   • Structure your paper as follows:

     • Introduction: Introduce the crime case and its significance.

     • Background: Summarize key details of the event (date, location, what happened).

     • Analysis: Discuss media coverage, public and community response, and any follow-up investigations.

     • Conclusion: Reflect on lessons learned and the importance of responsible reporting.

3. Formatting:

   • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt

   • Line spacing: Double

   • Margins: 1 inch all sides

   • Alignment: Justified

   • File Type: Word (.docx) or PDF

4. Submission:

   • Submit the completed paper by 14th October 2025, 11:00 PM (EAT)

   • Late submissions will not be accepted without prior communication.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Research depth and accuracy – 40%

• Structure and clarity – 20%

• Grammar and coherence – 20%

• Chicago citations and formatting – 20%