How long should a "short paper" for a 10th grade student be?

Question

More specifically, we are using Alpha Omega LifePacs. The assignment reads- "Do some research on one of the Renaissance figures you have studied. Find out more about his life and his contributions. Write a short paper, about one and a half or two pages, and turn it in."

We have done these types of research papers before, about a page long. I know that in school we had a certain font size and number of words we where supposed to use. They give no such guidelines in this curriculum and I want to make sure I am asking enough of her.

PLEASE ONLY ANSWER IF YOU ARE BEING HELPFUL. I am NOT asking for a debate on home schooling.

Thanks

Answer 1

It's already given you a page count. Single spaced, 12 point font. Times New Roman being the preferred one.

Answer 2

I homeschool and my son's in 10th.  I like to use double spaced stuff (so make it 11 point and 2 whole sides with no extra spaces at paragraph breaks) since I (or anyone else) can add corrections more easily.  <><

Answer 3

the basic public high school page setup would be

Font: Times new roman

Font Size: 12

Line spacing: Double spaced

Thats the basic i can remember from public school, i just started home schooling myself

Answer 4

I would suggest that it be no longer than 1-2 pages, double spaced if using a word program. I am doing online courses to get my associates degree and when we do in-class discussions, I usually write a 2-3 page short paper. I think that you should maybe focus on how many words you want it to be. A short paper could consist of 100 words minimum, 1,500 maximum. It gives the child an opportunity to learn how to write what needs to be written in only that amount of words, and it is a little more precise. A short paper could mean many things.

Giving them a minimum and a maximum lets them know that you only want them to paraphrase what to write in so many words. I think the reason why we do this is to help teach the kids to stay on topic and not drift off into another subject in the same paper.

Hope that helps you some!

Answer 5

I would second that - 12 point font, Arial or Times New Roman, single spaced.  1.5-2 pages would be a good "short paper" for that age.

Answer 6

If they completely and totally answer the question giving lots of detail but not so much that the reader gets lost then its just the right length!! Say everything that needs to be said but nothing else....i know thats not very descriptive but those are my standards for a short paper