Basic information about the research paper & Choosing a topic M Lydia M Leslie

Outline  1. Reasons for the research paper  2. Definition of the research paper  3. Format of the research paper  4. It’s compare about Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA)  5. The report paper and thesis paper  6. Drafts of the research paper  7. 7distinct steps

Reasons for the research paper  Learn deeply about your chosen topic.  Become familiar with the library through learning by doing.  Learn how to organize the writing.  Learn how to use the internet in your research.  Learn how to select the useful information and summarize.

Definition of the research paper:  “Research” comes from Middle French word “rechercher”, meaning “to seek out”.  You have to 1.seek out information 2.take a stand on it 3.back it up with the opinions, ideas, and views of others.  About 5-10pages to present your views and findings on the chosen subject.

Format of the research paper 1.Chicago Manual of style (CMS): it created by a board of editors. 2. Modern Language Association(MLA): a society of language scholars. 3. American Psychological Association (APA): a society of scientific scholors

1.Modern Language Association(MLA): a society of language scholars. Ex:Brashear, William. The Living Will. The Hague: Mouton,1969. ( name of author + title of book or work underlined+ city of publication+ publisher+ year of publication) 2. American Psychological Association (APA): a society of scientific scholars. Ex:Jones, E.(1931). On the nightmare. London:Hogarth ( the name of author +year + title of book italic+ city of publication + publisher) VS

The report paper and thesis paper  The report paper: 1.Summarizing and reporting the finding on the particular subject. 2. No judgments and evaluations. Ex: How the Beatles got started as a rock group.  The thesis paper: 1. It takes a definite stand on an issue. 2. It’s a point of view which you are going to against or defend. Ex: The Beatles’ lyrics gave hope to a disenchanted youth during the 1960s and 1970s.

 Drafts of the research paper: 1.The process of writing is rarely smooth, and seldom predicable 2. It takes at least three drafts before submitting your research paper.  Steps the schedule: Start working on the paper as soon as it is assigned, and once you get started, make the schedule (7distinct steps from books) and stick on it.

7distinct steps 1. Select the topic (two acceptable topics) 2. Scan and read the sources. 3. Gather and assemble the information. 4. Draft a thesis statement and express the major idea. 5. Outline the major parts. 6. Write a rough draft of the paper(acknowledge all borrowed ideas, data, and opinions). 7. Write the final draft.

Outline 1. How to choose a topic 2. Topics to avoid 3. Narrowing the topic

How to choose a topic  Pick a topic you like  Whatever your topic, it must be approved by your instructor.  Go to the library and browse.  Use the library’s online public-access catalog (OPAC) For example: Electronic Theses and Dissertations system

 Use the encyclopedia  Take your time searching for a topic  Ask questions to find and narrow the topic.  Ask the librarian

Topics to avoid  Don’t choosing any old topic  If you have doubts, keep looking until you hit on an idea that excites you.  Topics that are too big:  You find the hundreds of sources in the OPAC ----all indicate a topic that is too big.  Narrow down the topic and make it specific.

 Topics based on a single source  Choose only topics that are broad enough to be researched from multiple source.  Try to avoid a paper on a person’s life

 Topics that are too technical  Some of words that are too professional to understand.  Topics that are trivial  A topic is trivial because it’s obvious. For example: Walking is good aerobic exercise.  Topics that are overused  Approach a topic from a new angle.  Topics that are contemporary  It’s difficult to find unbiased sources.  It’s speculating report

Narrowing the topic  Use the available resources.  Does the topic an arguable thesis?  Don’t be afraid of experiment before you find a appropriate topic you like.

General subject → English Learning strategy on Students’ reading comprehension in Taiwan First Narrowing →The picture book strategy on students’ reading comprehension in Taiwan Second Narrowing →The picture book strategy on Taiwan’s elementary students’ reading comprehension.

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