The Research Paper: An Overview of the Process Film and Lit

What is a research paper? A research paper presents factual information accurately and effectively. It is written from the culmination of knowledge gained in the gathering of data from a variety of sources.

What skills are needed? The ability to gather, organize, and report information. The knowledge of standard English conventions in writing. The knowledge of the differences between presenting information, documenting a source, and plagiarism.

Standards of Evaluation An effective report . . . begins with an interesting introduction, including a thesis statement that reveals the topic and purpose of the report. develops the topic completely with appropriate details. contains accurate, relevant facts. documents sources correctly.

Standards of Evaluation continued... presents ideas in a logical sequence. uses transitions to show the relationships among ideas. uses exact quotations from sources effectively, but sparingly to support ideas.

Standards of Evaluation continued... has a satisfying conclusion that summarizes the research or restates the thesis in different words. includes a correctly formatted Works Cited list.

Choosing a Topic After watching an approved documentary film, you will choose a topic covered in the film and do further research on it. Students should choose a topic that will sustain their interest and can be thoroughly researched.

Plagiarism (Using someone else’s ideas as your own.) Word for word plagiarism - repeating the exact words of a source. Paraphrase plagiarism - saying basically the same thing as an original source with just a few words changed. Spot plagiarism - using key words or phrases of a source.

Avoiding Plagiarism Give credit to your sources unless the information is common knowledge. For example: The fact that there are 365 days in the year is common knowledge; the fact that it rained 210 days in Seattle during 1990 is not.

Collecting Information Use 3 by 5 and/or 4 by 6 note cards. You may want to use different colored cards for the two following different purposes. You will use the cards for two purposes: Source cards - these cards will tell you where you got the information you are using. Note cards - these cards will be used to write down important information you have found.

Creating Source Cards Make a Source Card for each article or book you use for your information. Record all publication information. Make a note of where you found each source. Number each source in the upper right hand corner.

Sample Source Card 1 Jones, Sally. Why Children Complain. New York: Penguin Books, 1999.

Note Cards As you read your sources, look for information you can use in your report. When you find information you may want to include in your report, take notes using the following techniques: Quotation Paraphrase Summary

Quotation Use this method when you think the author’s own words would best support your point. Copy the original text word for word including all punctuation. Put quotation marks at the beginning and at the end of the quotation.

Paraphrase A paraphrase captures both the main idea and the specific or supporting detail. Rewrite the information in your own words. Simplify the language, use synonyms, and restructure the sentences.

Summary Write a summary when you need to record only the main idea of a passage. In your own words, record only the main idea of the passage.

Note Taking Guidelines Use a separate card for each piece of information. In the upper right hand corner of each card, write the number of the corresponding source card. At the end of each note, write the number of the page on which you found the material in your source.

continued At the top of each card, write a brief heading, to highlight the main idea. This heading will help you sort your cards into groups when you are ready to organize your material and write. At the bottom of the note card, write the type of note: quotation, paraphrase, summary.

Sample Note Card Nonstop Complaining 1 “Many children use nonstop complaining, because if they complain long enough, they know their parents will eventually give in.” (15) Quote

Thesis Statement After you have gathered your information, identify the main idea you want to develop in your report. A thesis statement will help you focus your writing and keep you on track.

Tips for writing a strong Thesis Statement Remember that the subject is not a thesis. Don’t count on your title to state your thesis. A question does not make a good thesis statement. A thesis statement should not be too broad or general in its scope.

Tips for writing a strong Thesis Statement A thesis statements should not be too narrow in its scope. Strong thesis statements use specific, precise wording. Avoid phrases such as “In my opinion,” “I feel,” or “I think.” Avoid hasty generalizations and absolute statements that cannot be defended.

Tips for writing a strong Thesis Statement A thesis statements must express the central idea (topic) of your paper AND your opinion. Topic + Opinion = Thesis Make sure your thesis is defendable. Can you prove your thesis?

Making an Outline Read over your note cards and sort them into groups. Arrange your groups of related note cards so that ideas flow logically from one group to the next. Use the main ideas and supporting details to create the outline.

Write the Introduction The introduction should do two things: 1. Gain the reader’s attention by saying something interesting, surprising, personal, or dramatic about your subject. 2. Identify the specific focus, or thesis, of your research. You must include your thesis statement in the first paragraph of your report.

Possible Introductions You might do one of these things to gain the reader’s interest: Begin with a revealing story or quotation. Give important background information. Offer a series of interesting or surprising facts. Provide important definitions. Ask a question about the topic.

Write the Body Following your working outline, lay out your note cards for the first section. Write a general statement that covers the main topic of these cards. Using the note cards, add supporting facts and details. Repeat this process until you have dealt with all the main topics in your outline.

Write the Conclusion The final section of your report should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the importance of your research. Review the important points and draw a final conclusion.

The End