Canada Research Project English and Social Studies

Research Paper 1st Paragraph = Introduction Paragraph – Must include Thesis Statement. 5th Paragraph – Conclusion Paragraph – Must include thesis statement again and a full circle ending.

Research Paragraph 2: Province or Territory’s Physical Geography (location, region, landforms, bodies of water, climate or vegetation, or natural resources); Paragraph 3: Province or Territory’s Human Geography Focusing on the Area’s History (first inhabitants, how and why it was settled, the capital and early government,…); Paragraph 4: Province or Territory’s Human Geography Focusing on the Area’s Culture (languages, flag, population, metropolitan areas, celebrations and/or land use/economic activity, fun places to visit).

So What Are We Doing In English This week research Filling out Bibliography Worksheet Writing your Essay – Checking your Outline Sheet Next Week Writing your essay. Must be typed in One Drive Creating your Bibliography

First Let’s Go Over Some Vocabulary Plagiarism – Noun - the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. Credible Sources – adjective able to be believed; convincing: MLA - Modern Language Association - The Modern Language Association of America, often referred to as the Modern Language Association, is the principal professional association in the United States for scholars of language and literature. (A way to cite your sources.) Most common are either APA or MLA. 

Thesis Vs. Topic Sentence

Thesis vs. Topic Sentence What is a topic sentence? A sentence that explains what your paragraph is going be about.

Thesis Statement The summary sentence that supports your opinions and ideas The LAST sentence in the introduction paragraph Also called a claim. 

Formula for a Thesis Statement Subject + Direction + two or three reasons.

Why should your essay contain a Thesis Statement? To put your main ideas into one summary sentence To better organize and develop the opinion/argument of your essay To provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument Thesis statement needs to be in the order of your paragraphs.

Example Question: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class?” Answer/THESIS: “The potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class are …” (2-3 reasons/ideas)

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Sentence form a Weak One A strong thesis takes some sort of stand. (gives your opinion) A strong thesis expresses a main idea and is specific.

Strong Thesis Statement Question: Should middle school’s serve soda at lunch? Answer: Middle School’s should not serve soda at lunch because of soda’s high sugar content which contributes to poor nutrition, and bad behavior in class.

Another Example: Let’s look at the following example: Your thesis statement was “There are several ways for college students to improve their study habits.” These are a few ideas of how college students can improve their study: 1. Study in a quiet environment. Topic 1 2. Pay attention in class. Topic 2 3. Manage their time well. Topic 3

Forming a Thesis Read the question. Figure out your opinion. Brainstorm to find 2-3 reasons to support your opinion. Form the thesis statement that answers your question by restating the question. The two or three reasons should also be included in the thesis.

Write your thesis statement Example Should cell phones be allowed in school? On your whiteboards brainstorm 2 reasons why cell phones should or should not be allowed at school. Write your thesis statement Cell phones should be allowed in school because REASON 1, REASON 2, Reason 3.

Homework: Write your thesis for your essay.