Junior Research Project

Project Overview Purpose-to research and synthesize a variety of sources Learn to paraphrase without plagiarizing Complete an in-depth study of an Issue in Society Today Understand the research process and embedding research findings into your own writing

Format Total Pages (7 pages) Introduction (2 pages) Body (3 pages) Conclusion (1 page) Works Consulted (1 page)

Research Notes Keep track of all sources through NoodleTools. This will allow you to organize your notes, draft your paper and create a Works Consulted page. Source Name/MLA Entry “quote” page # (you can add commentary) “quote” page # paraphrasing page # summary page #

Types of Citations Summary Paraphrasing Direct Quotes

What do you need to cite? Commonly consulted sources (journals, newspapers, websites) Visual information Class lectures Opinions of other writers

You Do Not Need to Cite… Uncontested information (dates) Your own ideas Your own field research (surveys or studies)

Suggested Introduction Organization Attention Getter Description and definition of the issue Importance of the issue/relevance in society The various view points on this issue—what are others saying about this issue? End with your thesis statement/claim

Thesis Statements/Claims Your thesis statement should be a claim of policy. Thesis statements should be clear and arguable. Thesis statements should be the last sentence in your introduction.

Body Research Questions: Now you have defined your topic and introduced the issue. Give a thorough account of the problem. Why is this issue a problem? What is currently happening? Why is it happening? What is currently being done?

Conclusion Organization Discuss the ways in which we can address the problem based on your own ideas and your research. Restate your thesis and summarize your main points. State the importance or impact on American society. Provide a final, thought-provoking closing that speaks to the reader or calls the reader to action.

Peer Editing Form groups of 7 Choose a role from the editing cards. -MLA Format (heading, spacing, margins) -Spelling and Grammar -Introduction Content -Parenthetical References (Direct Quotes) -Parenthetical References (Paraphrasing and Summary) Review your role. Trade papers and focus on your editing task outlined on your card. Repeat until you have read all papers in your group. You will get 7-9 minutes with each paper. Switch papers with the next group and repeat.

Peer Editing Form groups of 3. Reader 1: Conclusion Content Does the writer cover the following information? Discuss the ways in which we can address the problem based on your own ideas and your research. Restate your thesis and summarize your main points. State the importance or impact on American society. Reader 2:Works Consulted You are responsible for checking only the Works Consulted page. Make corrections directly on the student’s paper. Print your name at the bottom of the paper. Reader 3: