How to Develop Research Questions For Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird Standard R2.3: SWBAT generate relevant questions about readings on issues that can be researched.

Step One: Choose a topic related to the text Find a particular quote that refers to a historical topic. Whenever beginning a research paper, you should start with the most relevant historical topics. 1930’s context Historical events Transportation in the 1930’s The Scottsboro Trial Life in the South in the1930’s The New Deal History of Race Relations The Stock Market Crash and Great Depression Gender Roles in the 1930’s Harlem Renaissance History of North/South Relations Jim Crow Laws EX: “Enclosed by this barricade was a dirty yard containing the remains of a  Model-T Ford (on blocks), a discarded dentist’s chair, an ancient icebox, plus lesser items: old shoes, worn-out table radios, picture frames, and fruit jars, under which scrawny orange chickens pecked hopefully” (Lee 170). Topic: Transportation in the 1930’s

Step Two: Develop Your Question Turn your topic into a level two or three question. Your question should attempt to understand the significance of the historical element to the book. EX: “Enclosed by this barricade was a dirty yard containing the remains of a  Model-T Ford (on blocks), a discarded dentist’s chair, an ancient icebox, plus lesser items: old shoes, worn-out table radios, picture frames, and fruit jars, under which scrawny orange chickens pecked hopefully” (Lee 170). Topic: Transportation in the 1930’s Level Two Question: How is the mention of a Model-T Ford (on blocks) a significant reference in this description of the Ewell’s yard?

Exit Slip 1. What historical topic would the following quote relate to? “So it took an eight-year-old child to bring 'em to their senses.... That proves something - that a gang of wild animals can be stopped, simply because they're still human. Hmp, maybe we need a police force of children” – Atticus, chapter 16. 2. What research question would you develop based on this topic? Remember: level two or three.

Step Three: Predict Before you research, predict what the answer to your question may be. This will be a thesis statement, but not necessarily your final thesis statement (it may change after research!) Level Two Question: How is the mention of a Model-T Ford (on blocks) a significant reference in this description of the Ewell’s yard? Prediction: Hoping to help his family escape poverty, Bob Ewell seems to be building a car so that he can drive to his place of employment.

Step Four: Research and Evaluate Your Findings Use RELIABLE SOURCES to find information about your topic Look for information that proves or disproves your specific question, but also follow your findings to go beyond your initial question. Prediction: Hoping to help his family escape poverty, Bob Ewell seems to be building a car so that he can drive to his place of employment. Research Findings: Henry Ford’s Model-T was the first automobile made accessible to the general public.  First built in 1909, the Model-T was reliable and affordable, and its popularity spread when Ford implemented an assembly line strategy to mass-produce the car.  Nicknamed the “Tin Lizzie,” a new Model-T cost just $260 in 1925.  A car on blocks, however, represented either one of two things: it had no tires, or, the owner could not afford to drive it and therefore put the car on blocks to spare the tires.  Does this prove or disprove my prediction? Do I need to change my thesis?

Step Five: Revise your Thesis Statement Now that you have your information, revise your thesis statement as necessary. Remember! Thesis statements are opinions to be supported with evidence. Prediction: Hoping to help his family escape poverty, Bob Ewell seems to be building a car so that he can drive to his place of employment. Research Findings: Henry Ford’s Model-T was the first automobile made accessible to the general public.  First built in 1909, the Model-T was reliable and affordable, and its popularity spread when Ford implemented an assembly line strategy to mass-produce the car.  Nicknamed the “Tin Lizzie,” a new Model-T cost just $260 in 1925.  A car on blocks, however, represented either one of two things: it had no tires, or, the owner could not afford to drive it and therefore put the car on blocks to spare the tires.  Thesis: In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses a Model-T (on blocks) to illustrate the Ewell’s poverty and the unkempt appearance of their yard.