SOME GUIDELINES The Second Oral Report and Term Paper

outline 1. Second oral reports: guidelines 2. Term paper (research paper): guidelines 3. Revision: thesis statement and structure of the term paper

Two parts of the second oral report The second oral report is composed of a brief introduction of three cited references, and an introduction to the student’s term paper.

For the reporters, you have to have adequate knowledge of the selected theme. 2. read the references. 3. raise a problematic issue for further research and discussion. 4. organize ideas and plan a well-grounded argumentation. 5. draft term paper.

Background knowledge Three references Issues and problems Thesis and main idea Supporting details Your comments and viewpoints Conclusion suggestions Open discussion (all listeners) The structure of the second oral report

Part One: Background knowledge of the theme for your term paper (15 minutes) A summary and key points of the three main references Part Two: Discussion time (5 minutes)  The main concern or issue you are going to develop in your term paper

Focus two: your research term paper Part Three: A synopsis of your research and term paper (15 minutes)  Thesis and main idea  Arguments: the supporting details  Tentative conclusion Part Four: Comments and feedback (from all listeners) (10 minutes)  Strength and weakness  Questions and comments  suggestions

Term Paper (Research Paper): Guidelines Introduction  (1) background information  (2) concern or purpose for this research  (3) thesis statement and basic approaches Supporting 1 Supporting 2 Supporting 3 Conclusion  (1) summary of your main idea  (2) limitation and further suggestion

Thesis statements A thesis statement states the author’s important idea about the topic. It should give an idea that can be discussed and explained with supporting ideas.

A weak thesis statement—fact only X In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer months are warmer than the winter months. X The top govern official in my country is the prime minister.

Not clear  You have to take a side! X There are advantages and disadvantages to using nuclear power.  Using nuclear power has many disadvantages and should not be a part of our country’s energy plan.

Which one is the strong thesis statement? A. Many diseases are caused by both genetic and environmental factors. B. Using public transportation would be one of the best ways to solve the traffic and pollution problems in Taipei. C. Classical music concerts are very popular in my country. D. The overuse and abuse of antibiotics is becoming more prevalent in Taiwan.

From statement of purpose to thesis statement Purpose: I want to find out some ways to stop teen gang activity. Thesis: Teen gang activity in the United States can be stopped by a combined approach which consists of supervised youth programs, more job availability, and closer family relationships.

practice Purpose statement: I want to know the conditions of nursing homes. Thesis???

Possible answers Most of the nursing homes in Taiwan do not function well chiefly because of the financial shortage, inadequate oversight and regularity, and deficient national public health policy.

PRACTICE Revise the thesis statement of your own term paper.

Term paper Guidelines

Common rules The length of the term paper is 4 to 5 pages (including a list of works cited) and typeset in 1.5 spaces, in 12-point Times New Roman, with at least 3 in-text citations and 3 entries listed in works cited.

Criteria The criteria for grading term papers focus primarily on well-organized structure, coherent argument, convincing supporting details, valid conclusion and effective English expressions.

Term Paper: 2000 words ( ) TitleAuthor 1. Introduction 2. Supporting details (3-4 parts): 3. Conclusion: 4. References: