Research and Writing Elements OEU #4

 Main Topic World War I  Focused Category Propaganda in the U.S.  Decade 1910’s   Main Topic Aviation  Focused Category Charles Lindberg  Decade 1920’s  Main Topic The Depression  Focused Category The Dust Bowl  Decade 1930’s WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF THE RESEARCH?

*Notes from history book on the main topic and the focused category *Thumbnail research paragraphs – minimum of two from the decade of your focused category  President  Decisions of the Federal Government  War  Newsworthy event  Person of interest – not a political figure  Science  New technology (including inventions)  Entertainment  Fads and fashion  Sports Research/Writing Requirements

1. You should have a preliminary idea about a decade or main topic that you are interested in. This is where you will begin. 2. Now, you have to decide two things. A. How can I narrow down my main topic to a more focused category? B. Does my history book give me enough background information on the main topic, the focused category and the decade? WHERE AND HOW TO BEGIN A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

1. Go to history book and look at the general topic you chose. 2. This topic is too big and you have to narrow it down to a focused category within the topic. 3. Look at text features: the subheadings, pictures, graphs. This will help you focus on a category. Ask yourself these questions: 4. Is there enough background information on the general topic to help you understand the bigger picture? 5. Is there enough information in the history book to give you a basic understanding of the focused topic? 6. Is there enough information on the decade to help you get started with the other two categories you will have to research? How can I narrow down my general topic to a more focused category within that general topic?

 World War I  Text Features  One entire chapter is about war in Europe, not U. S. history  I will have to use the second chapter on World War I to find a focused category because this is about the U.S. in World War I.  Notice – This process did not take that long! Do not spend that much time looking for a general topic and focused category. Either the history book has enough background information on the general topic, the focused category and the decade to get started or it doesn’t. Don’t waste time trying to find a category within a topic that has very little information. I DO IT!

You have to write and submit a statement stating the main topic, the focused category and the reason why you want to study this category. (see worksheet) I want my main topic to be _______, and I would like my focused category to be __________. The decade is __________. I want to study this because ______________________. I want my main topic to be the involvement of the United States in World War I, and I would like my focused category to be propaganda. The decade is __________. I want to study this because I am interested in what was happening in the U.S. during this time period.

WHAT NOW? NOTE TAKING! Note Taking – You have to take notes from your history book on the following three topics. You should have a total of notes when you are done. 1. Background Information on the General Topic (5-6) 2. Focused Category (5- 6) ~Remember to focus on important facts that explain who, when, where, what, why, how.

 3. Thumbnail research - minimum of two from the decade of your focused category (5-6)  President  Decisions of the Federal Government  War  Newsworthy event  Person of interest – not a political figure  Science  New technology (including inventions)  Entertainment  Fads and fashion  Sports NOTE TAKING

Category ~General topic ~Focused Category ~Decade thumbnail topic Pg. #Notes Do not copy! Paraphrase-put in your own words. The note has to be a complete sentence, not just one piece of information. For example, giving a date is not enough. Explain why the date is important. Format – In history notebook

Format – In history notebook Sample World War I682World War I started in 1914 in Europe. President Woodrow Wilson kept the United States neutral for three years. CategoryPg.Note

 C. Notes are due on Wednesday, March 26. Notes need to be initialed when they are completed. We are looking for an understanding of the decade. Once notes are approved, you will be given permission to use the COW to search for book titles. If the books are here, you will be permitted to check them out. Otherwise, directions will be given on how to request a book. All books need to be checked out or requested by the end of the day on Thursday, March 27. Due Date – Wednesday, March 26