THE RESEARCH PAPER Let the journey begin…..

What is a research paper? A research paper is a carefully planned essay that shares information or proves a point.

Choosing a topic Am I truly interested in the subject? Does it meet the requirements of the assignment? Do I have access to enough information? Is the subject limited enough?

Writing a thesis statement… A specific subject + a particular stand, feeling, or feature = an effective thesis statement

Thesis Checklist Meets the requirements of assignment Identifies a limited, specific subject Focuses on a particular feature or feeling about a subject Supported with convincing facts and details Stated in a clear, direct sentence (or sentences)

Sample thesis: Writing assignment: Research paper about social issue Subject: Homeless people Thesis statement: Who are the homeless (SUBJECT) and what are the reasons for their predicament?(FEATURE) Writing assignment: Research paper about human growth and development Subject: Personality traits Thesis statement: Certain personality traits(SUBJECT) are shaped primarily by the person’s peer group. (POSITION)

Searching Tips Begin by writing some basic questions that you would like to answer in you report. Any time you find information that answers a question, take notes on it.

PRIMARY  An original source: Diary Person Event Survey Etc. TYPES of INFORMATION SECONDARY  Not an original source: Magazine article Web site Encyclopedia, journal, etc. Documentary

Information PACKAGES Personal sources Books Reference works Periodicals Audiovisual Electronic Mail Government or business publications

EVALUATING the INFORMATION  Is the information current?  Is the information complete?  Is the information accurate?  Is the source an expert?  Is your source biased?

Bibliography Cards Use to keep track of sources Organize by author’s last name Number each entry in the upper right hand corner of the card 5 Olsen, Shawn M. Chocolate Lover’s Guide. Hayti: Charger Publishing, 1987.

Note cards: –Record details, information, quotations –Record page number where information can be found –Use descriptive word or heading at top 5 Delicious ways to enjoy chocolate -a handful of chocolate chips -chocolate ice cream with Hershey's syrup -“Chocolate/chocolate cake at Café is the BEST!” -Ghiradelli hot chocolate -homemade brownies

Writing the draft “When you are writing nonfiction, there’s no use getting into a writing schedule until you’ve done the research and you have the material.” -Tom Wolfe

Getting started... Arrange your note cards into their most logical order. Construct an outline---a writing plan Search for any additional information needed to develop thesis

1.Developing your introduction- 2. Writing the body- 3. Writing the conclusion-

4. Revising- 5. Proofreading and Editing- 6. MLA Documentation-

Giving proper credit MLA documentation Writer’s Inc.

AVOIDING PLAGIARISM -the act of presenting someone else’s ideas as your own.

Final copy requirements- Title page Outline Heading Page numbering Body Works Cited